This Rasta Pasta with Spicy Chicken is a bold and flavorful dish that combines the creamy richness of coconut milk with the heat of jalapeño and seasoned chicken. It’s a vibrant meal that’s easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 chicken breasts, diced
- 2 tablespoons seasoning (such as jerk seasoning, Cajun seasoning, or your favorite spice blend)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup coconut milk
- ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken: In a bowl, toss the diced chicken breasts with your preferred seasoning until evenly coated.
- Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally until browned and cooked through.
3️⃣ Sauté the Vegetables:
- Add veggies to the skillet: Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red bell pepper, jalapeño, onion, and minced garlic. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Sauce:
- Pour in coconut milk: Slowly add the coconut milk to the skillet, stirring to combine with the chicken and vegetables.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
5️⃣ Combine Pasta & Finish:
- Add the pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, stirring until well combined with the sauce, chicken, and vegetables.
- Add parmesan: Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top and cover the skillet. Let the cheese melt for about 1-2 minutes.
6️⃣ Garnish & Serve:
- Garnish: Remove from heat and top with freshly chopped parsley.
- Season: Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Tips:
- Seasoning: For a true Caribbean flair, use jerk seasoning on the chicken. You can also use Cajun seasoning for a spicier kick.
- Vegetable Options: You can add other vegetables like spinach or mushrooms to increase the nutritional value and color of the dish.
- Cheese: While parmesan adds a nice salty note, feel free to substitute with other cheeses like mozzarella or sharp cheddar for a different flavor.
Nutrition (Approximate):
- Calories: 450 per serving
- Servings: 4
Enjoy this spicy, creamy, and flavorful Rasta Pasta dish with a Caribbean twist, perfect for a quick and satisfying meal!