Cheese Options For Rasta Pasta: A Guide

Rasta Pasta is a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines, combining pasta with Caribbean seasonings, jerk chicken or shrimp, and colourful bell peppers. The dish is inspired by the Rastafarian movement that developed in Jamaica in the 1930s, and while it is usually served as a vegetarian dish, non-Rastafarian cooks often add a protein. The sauce typically includes coconut milk or heavy cream, and the cheese of choice is usually Parmesan, although Cheddar and Mozzarella are also options.

Mozzarella or Parmesan?

Rasta Pasta is a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisine, inspired by the colours and textures of Jamaican culture. The dish is typically made with penne pasta, bell peppers, and Caribbean jerk seasoning, with either chicken or shrimp.

The choice of cheese is an important consideration for this dish, with mozzarella and parmesan being the two main options. So, which one should you go for?

Mozzarella

Mozzarella is a soft, stretchy, and mildly flavoured cheese that can add a creamy texture to the Rasta Pasta. It is a good option if you want the other flavours in the dish, such as the jerk seasoning, to shine through. Mozzarella also works well with the other ingredients commonly used in Rasta Pasta, like bell peppers and shrimp, as it can enhance their sweetness without overwhelming the dish.

Parmesan

Parmesan, on the other hand, is a hard, sharp-tasting cheese that can add a salty, nutty flavour to the dish. It is a more pungent and assertive cheese than mozzarella, and will give the Rasta Pasta a more robust flavour. Parmesan is often preferred by those who like their Rasta Pasta with a stronger, more savoury taste.

The decision between mozzarella and parmesan ultimately comes down to personal preference. If you want a milder, creamier cheese that enhances the sweetness of the dish, go for mozzarella. If you prefer a sharper, more savoury flavour that adds a salty, nutty note, parmesan is the better choice.

Both cheeses can work well in Rasta Pasta, and some recipes even call for a combination of the two. Ultimately, it's up to you to decide which cheese best suits your taste buds and the overall flavour profile you want to achieve.

Dairy-free alternatives

Rasta pasta is a fusion of Jamaican and Italian cuisines, combining pasta with jerk seasoning and colourful bell peppers. While the traditional recipe calls for dairy products such as heavy cream and parmesan cheese, there are several dairy-free alternatives that can be used to create a delicious vegan version of this dish. Here are some suggestions for dairy-free substitutes:

Heavy Cream Alternatives

• Full-Fat Coconut Milk: This is a popular alternative to heavy cream and is often used in vegan cooking. It provides a similar richness and creaminess to the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Using crushed tomatoes instead of heavy cream will add a tangy flavour and a creamy texture to the sauce.

Cheese Alternatives

• Nutritional Yeast: Nutritional yeast is a common cheese substitute in vegan cooking as it has a cheesy flavour and can be used to make a creamy sauce.
• Vegan Cheese: There are now many varieties of vegan cheese available that melt well and have a good flavour. Some popular brands include Violife, Miyoko's, and Cathedral City Plant Based Cheese.
• Store-Bought Vegan Cheese: You can also use store-bought vegan cheese instead of nutritional yeast and lime juice to add a cheesy flavour to the dish.

When making dairy-free rasta pasta, it is important to note that the sauce may separate if the cream is too hot. To avoid this, take the cream off the heat before adding the cheese. Additionally, the creaminess of the sauce can be enhanced by using full-fat coconut milk instead of lite coconut milk.

Chicken, shrimp, or vegetarian?

Rasta Pasta is a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines, combining pasta with jerk seasoning, colourful bell peppers, and a creamy sauce. While the dish is usually served as a vegetarian dish, owing to Rastafarianism's vegetarian diet, non-Rastafarian cooks often add a protein to round out the meal.

Chicken:

If you're using chicken, you can either butterfly two large chicken breasts or cut them into strips. Coat the chicken with olive oil and jerk seasoning, then cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for around 3-7 minutes on each side, or until cooked through. You can also use leftover rotisserie chicken or raw chicken breast cubes.

Shrimp:

For shrimp, peel and devein the shrimp, then coat them with jerk seasoning and cook in a skillet with avocado or olive oil for a few minutes until they turn pink and opaque.

Vegetarian:

For a vegetarian option, omit the chicken or shrimp and replace it with plant-based meat alternatives. You can also add other vegetables like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, onions, or scallions for more flavour and heat.

What type of pasta?

Rasta Pasta is a fusion of Caribbean and Italian cuisines. It is a colourful and flavourful dish that is usually served as a vegetarian meal, as Rastafarians do not eat meat or shellfish. However, non-vegetarian versions of the dish often include chicken or shrimp.

The type of pasta used in Rasta Pasta is typically penne. However, other types of pasta such as fusilli, rigatoni, bucatini, macaroni, farfalle (bow-tie), Fettuccine, or gluten-free pasta can also be used. A round, thick pasta is generally preferred over thin pasta like angel hair or spaghetti.

The dish combines cooked pasta with a creamy sauce, colourful bell peppers, Caribbean seasonings, and a protein of choice. The sauce is usually made with heavy cream or coconut milk, and Parmesan cheese. The cream and cheese add a rich, creamy texture to the dish.

Overall, the type of pasta used in Rasta Pasta is flexible and can be adapted to personal preferences or dietary restrictions.

How to store and reheat?

Rasta Pasta is a delicious, creamy and rich dish that can be stored and reheated to enjoy as leftovers. Here are some detailed instructions on how to store and reheat your Rasta Pasta:

Storing:

Rasta Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It is important to use an airtight container to prevent the pasta from drying out. This will ensure that your leftovers stay fresh and flavorful.

Reheating:

There are a few different methods you can use to reheat your Rasta Pasta:

• Microwave: Place the desired portion of Rasta Pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add a small amount of water or chicken stock (a few teaspoons) to the dish to prevent the pasta from drying out. Cover the dish loosely and heat for 1-2 minutes. Check the temperature and continue heating in 15-second intervals until it is heated through. Stir the pasta in between each interval to prevent clumping.
• Stovetop: This method is ideal if you want to avoid using a microwave. Heat a small amount of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add your leftover Rasta Pasta to the pan and sauté for 2-5 minutes, stirring frequently, until heated through. You can also add some additional ingredients, such as fresh vegetables or protein, to this method to create a more substantial meal.
• Oven: If you prefer a crispier texture, reheating your Rasta Pasta in the oven is a great option. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C). Place the pasta in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and bake for 15-20 minutes. If you like extra cheese, you can remove the foil towards the end of the baking time and sprinkle some grated cheese on top.

Tips for Reheating:

• If your pasta sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can add a small amount of liquid such as water, chicken stock, or cream to adjust the consistency.
• To prevent your pasta from drying out, ensure that it is properly stored in an airtight container and refrigerated promptly after cooking.
• When reheating, it is important to stir the pasta frequently to prevent it from clumping together and to ensure even heating.
• If you are reheating a large portion of Rasta Pasta, it is best to use the stovetop or oven method, as microwaving large amounts of food can result in uneven heating.

By following these instructions, you can enjoy your delicious Rasta Pasta leftovers and make them taste just as good as the first time!

Frequently asked questions