Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe

This spicy creamy Jerk Chicken Pasta is made with tender seared chicken, vibrant bell peppers, and ready in 30 minutes. The rich parmesan cream sauce clings to the penne, beautifully balancing the bold Caribbean heat. I love making this when craving a quick but intensely flavorful dinner.

Restaurant-Quality At Home

I used to think making a truly rich, heavily spiced pasta dish required hours of simmering like my favorite local spot does. I learned the hard way that cooking the jerk spices too long in the cream actually splits the sauce.

Now I sear the coated chicken first, then quickly build the sauce in the exact same pan. It captures all those blackened, caramelized bits while keeping the dairy perfectly smooth.

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Jerk Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

How To Make Jerk Chicken Pasta

1. 1. Boil Pasta: Cook the penne in heavily salted boiling water according to the package directions, then drain well.
2. 2. Sear Chicken: Toss the chicken strips with jerk seasoning and cook in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat until fully browned.
3. 3. Saute Veggies: Add the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers to the pan, cooking for three minutes until softened.
4. 4. Simmer Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for three minutes until the liquid is slightly thickened.
5. 5. Combine: Stir in the cooked pasta and parmesan cheese until everything is evenly coated and warm.

Recipe Tips

• Watch the heat: Keep the stove on medium-low when adding the cream to prevent the sauce from curdling.
• Adjust the spice: Use a mild jerk seasoning if you prefer less heat, or add a pinch of cayenne for extra fire.
• Reserve pasta water: Save a splash of the starchy cooking water to thin out your sauce if it gets too thick.

What To Serve With Jerk Chicken Pasta

Pair this spicy pasta with warm garlic bread to soak up every drop of the creamy sauce. A crisp green salad dressed in a sharp vinaigrette also cuts through the rich dairy beautifully.

How To Store

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Gently reheat on the stove with a small splash of milk to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

FAQs

Can I use shrimp instead of chicken?

Yes, toss peeled shrimp in the jerk seasoning and sear for just two minutes per side so they stay tender.

What type of pasta works best?

Penne, rigatoni, or farfalle are excellent choices because their shapes hold onto the thick cream sauce very well.

Can I make this dairy-free?

You can substitute the heavy cream with full-fat canned coconut milk for a great tropical twist that fits a dairy-free diet.

Nutrition

• Calories: 650 kcal
• Total Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 18 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg
• Sodium: 780 mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
• Protein: 38 g

Try More Recipes:

• Creamy Chicken Penne Pasta Recipe
• Garlic Chicken Spinach Pasta Recipe
• Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe