Jerk Chicken Pasta Island Vibes on a Plate

Jerk Chicken Pasta My IslandInspired Weeknight Win

By Amara Vitalis July 8, 2025

Table of Contents

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a taste of sunshine? Ever tried Jamaican Pasta Recipes ? This jerk chicken pasta recipe is sunshine on a plate. It's a delicious mix of Caribbean spice and Italian comfort food.

Brief Overview

This dish is inspired by the vibrant flavors of Jamaica. It's not too tricky, taking about an hour plus marinating time. This recipe makes enough for 4-6 hungry people.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein and vibrant flavors. It's perfect for a lively dinner party. What makes it special? The creamy, spicy sauce and the Jerked Chicken combo, honestly.

Let's Talk About Jerk Chicken Pasta

Okay, mate, let's nail this Jerk Chicken Pasta recipe. When you need something both comforting and exciting, this is the answer.

I first had something like this Rasta Pasta Recipes at a little street food stall in Brixton. I have tried making my own for a couple of years.

It's like Caribbean Dinner Ideas meet your favorite pasta night. Trust me, once you taste this, you'll be hooked! My best memory to create this comes from my little brother's birthday.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe is proper lush. I tell you, I once tried to make it without the scotch bonnet, and it was a total letdown.

It's the heat that really makes it. I would highly recommend this Jerk Chicken Pasta with Vegetables recipe.

You get a great hit of protein and good energy. This is a great alternative to a Jamaican Meals ! This jerk chicken pasta dish is genuinely special.

This pasta recipe combines the comfort of pasta with the exotic spices of the islands.

Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road

Okay, mate, let's nail these ingredients. This Jerk Chicken Pasta is all about vibrant flavors. We're talking Caribbean sunshine meets Italian comfort food.

Honestly, it's a taste sensation! Let's have this Jamaican Pasta Recipes !

The Main Players: Your Shopping List

Here's what you'll need to whip up this beauty. This is going to make a top dinner of the Jamaican Meals , and soon to be your special Rasta Pasta Recipes .

For the Jerk Chicken Magic:

2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 -inch pieces. Quality indicator: Fresh chicken should smell clean, not funky.
2 tablespoons olive oil.
1 large onion, chopped (about 1 cup/150g ).
4 green onions, chopped (about 1/2 cup/75g ).
2-3 Scotch bonnet peppers, seeded and finely chopped. Okay, careful with these little devils! Use gloves, seriously. Adjust to your heat tolerance. Start small.
4 cloves garlic, minced (about 1 tablespoon ).
1 inch (2.5cm) piece of ginger, peeled and grated (about 1 tablespoon ).
2 tablespoons soy sauce.
2 tablespoons brown sugar.
1 tablespoon allspice.
1 teaspoon dried thyme.
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon.
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg.
1/2 teaspoon ground cloves.
1 teaspoon black pepper.
1/4 teaspoon salt.

For the Pasta Perfection:

1 pound (450g) pasta (penne or fusilli work great).
2 tablespoons olive oil.
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced.
1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced.
1/2 cup (120ml) heavy cream.
1/4 cup (60ml) chicken broth.
1/4 cup (30g) grated Parmesan cheese.
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, for garnish.
Salt and pepper to taste.

Seasoning Shenanigans: The Secret Sauce

Jerk seasoning is the heart and soul of this dish. Allspice, thyme, and Scotch bonnet peppers are key. The heat from the Scotch bonnets are what makes it the Spicy Chicken Pasta Recipe that it is.

This is how to make Creamy Jerk Sauce for Pasta at home.

Scotch Bonnet Pasta substitute? Habaneros work, but start small! Less heat than those little fireballs.

Essential Kit: No Fancy Gadgets Needed

You don't need a kitchen the size of Wembley Stadium for this.

Food processor or blender: For the jerk marinade.
Large bowl: For marinating that lovely chicken.
Large skillet or frying pan: For cooking the chicken and veggies.
Large pot: For boiling the pasta.
Colander: For draining the pasta, you know?

Honestly, it's all pretty standard stuff. Just make sure your skillet is big enough to handle the chicken! Don't want it all steaming instead of searing.

Enjoy making this One Pot Jerk Chicken Pasta !!

Alright, mate, let's nail this Jerk Chicken Pasta ! Honestly, Jamaican Pasta Recipes have always been a bit of a mystery to me.

I mean, Caribbean flavours with Italian pasta? Sounds wild, right? But trust me, this combo is a winner. It's like a flavour party in your mouth.

Prep Steps: Get Your Kit Sorted

Essential mise en place : First things first, get everything chopped and measured. This is the "mise en place", chefs say it all the time.

It's French. Roughly translated as "everything in its place" I'm using chicken thighs, so I need 2 lbs (900g) , cut into bite sized chunks, plus my onions, peppers, and all those lovely jerk spices!

Time saving organization tips : I batch the spice measuring! Honestly, who wants to measure out teaspoon after teaspoon? I also chop everything before I start cooking. Saves so much time.

Safety reminders : Scotch bonnets, folks! Scotch Bonnet Pasta is no joke. Use gloves and be super careful . A tiny bit goes a long way. I learned that the hard way!

step-by-step: Let's Cook!

Blitz the jerk marinade in a blender. 2 tablespoons of olive oil, onions, 2-3 scotch bonnets peppers, garlic, ginger, soy sauce, brown sugar, allspice, thyme, cinnamon, nutmeg, cloves, black pepper and salt.
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours ... overnight is better!
Cook 1 pound (450g) of pasta. Penne is a good shout.
Fry the chicken. 5- 7 minutes per side. Get a nice colour on it. Internal temp 165° F ( 74° C)
Sauté bell peppers for 5 minutes.
Make the creamy jerk sauce: heavy cream 1/2 cup (120ml) , chicken broth 1/4 cup (60ml) and parmesan cheese 1/4 cup (30g) .
Mix pasta, chicken, and sauce together. Give it a good toss!

Pro Tips: Ace Your Jerk Chicken Pasta

Expert techniques : Don't skip the marinating step! That's where the Jerked Chicken flavour really comes from. Also, don't overcrowd the pan when frying the chicken.

Common mistakes : Not using gloves when handling scotch bonnets. Big mistake! Another one is overcooking the chicken...nobody wants dry chicken.

make-ahead options : You can make the jerk marinade a day ahead and store it in the fridge. This gives the flavours even more time to develop.

Okay, so there you have it, my take on Jerk Chicken Pasta with Vegetables. This is just the beginning. The great thing about Caribbean Dinner Ideas is how you can just mix them up and add your personal touch to them.

If you fancy a bit of Rasta Pasta Recipes , feel free to add coconut milk, or more vegetables, if you want.

It's all about making it your own! Now, go get cooking!

Recipe Notes

Okay, mate, let's nail these recipe notes! This Jerk Chicken Pasta isn't just a meal; it's an experience. I’ve tweaked this recipe over the years, and these are the little things that make a big difference.

This recipe delivers on Jamaican Meals that taste like an Rasta Pasta Recipe.

Serving Suggestions

Plating is key, yeah? I like to twirl the pasta into a little nest on the plate. Then, I arrange the jerked chicken pieces on top.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds a pop of color. For sides, think cool and refreshing. Coleslaw is a classic, or a simple green salad does the trick.

How about serving it with an ice-cold Red Stripe or a homemade rum punch? Honestly, it will transport you straight to the Caribbean.

Storage Tips

Refrigerate any leftovers in an airtight container. It'll keep for about 3 days. I wouldn't recommend freezing this one pot jerk chicken pasta dish because the creamy sauce can get a bit weird after thawing.

When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to loosen the sauce. Microwave or heat it gently on the hob until heated through.

I prefer the hob method, it keeps it creamier and you can give it a good stir now and again to make sure it heats evenly.

Variations

Want to adapt this dish? Easy peasy.

Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi or roast some sweet potatoes and zucchini. Still get that Jamaican Pasta Recipes vibe.
dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. It adds a lovely sweetness and complements the spices. You know, it’s like a healthy ish version of creamy jerk sauce for pasta.

Nutrition Basics

While this dish is delicious, it’s good to know what you’re getting. A serving clocks in around 650-750 calories. You’re looking at roughly 40-50g of protein, 30-40g of fat, and 50-60g of carbs.

The jerk marinade is full of flavour and spices, offering some antioxidants. However, that creamy sauce means this isn’t exactly a health food.

Moderation is key. Try to get in some leafy greens on the side to get those key health benefits.

This spicy chicken pasta recipe is a crowd pleaser for sure. You can adjust the heat with scotch bonnet pasta to your preference.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with the vegetables like adding your favorite seasonal swaps. It is your pasta! Give it a go and let me know how it turns out! I bet you will love cooking this Caribbean Dinner Idea.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best way to control the spice level in this jerk chicken pasta? I don't want to blow my head off!

Controlling the heat is key, isn't it? Those Scotch bonnets pack a punch! Start small, adding just a tiny bit of the chopped pepper to the marinade and then tasting as you go. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can't take it away! Some cooks also recommend removing the seeds to mellow the pepper out a bit.

Can I make jerk chicken pasta ahead of time? I'm having a dinner party and want to be organised.

Absolutely, you can prep ahead! The jerk chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, giving it even more flavour. You can also cook the chicken earlier in the day and store it in the fridge. Just add it to the sauce and pasta when you're ready to serve.

Avoid mixing the cooked pasta into the sauce until just before serving, though, as it can become soggy.

I'm vegetarian, is it possible to adapt this jerk chicken pasta recipe for me?

Definitely! Swap out the chicken for something like grilled halloumi cheese its salty flavour stands up brilliantly to the jerk seasoning. Alternatively, roast some chunky vegetables like sweet potatoes, butternut squash, and peppers with the jerk marinade.

This gives you a gorgeous, colourful, and flavourful vegetarian jerk pasta.

How long does leftover jerk chicken pasta last, and what's the best way to reheat it?

Leftover jerk chicken pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, a splash of milk or chicken broth can help loosen up the sauce and prevent the pasta from drying out. You can reheat it in the microwave or in a pan on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally.

Is jerk chicken pasta healthy? What are some ways to make it a bit lighter?

While delicious, this recipe is on the richer side. To lighten it up, you could use whole wheat pasta for extra fibre. You could also use a lighter cream or even a coconut milk for a dairy-free option, and load up on the vegetables! Adding a side salad can make it a more balanced meal, too.

What kind of pasta works best for jerk chicken pasta?

Penne or fusilli are popular choices because their ridges and spirals capture the creamy jerk sauce nicely. However, don't be afraid to experiment! Bowtie (farfalle) or even rigatoni would work well too. Really, any pasta shape that you enjoy will work just fine with this jerk chicken pasta!