Jerk Chicken Pasta – Creamy Pasta Tossed with Jerk-Spiced Chicken and Peppers

Hi, I’m Sarah Jansen, a traveler and food blogger with a passion for celebrating the way flavors from different cultures can merge into something truly memorable. One of my favorite examples of culinary fusion is Jerk Chicken Pasta—a dish that beautifully marries the bold, smoky, and spicy flavors of Jamaican jerk seasoning with the creamy indulgence of an Italian-inspired pasta sauce.

The dish begins with juicy chicken breast coated in jerk spices, seared to perfection, then tossed with colorful bell peppers, onions, and garlic. Everything is pulled together by a luscious cream sauce that balances the heat of the jerk seasoning with smooth richness. When paired with pasta, the result is a comforting yet fiery dish that excites the palate.

For me, this recipe captures the heart of modern cooking—bringing together global flavors while remaining approachable for a home kitchen. It’s hearty, satisfying, and just the right mix of fiery, creamy, and comforting.

Overview of Jerk Chicken Pasta

At its core, Jerk Chicken Pasta is about balance. The bold jerk seasoning—a mix of allspice, thyme, garlic, scotch bonnet peppers, and warm spices—delivers heat and smokiness that cuts through the richness of the creamy sauce. By combining this flavor-packed chicken with pasta, you get a dish that is both comforting and adventurous.

The star of the recipe is the chicken, which is marinated (or coated) in jerk spice blend before being pan-seared for a crisp, flavorful crust. Sautéed bell peppers and onions add sweetness and color, while garlic provides depth. Heavy cream and parmesan transform the pan juices into a velvety sauce that coats every strand of pasta.

This dish is versatile enough for a quick weeknight dinner but elegant enough to serve at a dinner party. It offers the familiarity of pasta with the exotic twist of Caribbean seasoning. For spice lovers, it’s a revelation, but the cream ensures the heat is balanced. It’s a celebration of fusion cooking at its very best.

Ingredients for Jerk Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lime juice
• Pinch of salt

For the Pasta & Sauce:

• 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon cream cheese (optional, for extra creaminess)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Garnish:

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra parmesan
• Lime wedges

How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta

Start by preparing the chicken. Pat chicken strips dry with paper towels, then coat them with jerk seasoning, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta water for later.

In the same skillet used for the chicken, heat olive oil and sauté sliced peppers and onions until softened and slightly caramelized, about 5 minutes. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, stirring until fragrant. Deglaze the pan with chicken broth, scraping up the flavorful bits left behind by the chicken.

Reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream, stirring until the sauce thickens slightly. Fold in parmesan and cream cheese, letting it melt into a smooth, velvety sauce. Add the cooked pasta, tossing to coat thoroughly.

Slice the jerk chicken and add it back into the skillet. Stir gently, ensuring the chicken and pasta are evenly coated in the creamy sauce. Adjust seasonings with salt and pepper.

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into strips. Place in a bowl and season with jerk seasoning, lime juice, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Toss well until chicken is coated. Set aside while prepping the other ingredients.
2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water. Set aside.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips in a single layer. Cook for about 5–6 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
4. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add more olive oil if needed. Add sliced red and yellow peppers, along with red onion. Sauté for 5 minutes until softened and lightly caramelized. Add minced garlic, smoked paprika, and chili flakes, stirring for 1 minute.
5. Build the Sauce: Pour chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to deglaze and release browned bits from the pan. Lower the heat and stir in heavy cream. Allow to simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened. Add grated parmesan and cream cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
6. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing it in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water. Slice the jerk chicken and return it to the skillet, tossing everything gently together.
7. Serve: Transfer pasta to bowls, top with extra parmesan, chopped parsley, and a wedge of lime. Serve hot.

Cook & Prep Times

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: ~45 minutes

Nutrition Information (Per Serving, serves 4)

• Calories: 620
• Protein: 38g
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 12g
• Carbohydrates: 54g
• Fiber: 4g
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg

Serving of Jerk Chicken Pasta

This Jerk Chicken Pasta is a complete meal on its own, but thoughtful pairings elevate it even further. Serve it with warm garlic bread or buttery ciabatta slices to soak up the creamy sauce. A crisp side salad with lemon vinaigrette provides freshness that balances the richness of the dish.

For gatherings, serve the pasta family-style in a large skillet at the table, topped with a sprinkle of parmesan and parsley. Garnish with lime wedges to highlight the citrusy undertone of jerk seasoning.

Beverage pairings are equally important. A chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the spice and creaminess perfectly. For beer lovers, a crisp lager or pale ale balances the heat of the jerk seasoning. Non-alcoholic options like iced hibiscus tea or sparkling lime water add a refreshing contrast.

This pasta is bold enough to stand as the star of the table yet comforting enough for a casual weeknight dinner. It’s hearty, flavorful, and a conversation starter in any setting.

Pro Tips & Variations

• Adjust Heat: Use less jerk seasoning or add cream to tone down spice.
• Protein Swaps: Substitute shrimp or salmon for chicken.
• Make It Lighter: Swap cream for half-and-half or coconut milk.
• Veggie Boost: Add zucchini, spinach, or mushrooms to the sautéed vegetables.
• Cheese Twist: Try pecorino romano instead of parmesan for a sharper bite.
• Meal Prep: Store leftovers in airtight containers; reheat gently with a splash of milk.

Final Thoughts

The Jerk Chicken Pasta is proof of how beautifully culinary worlds collide. By bringing the vibrant, smoky flavors of Caribbean jerk seasoning into a creamy Italian-style pasta, you get a dish that’s bold, comforting, and irresistibly satisfying.

For me, this recipe embodies the joy of food—taking risks, blending cultures, and creating something new that feels familiar yet exciting. Every bite brings tender chicken, velvety sauce, and the lively kick of jerk spices, making it a meal worth repeating again and again.

Whether you’re preparing it for a cozy dinner at home, serving friends for a weekend gathering, or treating yourself to something indulgent, this dish never fails to impress. It’s hearty, flavorful, and absolutely unforgettable.