Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pasta

Caribbean Jerk Chicken Pasta, is a creamy, colorful, flavor packed pasta. It’s a quick and easy dinner perfect for busy nights.

If you are in need of a quick and easy chicken dinner, look no further than this Creamy Caribbean Jerk Chicken Rasta Pasta. With chicken, 3 different kinds of bell peppers, onions and jerk seasoning its creamy, spicy, a little sweet and oh so scrumptious.

What is jerk seasoning?

I am all for trying new things especially when it comes to seasoning blends. I love to see how different flavors work together. For this recipe I decided to jump into completely uncharted territory for me and grab a bottle of Caribbean Jerk seasoning.

Jerk Seasoning is a unique blend of flavors with cinnamon, allspice, garlic, salt and scotch bonnet peppers. At first taste its slightly sweet but then on the back of the tongue you get a little spice. It really is the best of both worlds. And combined withe creaminess of the sauce in this pasta, it’s perfectly balanced!

What ingredients do you need?

CHICKEN: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs would also work. 

JERK SEASONING: You can find this seasoning blend in most grocery stores, you can buy it online or you can make your own! 

BELL PEPPERS: One of the great things about this dish is how colorful it is. To do that, all you need is three different colors of bell peppers. This recipe calls for orange, green and red. There is really no difference in flavor so use what ever combo of colors that you like. 

ONIONS AND GARLIC: These aromatics are a must. 

HALF AND HALF AND SOUR CREAM: Both of these add a creaminess to the pasta. The sour cream adds a bit of tang too. 

PENNE PASTA: You could use any pasta that you like. I prefer penne for this because I like the way that the sauce works it’s way into the little holes.  

Step by Step Photos and Instructions for making Jerk Chicken Pasta: 

STEP #1: Combine chicken and jerk seasoning together in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. 

DES’ TIP: To get even more Jerk flavor you can marinate the chicken for longer, 8 hours or overnight is fine. 

STEP #2: Cook pasta according to package directions. 

STEP #3: Sauté bell peppers, onions and garlic together in a large skillet. Cook just until they start to soften about 5 minutes. 

STEP #4: Add chicken and cook until chicken is cooked through, about 10 minutes. 

STEP #5: Add in heavy cream, sour cream and more jerk seasoning. Continue cooking just until the sauce starts to thicken. 

STEP #6: Return the pasta to the pot.  Toss to combine. Reduce heat and let cook for another 5 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. 

One of my favorite ways to round out this meal is serve it with a salad with garlic vinaigrette and easy garlic bread. 

How to store leftovers:

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you reheat it, simply heat in a skillet. 

If you love this Rasta Pasta check out these other pasta dishes: 

Linguine Aglio e Olio 

Spaghetti and Meatballs Recipe

Pasta Pomodoro

Easy Fettuccine Alfredo

If you’re looking for other chicken recipes, here are some of my favorites: 

Dill Pickle Chicken Wings

Brined Fried Chicken

Instant Pot Chicken Adobo

Chicken Tenders Recipe

Note: This post was originally written in 2010. It was updated with new photos, step by step photos and nutrition facts in 2020.