Jamaican Chicken Rasta Pasta Recipe (VIDEO) - A Spicy Perspective (2024)

Jamaican Grilled Chicken Rasta Pasta Recipe– A vibrant Jamaican-style chicken pasta recipe witha creamy cheese baseand lots of spice! CheesyGrilled Chicken Rasta Pasta, a spicy comforting pasta dish with island appeal!

Rasta Pasta Recipe

My family and I have been fortunate enough to take two vacations this year.

The kids went on their first cruise through the Caribbean this spring, and wejustreturned home from a trip to Hawaii to celebrate my parents’ 60th wedding anniversary!

Along with family time, playing in the sand, and some thrill-seeking adventures, thefoodis what I really enjoy on vacations like this.

Tropical flavors from the South Pacific and the Caribbean have been on my mind for months now, and I just can’t seem to get enough of them!

Today’s Grilled Chicken Rasta Pasta recipe is a nod to the melting-pot of seasoning you find in the Caribbean islands.

It’s comfort food with a punch wow-factor! It’s a dazzling summertime meal like this that makes the most of grill season, summer produce, and creamy dreamy Borden® Cheese.

Cheesy Pasta Recipe

The spices on the chicken mix with the sauce and create a lovely Caribbean island taste. Yet it’s thecheesethat really makes this Grilled Chicken Rasta Pasta amazing!

Borden® Cheese transforms all our favorite recipes into something truly memorable, because with Borden® Cheese, love is always an ingredient.

I usedBorden® Four Cheese Mexican Shredswith Cheddar, Monterey Jack, Asadero, and Queso Blanco cheeses. The combination of these fabulous cheeses creates a rich nutty base that accentuates the spices in the sauce, as well as the grilled smoky flavor of the chicken, onions, and peppers.

Plus, Borden® Cheese Shreds melt so well, I don’t need to spend time grating cheese myself.

If you’re needing a dose of island comfort food, give our Grilled Chicken Rasta Pasta a try.

The rich cheesy goodness and punch of island spice will have you humming reggae tunes all evening!

What Are The Ingredients For Rasta Pasta?

For the Chicken:

• Boneless Skinless Chicken
• Curry Powder
• Sea Salt
• Ground Allspice–clove or nutmeg
• Dried Thyme
• Garlic Powder
• Large Red Bell Pepper–or green bell peppers,seeded and cut into long strips
• Red Onion–or yellow onion,peeled and cut into wedges

For the Pasta:

• Rolled Bucatini Pasta–or penne pasta would work as well
• Trimmed Green Beans
• Butter
• Garlic Cloves–minced, or garlic powder
• Habanero Pepper –or scotch bonnet peppers,seeded and minced (or serrano peppers would work as well)
• Heavy Cream
• Powdered Chicken Bouillon– or chicken base
• Borden Four Cheese Mexican Shreds
• Reserved Pasta Water

How To Make Jamaican Rasta Pasta Recipe

1. Preheat the grill (or a grill pan) to medium heat. Mix the curry powder, salt, allspice, thyme, and garlic powder together in a small bowl. Rub the spice blend over the chicken, covering all sides.
2. Once the grill is hot, grill the chicken for 5 minutes per side. Lay the onion wedges and peppers carefully across the grates and grill for 2 minutes per side.
3. Meanwhile, fill a large skillet with water (or a large pot) and place it on the stovetop over high heat/medium-high heat. Once boiling, add 1 tablespoon salt and the pasta. Stir to separate the pasta, then cook according to package instructions, usually 6-8 minutes to al dente.
4. When the pasta only has 1 minute left to cook, add in the green beans to blanche for the last minute. Drain the pasta and beans, reserving 1 1/2 cups salty pasta water. Rinse the pasta and beans in cold water and shake well.
5. Once the chicken has cooled for at least 5 minutes, slice the chicken into strips. Then cut the chicken strips in smaller bite-size pieces. Cut the grilled pepper strips in half to create shorter segments.
6. Place the butter, minced garlic, and habanero in the large sauté pan. Sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes.
7. Then add the heavy cream, chicken bouillon, pasta, green beans, 1 cup reserved pasta water, and Borden® Cheese Shreds.
8. Stir to coat and melt the cheese. Mix in the grilled chicken, onions, and peppers. Continue to stir until the liquid and cheese form a creamy sauce.
9. Stir in the remaining pasta water reserve if the sauce is too thick.Serve warm.

Get the Full (Printable) Jamaica Rasta Pasta Recipe Below. Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does this recipe last?

If stored in an airtight container in the fridge this pasta recipe can last for 3 to 5 days. When you want to reheat it, you can warm up the pasta on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave for 1-2 minutes.

What if I don’t like spicy food?

If you are sensitive to spice, you can omit the habanero pepper, or just use half of it. Most of the heat is found in the seeds, so be sure to remove them before adding the pepper.

Do I have to use raw chicken breast?

No, you can use leftover chicken, or a rotisserie chicken as well. Add the seasonings for the chicken to the pan with the rest of the ingredients. Then stir in the cooked chicken at the end and warm for 1-2 minutes.

How To Make Vegetarian Rasta Pasta?

You can swap the chicken for extra-firm tofu in this recipe, or omit the chicken altogether, and add the spices directly to the pasta. Then be sure to use vegetable bouillon rather than chicken bouillon.

Can I use milk as a heavy cream alternative?

Yes, you can. You can substitute the heavy cream for low-fat milk, coconut milk, or even almond milk if you are looking for a dairy-free option!

What Are Some Suggestions Items For A Garnish?

You can sprinkle some parmesan cheese on top, some green onions, parsley, or even some extra spice – like cayenne pepper.

What Goes with Rasta Pasta?

Serve this zesty pasta recipe as a main dish or side dish withSweet Fried Plantains,Caribbean Coleslaw,Island Shrimp Burgers,Jerk Chicken,Jamaican Spiced Lamb Chops,Grilled Summer Vegetables,Copycat Caribbean Way Smoothies, andSpiced Rum Cake.

Wash is down withDrunken Monkey,Stormy Donkey,Goombay Smash,Killer Bee, orBahamian Blaster co*cktails.

Other Great Pasta Dishes

• Greek Lasagna Pastit*io Recipe
• Cheesy Chicken Spaghetti with Rotel (Rotel Casserole) Recipe
• Skinny Pasta Primavera Recipe
• One-PotChicken Pasta with Light Basil Cream Sauce
• Shrimp Scampi Greek Pasta
• The Best Italian Pasta Salad Recipe
• Pesto Chicken Baked Tortellini
• No-Boil Chicken Parmesan Pasta Recipe
• Spinach Artichoke Pasta Recipe
• Cilantro Lime Shrimp Pasta Recipe
• Chicken Piccata Pasta Recipe

P.S. You can find Borden® Cheese Shreds at major grocery stores from coast to coast. Also, find Borden® onFacebook andInstagram!

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Borden® Cheese. All opinions are our own.

Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Borden® Cheese. All opinions are our own.