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–+ servings

Focus Jerk Chicken Pasta

A creamy, spicy fusion of Jamaican jerk flavors and Italian-style comfort. This easy weeknight pasta brings bold Caribbean heat balanced by a silky, garlic-infused sauce perfect for busy families craving flavor without fuss.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 bowls
Course: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Caribbean, Fusion
Calories: 610
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp brown sugar
  • 1 tsp lime juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 lb boneless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
  • 1 tbsp jerk seasoning (for sauce)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 cup whole milk (or oat milk)
  • ½ cup cream cheese (or coconut cream for non-dairy)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tbsp lime juice (to finish sauce)
  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta
  • 1 cup sliced bell peppers or spinach (optional)
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • skillet or sauté pan
  • mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • pasta pot
  • Tongs or spatula

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a bowl, mix jerk seasoning, olive oil, brown sugar, lime juice, and minced garlic. Rub this marinade over chicken breasts and let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium-high. Sear chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked. Remove and slice.
  4. In the same skillet, melt butter. Add minced garlic and jerk seasoning; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  5. Pour in chicken broth and milk. Bring to a simmer, then whisk in cream cheese until smooth. Stir in Parmesan until silky.
  6. Add lime juice and salt to taste. Toss in cooked pasta and sliced chicken, mixing until coated in sauce.
  7. Garnish with fresh herbs or extra Parmesan. Serve hot with garlic bread or salad.

Nutrition

Calories: 610kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 40gFat: 26gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 110mgSodium: 980mgPotassium: 520mgFiber: 3gSugar: 7gVitamin A: 950IUVitamin C: 18mgCalcium: 220mgIron: 2.1mg

Notes

Adjust spice by using mild or hot jerk seasoning. For a dairy-free version, swap cream cheese and milk with coconut cream and oat milk. Serve with roasted sweet potatoes, steamed broccoli, or a green salad to balance the heat.

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