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Homemade Creamy Jerk Chicken Pasta photo

Creamy Jerk Chicken Pasta

Penne-style pasta tossed in a creamy coconut-Parmesan sauce with jerk-seasoned chicken, mushrooms, and parsley.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Equipment

  • Le Creset Stainless Steel 3.5 Quart Saucier Pan

Ingredients
  

Ingredients

  • 1 poundchicken thighs boneless and skinless
  • 3 tablespoonsjerk seasoning
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 12 ouncespasta such as penne or any small shaped pasta
  • 2 tablespoonsolive oil
  • 1 smallonion finely chopped
  • 3 clovesgarlic minced
  • 1 cupmushrooms sliced
  • 1 tablespoonjerk seasoning
  • 1 tablespoontomato paste
  • 1/2 cupchicken broth low sodium
  • 1 cupheavy cream
  • 1 cupcoconut milk
  • 1 cupParmesan cheese grated
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cupfresh parsley chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the 12 ounces pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set it aside.
  • Pat the 1 pound chicken thighs dry with paper towels. Rub the chicken evenly with 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning.
  • Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the seasoned chicken and cook 5–7 minutes per side, until cooked through and lightly charred (juices should run clear). Transfer the chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
  • Return the skillet (with any browned bits) to medium heat and add the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil. Add the 1 small finely chopped onion and cook 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until translucent.
  • Add the 3 cloves minced garlic and 1 cup sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until fragrant and the mushrooms are softened.
  • Stir in 1 tablespoon jerk seasoning and 1 tablespoon tomato paste. Cook 1–2 minutes, stirring, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  • Pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, 1 cup heavy cream, and 1 cup coconut milk. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly.
  • Stir in 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce is smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles evenly in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time (about 1/4 cup increments) until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Add the sliced jerk chicken back to the skillet and toss gently to combine and heat through.
  • Garnish with 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or substitute with chicken breasts if preferred.
Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning to suit your spice preference.
Reserve 1 cup of pasta water to help adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the sauce.