Name: One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Caribbean
Ingredients: 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips about 3″ long x ½” thick; 3½ teaspoons jerk seasoning, divided; 1¼ teaspoons kosher salt, divided; ¼ teaspoon black pepper, divided; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 medium green pepper, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups); 1 medium red pepper, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups); 1 medium yellow pepper, thinly sliced (about 1½ cups); 1/3 cup thinly sliced green onions (plus more for garnish); 1 teaspoon minced garlic; 8 ounces penne pasta (preferably whole wheat); 1 (14.5-ounce) can fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth; 1¾ cups nonfat milk; ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese (plus more for garnish); 2-3 tablespoons reduced-fat cream cheese (Neufchâtel cheese)

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 37 reviews

If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful meal that brings a taste of the Caribbean right to your kitchen, this One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe is your answer. Imagine tender chicken strips infused with spicy jerk seasoning, swimming alongside colorful bell peppers and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a creamy, cheesy sauce. This dish is as comforting as it is exciting, and the best part? It all comes together in a single pot, making both cooking and cleanup wonderfully simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a wooden board placed on a white marbled surface, holding two pale raw chicken pieces on white parchment paper, a block of white cheese partially sliced with one piece next to it on brown parchment paper, and a small white bowl with three seasonings: salt, black pepper, and a brown spice. Around the board are colorful whole vegetables: a yellow bell pepper to the left, a red bell pepper and a green bell pepper to the right, with white and green scallions extending from the lower right corner. Nearby, there is a small wooden bowl of grated cheese, a clear glass bottle of milk, a glass measuring cup with a creamy liquid, and a white bowl full of uncooked penne pasta. A black frying pan edge is visible in the top left corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The magic of this dish lies in its straightforward yet thoughtfully chosen ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s bringing bold spice, creamy texture, or a burst of fresh color to your plate. Here is what you’ll need:

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 pound): Thinly sliced to cook quickly and soak up that vibrant jerk seasoning flavor.

Jerk seasoning (3½ teaspoons, divided): The heart and soul of this recipe, imparting that unmistakable spicy, smoky, and slightly sweet Caribbean kick.
Kosher salt (1¼ teaspoons, divided): Essential for seasoning and balancing the flavors.
Black pepper (¼ teaspoon, divided): Adds a subtle heat to round out the spices.

Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Helps achieve a delicious sear on the chicken without overpowering the other flavors.
Whole wheat penne pasta (8 ounces): Provides a nutty flavor and wholesome texture to soak up the sauce perfectly.
Green, red, and yellow bell peppers (1 medium each, thinly sliced): These vibrant vegetables add crunch, sweetness, and an irresistible rainbow of colors.

Green onions (1/3 cup thinly sliced plus extra for garnish): Bring a mild oniony brightness that complements the richness of the sauce.
Minced garlic (1 teaspoon): Adds depth and aromatic warmth.
Fat-free, reduced-sodium chicken broth (14.5-ounce can): The flavorful cooking liquid base that keeps the pasta moist and tender.
Nonfat milk (1¾ cups): Creates a rich, creamy sauce without added heaviness.

Grated parmesan cheese (¼ cup plus more for garnish): Brings a salty tang and creamy smoothness that perfectly rounds out the dish.
Reduced-fat cream cheese (2–3 tablespoons): Enhances the sauce’s velvety texture with a subtle tang and creaminess.

How to Make One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

A black frying pan with a black handle sits on a wooden board over a white marbled surface. Inside the pan are many pieces of light brown seasoned chicken strips cooking with some oil glistening around them. A wooden spoon is resting inside the pan, touching some of the chicken. In the background, there is a white bowl filled with dry yellow pasta, a small wooden bowl with grated cheese, and a clear measuring cup with light yellow liquid. A white plate with sliced yellow and red bell peppers is partially visible on the left side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 1: Season the Chicken

Start off by tossing the chicken strips with 2 teaspoons of jerk seasoning, ¼ teaspoon salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper. This ensures every bite is packed with bold, lively flavor. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly for that perfect spiced punch.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat your olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook them, stirring frequently, until they are just cooked through—about four minutes. The goal is to get the chicken tender and juicy without drying it out. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and keep it warm while you move on to the next steps.

Step 3: Combine Pasta and Vegetables

In the same pan, pour in the uncooked penne pasta, then layer the thinly sliced green, red, and yellow bell peppers along with the green onions and garlic. Sprinkle the remaining 1½ teaspoons jerk seasoning, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and ⅛ teaspoon black pepper on top. This layering method lets the spices penetrate the pasta and veggies beautifully.

Step 4: Add Liquids and Bring to a Boil

Pour in the fat-free chicken broth and nonfat milk, stirring just enough to combine without stirring the pasta too much—this helps keep the pasta submerged beneath the liquid. Cover the pan and crank the heat to bring everything to a boil. The rich aromas that start to fill your kitchen here are just the beginning!

Step 5: Simmer Until Pasta Is Tender

Once boiling, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low so the mixture gently simmers. Keep the pan covered, stirring occasionally and nudging the pasta to stay underwater to prevent sticking. After about 13 to 14 minutes, your pasta should be tender and perfectly cooked. The sauce will have thickened beautifully by this point.

Step 6: Stir in Cheeses

Add in the parmesan cheese and 2 tablespoons of the cream cheese and stir until the cream cheese melts fully and the parmesan is evenly distributed. This will give your Rasta Pasta a luxurious, silky finish that’s both indulgent and light.

Step 7: Reincorporate the Chicken and Final Touches

Return the cooked chicken and any juices to the pan, stirring gently to combine. Cook just long enough to rewarm the chicken through—this step also helps marry all the flavors together. Taste and adjust with more salt, jerk seasoning, or cream cheese to match your personal preference.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Serve your vibrant creation immediately, garnished with additional sliced green onions and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese if you like. This One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe truly shines when enjoyed fresh and hot.

How to Serve One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe

Garnishes

To elevate your dish, sprinkle extra sliced green onions for a fresh crunch and more parmesan for a cheesy finish. A light drizzle of olive oil or even a few chopped fresh herbs like parsley can brighten the flavors even further. These details make your presentation pop and your palate sing.

Side Dishes

Though the dish is hearty on its own, pairing it with a crisp green salad or some roasted plantains can add contrasting textures and complementary tastes. For a full Caribbean-inspired meal, consider serving with sweet mango salsa or a tangy coleslaw to balance the creamy richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the pasta in hollowed-out bell peppers or colorful bowls that mirror the Bell Pepper hues in the dish. You can also turn this into a family-style meal by placing the one-pot right on the table and letting everyone help themselves—guaranteed to spark good conversation and even better second helpings!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often mature even more after a day, making for unexpectedly delicious leftovers.

Freezing

This dish freezes well and makes a perfect meal prep option. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of milk or broth to rehydrate the creamy sauce and keep everything tender. Stir frequently to ensure even warming and to maintain that luxurious texture.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Simply omit the chicken and consider adding firm tofu or extra vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini to maintain texture and protein. The jerk seasoning and creamy sauce will still deliver plenty of flavor.

What if I don’t have jerk seasoning?

You can make a simple substitute using a mix of allspice, thyme, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. This will capture the vibrant warmth of jerk seasoning even if you don’t have the exact blend on hand.

Is whole wheat pasta necessary for this recipe?

Not at all! Whole wheat pasta adds a nutty richness and extra nutrition, but regular penne or any other short pasta works just as well—simply adjust cooking time according to the pasta type.

How spicy is the final dish?

The heat level can be adjusted to taste by varying the amount of jerk seasoning or choosing mild, medium, or hot blends. This recipe strikes a beautiful balance between spicy and creamy, perfect for those who enjoy a gentle kick.

Can I prepare the pasta and sauce in advance?

While this dish is best served fresh to enjoy the creamy texture at its peak, you can make the sauce and season the chicken ahead of time. Then finish cooking and combine everything just before serving for a quick and easy dinner.

Final Thoughts

There is nothing quite like the harmony of bold spices, colorful veggies, tender chicken, and creamy pasta all mingling in one pot, making the One-Pot Rasta Pasta with Chicken and Vegetables Recipe a true standout comfort meal. It’s a dish that’s straightforward enough for weeknights but special enough to impress family and friends. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with those vibrant Caribbean flavors!