Creamy Jerk Chicken Pasta That Brings the Heat (And Comfort)
If you love bold Caribbean flavors but also crave a rich, creamy pasta night, this Jerk Chicken Pasta is about to become your new obsession. It’s smoky, spicy, and perfectly balanced with a velvety cream sauce that wraps around tender linguini, colorful bell peppers, and juicy jerk-seasoned chicken.
This dish brings serious flavor while still feeling like comfort food. It’s weeknight-friendly but impressive enough for guests. And yes — garlic bread is absolutely mandatory.
Let’s get into it.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a sucker for bold seasoning, and jerk spice delivers every time. The combination of smoky paprika, warm spices, and a little heat transforms simple chicken breasts into something unforgettable. But what really seals the deal is how the cream and almond milk mellow everything out just enough.
You get:
- A creamy, rich sauce
- Tender, well-seasoned chicken
- Fresh vegetables for color and balance
- Pasta that soaks up every bit of flavor
It’s the kind of dish that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under an hour.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp Adobo seasoning (divided)
- 3 tsp jerk seasoning (divided)
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil (divided)
- 2 handfuls fresh spinach leaves
- 6–8 oz linguini noodles
- 1 ⅓ cup heavy cream
- 1 ⅓ cup unsweetened almond milk (or oat milk)
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
Ingredient Swaps & Notes
- Chicken thighs can be used instead of breasts for even juicier results.
- If your jerk seasoning contains salt, go easy on the Adobo to avoid oversalting.
- Want extra heat? Add crushed red pepper or a splash of hot sauce.
- For a lighter version, reduce heavy cream slightly and increase almond milk.
- Gluten-free pasta works perfectly here.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Rub 2 teaspoons of jerk seasoning onto the chicken breasts. Season with ½ tablespoon of Adobo seasoning (watch the salt levels). Set aside.
2. Prep the Vegetables
Slice the green and red bell peppers into thin strips.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Heat 1 teaspoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the bell peppers and spinach. Cook for about 10 minutes, until softened. Season with the remaining ½ tablespoon Adobo. Remove from skillet and set aside.
4. Boil the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add linguini and cook for about 8 minutes (it will finish cooking in the sauce). Drain and set aside.
5. Sear the Chicken
In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sear chicken over medium heat for 12–15 minutes, flipping halfway through, until fully cooked. Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
6. Make the Cream Sauce
In the skillet, add heavy cream and almond milk. Season with onion powder, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and remaining jerk seasoning. Taste and adjust with extra Adobo if needed.
Let the sauce gently bubble.
7. Combine Everything
Add pasta, sautéed vegetables, and sliced chicken into the sauce. Toss well and cook for about 10 minutes until the sauce thickens and coats everything beautifully.
Serve immediately.
Tips for Success
- Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing chicken — you want a good crust.
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes in the sauce without becoming mushy.
- Let the chicken rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
- If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of pasta water or milk.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
This pasta pairs beautifully with:
- Garlic bread
- A crisp green salad
- A refreshing drink like this This Blueberry Lemonade Is My Favorite Refreshing Drink for Sunny Days
If you’re planning a full dinner spread, start with This Baked Brie Appetizer Is My Favorite Effortless Way to Impress Guests.
For another bold, Southern-inspired comfort dish, try This Cajun Chicken Sausage Gumbo Is My Favorite Bowl of Southern Comfort.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 620–700
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fat: 34g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 6g
Values will vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Storage & Leftover Tips
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
- Not ideal for freezing due to the cream sauce separating.
More Recipes You’ll Love
If this pasta hit the spot, you’ll definitely enjoy:
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
- This Chocolate Chip Banana Bread Is My Favorite Way to Use Up Overripe Bananas
Whether you’re in the mood for another savory dinner or something sweet to finish the night, these recipes won’t disappoint.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Chicken Pasta is everything I love about cooking — bold flavor, simple ingredients, and serious comfort. It’s creamy but spicy, hearty but fresh, and guaranteed to earn repeat requests.
If you make this recipe, let me know how it turned out. Did you crank up the heat? Add shrimp? Make it dairy-free? I’d love to hear your twist.
Until next time,
Jason Griffith
ChefManiac.com
