Jerk Chicken Pasta is a creamy, flavorful chicken pasta recipe made with tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, jerk seasoning, and parmesan. It brings bold Caribbean-inspired flavor to an easy pasta dinner that still feels cozy and family-friendly. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual weekends, or when you want a simple dinner with a little kick.

Times + Servings + Basic Info

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Servings: 6
• Category: Chicken Recipes
• Cuisine: Caribbean-inspired American

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Ready in about 30 minutes with simple ingredients.
• A great way to use rotisserie chicken for an easy dinner.
• Creamy, cheesy, and full of bold jerk seasoning flavor.
• Colorful bell peppers make it fresh and family-friendly.
• Perfect for anyone looking for easy chicken pasta recipes.

Ingredients

• 16 ounces dried pasta, such as penne, rotini, or fettuccine
• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed, or 2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
• 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning, divided
• 3 bell peppers, different colors, sliced
• 1/2 cup green onions, sliced
• 2 to 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup vegetable stock or chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• Chopped chives, green onions, or parsley, for garnish

Ingredient Notes

• Rotisserie chicken makes this recipe faster and easier for busy nights.
• Chicken breasts work well too; just season and cook them before making the sauce.
• Heavy cream creates a richer sauce, while half-and-half makes it a little lighter.
• Jerk seasoning can vary in spice level, so start with less if your family prefers mild flavors.

How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the pasta
   Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small splash of pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.
2. Cook the chicken
   If using raw chicken breasts, cube the chicken and toss it with 1 1/2 tablespoons jerk seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or skillet. Cook the chicken until golden and cooked through, then remove it from the pot and set aside. If using rotisserie chicken, you can skip this cooking step.
3. Sauté the vegetables
   Add the remaining 1 tablespoon vegetable oil to the same pot. Add the sliced bell peppers and green onions, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes until slightly softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
4. Make the creamy jerk sauce
   Add the remaining 1 1/2 tablespoons jerk seasoning to the pot and stir to coat the vegetables. Pour in the stock and heavy cream, then add the cooked chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken. Simmer for a few minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
5. Combine and finish
   Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta and toss until everything is coated in the creamy jerk sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce feels too thick.
6. Serve
   Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped chives, green onions, or parsley. Serve warm while the sauce is creamy.

Variations & Substitutions

• Make it milder by using less jerk seasoning or choosing a mild jerk blend.
• Add more vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.
• Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood pasta version.
• Make it lighter with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
• Use gluten-free pasta if needed.
• Add a squeeze of lime juice before serving for extra brightness.

Storage & Reheating

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days.

Freezer: This pasta is best fresh, but you can freeze it for up to 2 months. The cream sauce may separate slightly after thawing, so stir well when reheating.

Reheating: Warm leftovers in a skillet over low heat with a splash of stock, cream, or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also microwave individual portions in short intervals, stirring between each one.

What to Serve With Jerk Chicken Pasta

• Garlic bread or warm dinner rolls
• Simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli or green beans
• Steamed rice for a heartier meal
• Fresh cucumber salad to balance the spice

FAQ

Can I use rotisserie chicken for jerk chicken pasta?

Yes, rotisserie chicken works very well in this recipe. It saves time and makes this creamy jerk chicken pasta even easier for weeknights. Add it directly to the sauce and simmer just until heated through.

Can I make jerk chicken pasta ahead of time?

Yes, you can make it ahead, but it is creamiest when served fresh. If making ahead, store the pasta and sauce together in an airtight container. Reheat gently with a splash of stock or cream to bring the sauce back together.

How spicy is jerk chicken pasta?

The spice level depends on your jerk seasoning. Some blends are mild and smoky, while others are much hotter. For a family-friendly version, start with less seasoning and add more to taste.

How long does jerk chicken pasta last in the fridge?

Jerk chicken pasta lasts 3 to 4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Reheat only the portion you plan to eat. Add a small splash of liquid before reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Nutrition (Estimated)

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 31g
• Carbs: 55g
• Fat: 21g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 5g

Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. For precise dietary advice, please consult a nutrition professional.

Print