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Home » Gluten-Free Recipes

Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta Recipe

Published: Mar 22, 2022 by Sharon McCaskill · Modified: May 27, 2024 · ✅Edited and Reviewed by: Sharon McCaskill, MA, RDN · This post may contain affiliate links · 2 Comments

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Short Pin for gluten free rasta pasta with jerk pasta in skillet with wooden spoon in background
long pin jerk chicken pasta gluten free easy to make recipe with close up of pasta with peppers and chicken and photo of pasta in a skillet

Transport your taste buds to the vibrant flavors of the Caribbean with our mouthwatering Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta recipe! This recipe is so flavorful and delicious!  You’ll love this homemade creamy sauce that totally makes this gluten free jerk chicken pasta your new favorite dish. 

Whether you're craving a taste of island paradise or simply looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine, this gluten free pasta dish is the answer.

Keep reading for for a step-by-step guide with pictures to make this gluten-free rasta pasta recipe with chicken plus substitution ideas.

Jump to Recipe SaveSaved!
gluten free chicken rasta pasta in a skillet on a tea towel with garlic and scallions on the counter

The gluten-free guide below is based on personal experience and research.  Always be sure to discuss any medical changes with your doctor for your personal medical needs. Additionally, this post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here. 

Why you’ll love this chicken rasta pasta recipe:

You’ll love this Jamaican pasta recipe because:

  • it’s so creamy and flavorful
  • The bell peppers add vitamins like C, B6, and Folate while adding some variety in texture to the dish.
  • It’s pasta with a bit of a kick of heat from the jerk seasoning.

Basically, what’s not to like?

Creamy gluten free rasta pasta in a skillet with wooden spoon and scallions

Why is it called Rasta Pasta?

While many chefs take credit for the creation of the Rasta Pasta dish, most simply, it’s called Rasta Pasta due to the Jamaican jerk seasoning in the creamy sauce, and the use of red, yellow, and green peppers in the dish. 

The Caribbean pasta flavors truly do come through in a very comforting and hearty dish

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What is Rasta Pasta made of?

Rasta pasta is made of 4 essential components:  pasta noodles, chicken, peppers, and a creamy cheesy sauce with the flavors of jerk seasoning.  

Basically, it’s a creamy gluten-free jerk chicken pasta recipe!  Yes, yum!

Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta Ingredients

Most of these ingredients for this easy gluten-free pasta recipe can be found at your local grocery store.  However, you can get a really great deal on some of these ingredients (like spices and gluten-free pasta) at Thrive Market.

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To make an authentic rasta pasta recipe you’ll need:

  • Gluten-free rigatoni noodles. I like the rice & lentil rigatoni pasta by Bionaturae. You can find this brand on Amazon here.  If you want to sub a different pasta, I recommend Penne or Fusilli. 
  • Bell peppers.  These can be any color, I like to use an assortment of colors for a prettier final dish.
  • Olive oil. Or other high heat oil like avocado.
  • Chicken breasts.  These should be sliced into thin cutlets.
  • Minced garlic.
  • Butter.
  • Heavy cream.  This is important, substituting half and half or milk instead will not result in as creamy of a dish!  If you really want to substitute the heavy cream, use the same amount of full-fat coconut milk. 
  • Jerk seasoning.  As with all seasoning blends, be sure this is gluten-free!  I use the Jerk Seasoning by Primal Palate Organic. You can find it on Amazon here.
  • Garlic powder.  My favorite gluten-free garlic powder is the Roasted Garlic powder by Badia. It's affordable and super flavorful. If it's not at your local store, you can snag this on Amazon too.
  • Onion powder.  I like the Badia brand's onion powder and it's on Amazon also.
  • Salt.
  • Shredded parmesan cheese.  Be sure to get the shredded kind.  The grated kind in the shaker can will not melt as well and won’t produce as smooth of a sauce.

Equipment for Gluten-Free Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe

To make this creamy pasta dish, you only need a few pieces of equipment:

  • A cutting board. I like these cutting mats because they are color coded helping to prevent cross contact in the kitchen.
  • A chef’s knife.
  • Measuring cup and spoons.
  • Large stock pot.
  • Heavy bottom skillet.
  • A whisk.

I love skillet recipes like this one for busy weeknight dinners. If you do too, check out these Healthy Skillet Recipes!

How to Make Easy Rasta Pasta

First, cook your gluten-free rigatoni according to package directions.  As a general rule for gluten-free pasta, I stir it frequently and start checking it a minute early for doneness. 

Drain immediately once the pasta is cooked to preference.

Before starting the rest of the dish, be sure your bell peppers are sliced into thin strips and the chicken filets are sliced into thin cutlets (such as pictured below).  This will allow your chicken to cook faster than a thick breast.

Thinly cutting chicken breast into cutlets

Heat a heavy bottom skillet over medium heat, and sauté the bell pepper slices in olive oil for about 3-4 minutes until cooked through (but not soggy).

Remove the veggies from the pan and add the chicken cutlets.  Sprinkle the cutlets lightly with salt and pepper.

Brown the chicken on both sides over medium heat ensuring it’s properly cooked through.  This should take about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and allow it to rest while you make the sauce.

Add the garlic and butter to the pan and whisk while the butter melts.  Once melted, whisk in the heavy cream and seasonings.  Allow to come to a boil while whisking.  

When the cream begins to thicken, add in the Parmesan cheese and whisk until smooth.

Adding parmesan cheese into thickened creamy rasta sauce

Once the cheese is melted and the sauce is thickened, reduce the heat to low.

adding noodles, peppers, and chicken into the creamy rasta sauce

Slice the chicken into strips and add it back into the sauce along with the peppers and gluten-free pasta. 

Add any salt or pepper to taste and serve immediately. 

mixed together gluten free rasta pasta dish

How to Make Spicy Rasta Pasta

If you like your pasta extra spicy, you can use a spicy jerk seasoning or even add in a bit of crushed pepper flakes.

How to Make this a Vegetarian Rasta Pasta Recipe

If you do not eat meat, feel free to omit the chicken.  I would simply double the amount of peppers.  It will still taste fantastic!

What to eat with Rasta Pasta

Wondering what to serve alongside your flavorful Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta? Look no further! This Caribbean-inspired dish pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious sides.

For a complete meal, consider adding a side of sautéed vegetables, such as bell peppers, spinach, or Air Fryer Broccoli, to complement the vibrant flavors of the pasta. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad tossed with tropical fruits like mango or pineapple for a refreshing contrast.

Scroll down for the printable recipe, and take the FREE quiz to discover your personalized gluten free plan to claim back your love of food!

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Creamy gluten free rasta pasta in a skillet with wooden spoon and scallions

Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta Recipe

This recipe for gluten-free rasta pasta is so flavorful and delicious!  You’ll love this homemade creamy sauce and the gluten free jerk chicken pasta.  This Jamaican recipe is easy to make and is a flavorful gluten-free dinner idea.
5 from 1 vote
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Saved!
Prep Time 5 minutes mins
Cook Time 20 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Caribbean]
Servings 6 servings
Calories 325 kcal

Equipment

  • 1 cutting board
  • 1 chef's knife
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • 1 large stock pot
  • 1 heavy bottom skillet
  • 1 whisk

Ingredients
  

  • 8 oz gluten-free rigatoni (or pasta of choice)
  • 1 cup bell peppers sliced
  • 2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 Thin sliced chicken breast
  • 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 teaspoon jerk seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
  • salt & pepper to taste
Get Recipe Ingredients

Instructions
 

  • Cook gluten-free pasta according to package directions.
  • Thinly slice bell peppers and slice chicken into thin cutlets.
  • Using the heavy bottom skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the sliced bell peppers in the olive oil until bright and slightly softened (about 3-4 minutes).
  • Remove veggies from the pan, and add the chicken. Lightly season the chicken with salt & pepper and brown both sides over medium heat ensuring it is cooked all the way through (about 4-5 min. per side).
  • Remove the chicken from the pan and add the garlic and butter to the pan, whisking together while the butter melts.
  • Once the butter is melted, whisk in the heavy cream and seasonings and bring to a boil (while continuing to whisk).
  • Once the sauce is thickened, whisk in the Parmesan cheese until smooth.
  • Reduce the heat to low.
  • Thinly slice the chicken into strips, and add the chicken to the sauce along with the pasta and sautéed peppers.
  • Add salt & pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

see the full blog post above post for:
  • ingredient and equipment suggestions,
  • substitutions,
  • step by step directions with pictures, and
  • other frequently asked questions
Keyword chicken, cream sauce, garlic, gluten free pasta, jerk, noodles, parmesan cheese, pasta, peppers, rasta pasta

Do you love this recipe for Gluten-Free Rasta Pasta with chicken?

If so, be sure to pin it to Pinterest for later or share it on social media using the social sharing buttons below!

Looking for other easy gluten-free dinner ideas?

If so, try these:

  • 10 Minute Gluten-Free Chicken Fried Rice
  • Slow Cooker Barbacoa Recipe
  • Caribbean Shrimp & Pineapple Kabobs
  • Slow Cooker Cabbage Soup
short pin with text rasta pasta jamaican chicken easy to make recipe gluten free with pasta in a skillet

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Genelle

    September 25, 2022 at 11:31 am

    5 stars
    This sauce turned out so great! I used less seasoning (my family is wimpy) but it turned out excellent

    Reply
    • Sharon McCaskill

      September 25, 2022 at 11:32 am

      great! I'm so happy you enjoyed it!

      Reply

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Please note that some of The Helpful GF's links are affiliate links, and TheHelpfulGF.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you. My full disclosure isn’t that interesting, but you can find it here.

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