How to make Pasta Pasta!

Jamaican Allspice: The Heartbeat of Caribbean Flavor — Now in Your Rasta Pasta

When you think of Caribbean cooking, one spice stands out as the soul behind so many iconic dishes: Jamaican Allspice. Known locally as pimento, this single berry packs the warm, complex notes of cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, all in one. It’s no wonder why it’s a cornerstone of not only Jamaican cuisine, but the entire Caribbean culinary tradition.

From jerk chicken to stews, curries to marinades, and even teas, allspice shows up in both savory and sweet dishes across the islands. And now, with Afromeals Jamaican Allspice, you can bring that bold, deep island flavor right into your own kitchen.

What Makes Jamaican Allspice So Special?

Unlike the mixed “allspice” found in many grocery stores, Afromeals Jamaican Allspice is made from 100% pure ground pimento berries.

It’s:

  • Warm and earthy
  • Pungent and peppery
  • Sweetly floral with hints of cinnamon and cloves

This one spice can transform your cooking. It’s a key ingredient in jerk marinades, oxtail stew, brown stew chicken, and rice and peas. But it’s also amazing in fusion dishes like the one we’re making today.

A Dish Rooted in Culture: The Origins of Rasta Pasta

Rasta Pasta was originally created to honor the Rastafarian lifestyle and Ital cooking, which emphasizes natural, plant-based, unprocessed ingredients. The dish rich with vibrant bell peppers (symbolizing the Rastafarian flag colors of red, gold, and green)—was traditionally made without meat or dairy, in line with the Ital diet.

Over time, Rasta Pasta evolved and took on many creative interpretations, especially with the addition of jerk-seasoned shrimp, chicken, or sausage. But at its core, it’s still a celebration of colorful vegetables, bold spices, and Caribbean soul. A dish that blends tradition, flavor, and creativity.

Let’s Make Jamaican Rasta Pasta with Afromeals Jamaican Allspice

Rasta Pasta is a creamy, colorful, Caribbean-inspired pasta dish that features bell peppers, jerk-seasoned proteins, and a smooth, spiced sauce. The twist? We’re adding Afromeals Jamaican Allspice to deepen the flavor and give it that unmistakable island essence.

Ingredients:

  • 8 oz penne pasta
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil (or any neutral oil, coconut oil)
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon Afromeals Jamaican Allspice
  • 1 teaspoon Afromeals Jerk Seasoning (optional)
  • 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream
  • ½ cup grated Mozzarella cheese or plant-based cheese
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh scallions for garnish

🍳 Instructions:

  1. Boil Pasta
    Cook your pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Veggies
    In a large pan, heat olive oil and sauté onions and bell peppers until soft. Add garlic and stir until fragrant.
  3. Add the Spice
    Sprinkle in Afromeals Jamaican Allspice and Jerk Seasoning. Stir for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  4. Make the Sauce
    Pour in cream and stir. Bring it to a slow simmer using a medium low temperature. Add cheese and stir until smooth or until a cheesy sauce with a tan or light brown color forms. (optional step: Save protein such as Jerk chicken, shrimp or salmon and serve it on the side of the pasta if you prefer not to toss it in with the pasta)
  5. Combine
    Toss in the cooked pasta and your protein of choice. Mix well until coated and heated through.
  6. Serve
    Garnish with fresh herbs and enjoy a Caribbean twist on classic comfort food!

Note: For authenticity of the meal pasta of choice is penne pasta and cheese of choice is mozzarella however you can use any type of pasta and you can swap Mozzarella cheese with parmesan cheese.