Are you currently craving Bahama Breeze’s Jerk Chicken Pasta? Because I am! So it’s good I still had some homemade Jerk seasoning left to recreate this Jamaican-inspired pasta recipe. And boy, it was so good! Better than the restaurant, too. So, it’s your time to recreate this pasta recipe to satisfy your comfort food craving. Be sure to read everything because I will be including detailed instructions, ingredients substitutes, tips, and many more. 😘 This dish is inspired by rasta pasta, the creation of international chef Lorraine Washington back in 1986. The pasta dish was made with colorful bell peppers and tagliatelle, prompting them to name it “Rasta” because of its close resemblance to the Rastafarians and their dreadlocks.
Recipe Ingredients
Besides Jerk Seasoning, all the other ingredients are within your arm’s reach. So, it’s pretty straightforward to cook this dish again and again. Oh yes!
How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta
Make the Pasta and Chicken
Cook the Pasta – Cook pasta in a large pot, according to box instructions. Salt according to taste, drain, and set aside.Season the Chicken – Place chicken thighs in a medium bowl, then generously season the chicken with salt and jerk seasoning, ensuring all sides of the chicken are covered with the spice. (Photo 1)Marinate – Cover chicken with a transparent plastic wrap and let it marinate for about 30 minutes or up to 24 hours.Sear the Chicken Heat a heavy cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the pan is hot, add olive oil. Using tongs, add the chicken and sear both sides until golden or until fully cooked and the juice from the chicken runs clear, about 7-10 minutes on each side, depending on the chicken breasts’ thickness. Remove from the pan, place on a plate, and set aside. (Photo 2)
Make the Sauce
Saute – Add onions, garlic, thyme, and peppers to the pan, stirring for about 2-3 minutes, occasionally. (Photos 3-5)Add Seasoning – Season with jerk season and Worcestershire and continue stirring for about 1 minute.Simmer – Pour in heavy cream and chicken stock, bring it to a boil, then simmer for about 3-4 minutes. Add parmesan cheese and cooked pasta. Toss and cook for another minute. Slice prepared chicken and set aside. (Photo 6)Serve – Finally, add sliced chicken to the pasta, then garnish with parsley and serve.
Recipe Variations
Tips and Tricks
Make-Ahead Instructions
I recommend marinating the chicken a day before to give it more time to absorb the jerk flavors. You can also make the sauce ahead and store it in the fridge, covered. But I suggest cooking the pasta on the day of serving, so it’ll be firm and not mushy.
Serving and Storage Instructions
What could be more satisfying than pairing our fresh-off-the-stove pasta with garlicky bread? They are the best duo ever! You’ll love it with roasted veggies and some salad, too. You can store your leftover jerk chicken pasta in an airtight container, and it’ll stay fresh for 4 days in the fridge. Although possible, I still don’t recommend freezing the jerk pasta because of its dairy content. It will retain its flavor, but the texture may be grainy after freezing. Reheat in a pan on a stovetop, occasionally stirring, until warmed through. And if the pasta gets too dry, you may add chicken broth or heavy cream. You can also heat a single pasta serving with jerk sauce in a microwave.
What to Serve with Jerk Chicken Pasta
Although our pasta recipe is already a complete meal on its own, you’ll love it with a good side dish to balance out the flavors.
More Incredible Jerk Recipes to Try
Conclusion
You can do so many things with Jerk Seasoning because it suits any meat or veggie. Are you hungry for even more spicy soul-food recipes? Then subscribe to my newsletter to keep up to date. ❤️
Watch How to Make It
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