Creamy Rasta Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Core Ingredients

01 - 450g (16 ounces) dried noodles—penne is ideal but rotini or rigatoni work too
02 - 2 shredded cups of rotisserie chicken or 2 large chicken fillets
03 - 3 peppers in different colors, cut into strips
04 - ½ cup thinly sliced fresh scallions
05 - 2 to 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped

→ Flavorings and Sauce

06 - 3 tablespoons of jerk spice mix, divided
07 - 2 separate tablespoons of cooking oil
08 - ¼ cup broth (chicken or veggie)
09 - ½ cup heavy cream or a lighter half-and-half substitute
10 - ½ cup parmesan cheese, freshly shredded

# Instructions:

01 - Cook the pasta according to the directions on its package. Stop when it's just firm enough (al dente) since it finishes cooking in the sauce—don’t overdo it.
02 - If you’re using uncooked chicken breasts, cut them into pieces, then coat with 1.5 tablespoons of the jerk seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a sturdy pan on medium. Fry the chicken until browned and fully cooked, then take it out. (Skip this step if your chicken is already cooked.)
03 - Using the same pan, toss in the leftover tablespoon of oil. Stir-fry the peppers and scallions for about 3 to 4 minutes till they soften a bit. Add garlic, stirring until aromatic for half a minute.
04 - Mix the leftover 1.5 tablespoons of jerk spice into the pot alongside the vegetables. Pour in the cream and broth, then bring the chicken back into the pan. Gently heat the mix for about 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens up.
05 - Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts completely. Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce mixture ensuring it’s all coated well. For extra flair, sprinkle with parsley or more chopped scallions before digging in.

# Notes:

01 - This rich dish merges vibrant peppers with warm jerk spices, making it a 15-minute, flavor-packed dinner option for busy nights.
02 - Jerk seasoning has a kick to it. If heat’s not your thing, try using half the amount.
03 - Rasta Pasta gets its name from the bright bell peppers, which reflect Rastafarian cultural colors.

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