Easy Jerk Chicken Pasta (One Pan Meal!)

Name: Easy Jerk Chicken Pasta (One Pan Meal!)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless); 3 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade) (divided); 1 tbsp olive oil; juice of 1 lime; 1 red bell pepper (sliced); 1 yellow bell pepper (sliced); 1 small red onion (thinly sliced); 3-4 garlic cloves (minced); 2 cups chicken broth; 1 cup cream; 8 oz penne pasta (or pasta of your choice); 1 cup grated parmesan cheese; 2 green onions (sliced); salt and pepper (to taste); cilantro (optional for garnish)

Published on July 24, 2024 by Sarah Troester

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One Pan Jerk Chicken Pasta is creamy pasta tossed with Caribbean style jerk chicken and sautéed vegetables. This dish is incredibly delicious and easy to make. It all comes together in one pan in just under 30 minutes for a great weeknight dinner!

After wrapping up another hectic school year balancing teaching and parenting, I’m thrilled to be home full-time with my kids. As much as I love my job, it’s refreshing to switch gears and focus on some quality family time–and, of course, to spend a little more time in the kitchen experimenting with new recipes.

Today, I want to share a gem that has quickly become the most requested dish in our household: Jerk Chicken Pasta. This recipe came to us in the most delightful way and has since been a staple in our kitchen. Here’s how it all began.

the story behind our jerk chicken pasta recipe

It all started when my son, Brandon, who just moved up to middle school, came home one evening raving about the amazing dinner he had at his best friend’s house. “Mom, you have to get this recipe and take notes,” he said, eyes wide with excitement. He loved the recipe so much, he practically begged me to recreate it. Of course, I couldn’t say no to that!

I reached out to his friend’s mom, who kindly shared the recipe, and let me tell you, it has been a game-changer. This one pan easy jerk chicken pasta recipe is not only delicious but incredibly simple to make.

Plus, it’s a great way to sneak some veggies into a meal without a single complaint from my kids. The combination of spicy jerk chicken and creamy pasta is absolutely irresistable.

why your whole family will love this recipe

As a mom and teacher, I’m always on the lookout for meals that are not just nutritious but also easy to prepare. And this recipe ticks all the boxes.

Quick and Simple: You can whip this up in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Vegetable-Friendly: I love adding bell peppers, onions, and even some spinach or asparagus into the mix. My kids don’t mind at all; in fact, they enjoy the colorful presentation.
School Lunch Approved: Brandon loves it so much that he’s requested to take it to school for lunch. With a little prep, this makes for an excellent packed meal, ensuring he gets a hearty lunch even during those busy school days.

ingredients

To make this easy one pan jerk chicken pasta recipe, you’ll need a few ingredients that you can get at almost any grocery store or even online.

Here’s what we are working with:

chicken breasts
jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
olive oil
lime juice
bell peppers (red and yellow)
red onion
garlic
chicken broth
cream
penne pasta (or pasta of your choice)
grated parmesan cheese
green onions
cilantro (optional for garnish)

how to make easy jerk chicken pasta

Marinate the Chicken: Rub the chicken breasts with 2 tbsp jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice.

Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, until browned and mostly cooked through. Remove for the skillet and let them rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan, add the sliced bell peppers, red onion, minced garlic and 1 tbsp of the jerk seasoning. Sauté for 3-4 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender.

Create the Sauce: Add the chicken broth and heavy cream to the pan, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.

Cook the Pasta: Add the uncooked pasta to the pan, stirring it into the liquid. Cover the pan with a lid and let it simmer for about 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is cooked to al dente. If the liquid reduces too much before the pasta is fully cooked, you can add a little extra chicken broth or water.

Combine Everything: Once the pasta is cooked, return the chicken to the pan along with any juices that have accumulated. Add the parmesan cheese and stir until well combined and the cheese is melted into the sauce.

Season: Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper and/or jerk seasoning to taste.

Garnish and Serve: Remove from heat and sprinkle with sliced green onions and freshly chopped cilantro if desired.

can I meal prep jerk chicken pasta?

YES! This jerk chicken pasta makes one incredible meal prep! It’s easy, delicious, and loaded with comfort and flavor. You will want to divide skillet ingredients into 4 meal prep containers and get ready for one delicious week of prepped lunches!

We hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It’s definitely one of those recipes worth saving. There’s nothing better than having what looks and tastes like a gourmet meal on the table, but one that saves you time behind the scenes.

Please leave us a star review and comment if you make this family loved recipe.

If you have any questions or comments, feel free leave them below. I answer every single question as quickly as I can.

Happy cooking! And thanks for being part of our tribe, The Tasteful Tribe!

ENJOY!