Hey, Welcome to the Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe. Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish loaded with colorful bell peppers, tender chicken, and a flavorful jerk-seasoned Alfredo sauce.
If you’ve ever enjoyed this vibrant dish at Rainforest Cafe, you already know how addictive and comforting it is.
I wanted to recreate that at home, and guess what? I nailed it! Today, I’m sharing the easiest way to make this bold and creamy recipe right in your kitchen.
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
Servings: 4
Cuisine: American, Caribbean
Category: Main Course
History and Origin
Rasta Pasta began in Jamaica, combining creamy pasta with jerk seasoning for a bold, flavorful dish. Rainforest Cafe introduced its version with grilled chicken, bell peppers, and spicy sauce.
It quickly became a favorite for its unique fusion of Caribbean and Italian flavors, enjoyed by food lovers across America. By the way, you can also try the Cheshire Cat Tail Recipe.
Ingredients
You will need the following ingredients to start making the Best Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Penne pasta | 12 oz |
| Boneless chicken breasts | 2 (sliced) |
| Olive oil | 2 tbsp |
| Red bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Green bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Yellow bell pepper | 1 (sliced) |
| Garlic (minced) | 2 cloves |
| Heavy cream | 1 cup |
| Parmesan cheese (grated) | ½ cup |
| Cream cheese | 2 tbsp |
| Jerk seasoning | 2 tsp |
| Salt | To taste |
| Black pepper | To taste |
| Fresh parsley (for garnish) | As needed |
Equipment Needed
Also, gather the following equipment, as they are necessary to craft your Homemade Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe:
- Large pot
- Frying pan or skillet
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Tongs
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Stirring spoon
How to Make Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of jerk seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Vegetables
If necessary, add extra olive oil to the same skillet. For four to five minutes, or until they are just beginning to soften, sauté the bell peppers and garlic.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan to the skillet. Stir well until melted and smooth. Add the remaining jerk seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine and Finish
Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the sauce is evenly distributed. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors combine.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Turn off the heat. If preferred, garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Recipe Card
Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Boil a large pot of salted water. Cook the penne pasta until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil. Add sliced chicken and season with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of jerk seasoning. Cook until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
- If necessary, add extra olive oil to the same skillet. For four to five minutes, or until they are just beginning to soften, sauté the bell peppers and garlic.
- Add heavy cream, cream cheese, and Parmesan to the skillet. Stir well until melted and smooth. Add the remaining jerk seasoning and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
- Return the chicken and cooked pasta to the skillet. Mix everything until the sauce is evenly distributed. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes so the flavors combine.
- Turn off the heat. If preferred, garnish with additional Parmesan and chopped parsley.
Notes
Nutritional Information
Below, I have listed the nutritional information for the Rainforest Cafe’s Rasta Pasta Recipe:
| Nutrient | Amount (per serving) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 620 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Carbohydrates | 55 g |
| Fat | 30 g |
| Saturated Fat | 14 g |
| Cholesterol | 115 mg |
| Sodium | 520 mg |
| Fiber | 4 g |
| Sugar | 5 g |
Serving Suggestions
Serve Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe hot, garnished with freshly grated Parmesan and chopped parsley for added flavor. It goes very well with a glass of chilled white wine, a crisp green salad, or garlic bread.
This pasta is hearty enough for dinner but elegant enough to serve at gatherings, potlucks, or even for special weekend family meals.
Storage Tips
Store any leftover Rasta Pasta Rainforest Cafe Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of cream or milk to revive the sauce’s texture.
Avoid freezing, as the creamy sauce can separate. Always cool the pasta completely before refrigerating to maintain freshness and taste.
Conclusion
Rainforest Cafe Rasta Pasta Recipe brings the perfect mix of creamy, spicy, and savory right to your dinner table. It’s a colorful, crowd-pleasing dish that’s easier to make than you think.
With these words, we came to the end of this article. If you like this recipe, then please rate this post with 5 stars at the end of the FAQs section, and don’t forget to share it with your loved ones!
Happy Cooking!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What type of pasta works best for Rasta Pasta?
Penne is traditional, but rotini or fettuccine can also work well.
Can I make Rasta Pasta vegetarian?
Yes, just skip the chicken and add more vegetables like mushrooms or zucchini.
How spicy is Rasta Pasta?
It’s mildly spicy, but you can adjust the jerk seasoning to control the heat.
Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
Store-bought works great, or you can make your own at home.
Is Rasta Pasta gluten-free?
Make sure your jerk seasoning and other ingredients are gluten-free, and use pasta that is gluten-free.
You will also like the Disneyland Chimichanga Recipe.
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