Rasta pasta is a very popular recipe on my website, it’s one of my readers’ favorite recipes so I added to share an Instant Pot version with you and it’s as good as the stovetop version.
What is Rasta Pasta?
Rasta pasta comes from the Rastafari culture in Jamaica, it’s a very comforting pasta dish that has all the cream and cheese that you need to feel good. It also has a strong flavor, and a lovely spicy kick that will make you want to have this pasta all the time! The bell peppers are either sauteed or roasted, and they’re just tossed along with the cooked pasta and grilled chicken in a creamy and cheesy sauce. This pasta recipe makes a wonderful dinner dish that you will love!
Rasta Pasta Ingredients + Tools Needed
An Instant Pot. I have this Instant Pot, it’s my favorite!I love these stainless steel measuring cups and use them every time I cook, as well as those measuring spoons.Chicken breasts. And shrimp if you decide to add it.Mixed bell peppers – Use whatever colors you have available.Pasta – use any type of small pasta. I like to use penne, fusilli, or even bow tie pasta.Green onions – or scallions. They are optional and will be stirred in the pasta but they give a lovely flavor to the dish.Jerk seasoning – homemade or store-bought, just make sure that it’s a really good one. Low-quality jerk seasoning will result in bland tasting sauce and pasta.Vegetable stock – make your own in the Instant Pot. Here’s an easy Instant Pot vegetable stock recipe that I make all the time. It’s healthier, cheaper, and free of unnecessary/harmful ingredients and added sodium.Double cream and parmesan cheese – The 2 ingredients that will make your rasta pasta super creamy and delicious!Garlic, oil, and vegetable stock.
How to Make Rasta Pasta in the Instant Pot?
Heat oil in the pot on SAUTE mode, and add chicken strips followed by Jerk seasoning. Cook for a few minutes, the chicken does not need to cook through as we will pressure cook it later. Add garlic, and cook for 1 minute.Add the pasta over the chicken, followed by vegetable stock to slightly cover the pasta.Cover with the lid, and set the vent on SEALING position.Press on MANUAL or PRESSURE COOK (this depends on what model of Instant Pot you’re using), and then set the timer at 5 minutes. Allow the Instant Pot to come to pressure, then cook for 5 minutes.Once it’s done with the cooking, quickly release the steam and carefully open the lid so that the steam doesn’t get in your face. It’s important to do a QR, otherwise, the pasta will be overcooked.Once you open the lid, give the pasta a quick stir and check the amount of the liquid, it’s too much as if the pasta is too covered in liquid then you can discard a small amount.Season with more jerk seasoning then add cream, parmesan cheese, and sliced bell peppers. Give everything a quick mix, and cover with the lid (any lid).Allow the food to steam for a few minutes, this will slightly cook the bell peppers but they will stay crunchy and melt the parmesan cheese.Open the lid, add sliced green onion and give the pasta another stir. Serve warm.
Can I Make This Rasta Pasta Dairy-Free?
You can omit the heavy cream and the parmesan cheese, and use full-fat coconut milk or crushed tomatoes instead.
How to Make This Dish Vegetarian?
Leave the chicken and the parmesan cheese out.
Shrimp and Chicken Rasta Pasta
There’s also a popular version of this dish with shrimp. If you would like to add shrimp, just saute it before cooking the chicken at the beginning of the cooking process then take it out and set it aside. Add in the shrimp to the pasta along with the cream, parmesan, and bell peppers. Shrimp cooks very quickly, so if you leave it to be pressure cooked along with the chicken it might be overcooked and have a rubbery texture to it.
What Kind of Pasta to Use to Make This Dish?
I recommend using penne, rigatoni or bucatini, but you could also use pasta shapes like fusilli or macaroni.
How to Reheat the Leftovers?
I add a little bit of water to the pot to the pasta, and press on SAUTE. Stir the pasta while it’s being heated until you get the desired consistency and the chicken and pasta are warmed up.
More Easy Instant Pot Dinner Ideas
Taco PastaChicken ParmesanChicken Florentine PastaCreamy Chicken with MushroomsFirecracker ChickenCreamy Mustard ChickenBroccoli Mac and Cheese
© Little Sunny Kitchen
