Spicy Island Jerk Chicken Pasta
Indulge your taste buds with this vibrant and flavorful Spicy Island Jerk Chicken Pasta, inspired by the beloved dish from Bahama Breeze. This recipe captures the essence of Caribbean cuisine by combining tender, seasoned chicken pieces with a creamy, spicy sauce that perfectly complements the fresh vegetables and delicate angel hair pasta. The rich garlic and cayenne pepper infusion elevates this dish to new heights, while the addition of asparagus and mushrooms adds a satisfying crunch and earthy flavor. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or an impressive dish for guests, this pasta is sure to transport you to tropical shores with every bite.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless chicken breasts
4 (cut into strips or slices)
butter
1/2 cup (unsalted)
garlic cloves
4-5 (crushed)
half-and-half
1 cup (none)
chicken broth
1/2 cup (low-sodium recommended)
cornstarch
1 teaspoon (none)
herbs (rosemary, marjoram, oregano)
1 teaspoon (dried)
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (none)
asparagus
1/2 stalk (cut into 1 inch pieces)
sliced mushrooms
8 ounces (pieces and stems)
parsley
3 tablespoons (crushed)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
angel hair pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium-low heat and sauté the crushed garlic until fragrant.
2
Add the cayenne pepper and the boneless chicken pieces to the skillet, increasing the heat to medium. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked to your desired tenderness.
3
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet, leaving behind the flavorful butter, garlic, and cayenne mixture.
4
In a separate deep pan, fill it a quarter full with water and add a steamer basket on top. Place the chopped asparagus in the basket, cover with a lid, and steam for 5-10 minutes until tender, then remove.
5
In another pot, cook the angel hair pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
6
In a small bowl, whisk together the half-and-half, chicken broth, and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the skillet with remnants of the chicken.
7
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 3 minutes, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
8
Stir in the crushed parsley, dried herbs, sliced mushrooms, and steamed asparagus, allowing them to heat through and blend into the sauce for 3-5 minutes.
9
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through.
10
Finally, add the drained angel hair pasta to the skillet and toss gently to combine everything thoroughly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
11
Serve hot and enjoy this delicious Spicy Island Jerk Chicken Pasta!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Island Jerk Chicken Pasta?
This recipe is a vibrant and flavorful Caribbean-inspired dish that combines seasoned chicken with a creamy, spicy sauce, fresh vegetables, and angel hair pasta.
What restaurant inspired this jerk chicken pasta recipe?
This recipe is inspired by the beloved Spicy Island Jerk Chicken Pasta served at Bahama Breeze.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to yield 4 servings.
What type of pasta should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 8 ounces of uncooked angel hair pasta.
How much chicken is required for this dish?
You will need 4 boneless chicken breasts, cut into strips or slices.
Is this recipe considered spicy?
Yes, it features a spicy sauce elevated by a tablespoon of cayenne pepper.
What vegetables are included in the pasta?
The dish includes 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms and 1/2 stalk of asparagus cut into 1-inch pieces.
How do I prepare the asparagus?
The asparagus should be cut into 1-inch pieces and steamed for 5-10 minutes until tender.
What makes the sauce creamy?
The sauce is made creamy using a combination of one cup of half-and-half, chicken broth, and a teaspoon of cornstarch as a thickener.
How much butter is used in the recipe?
The recipe uses 1/2 cup of unsalted butter.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
You will need 4 to 5 crushed garlic cloves.
What dried herbs are used for seasoning?
The recipe uses a teaspoon of dried rosemary, marjoram, and oregano.
How much cayenne pepper should I add?
One tablespoon of cayenne pepper is added to the skillet with the chicken.
What is the recommended type of chicken broth?
Low-sodium chicken broth is recommended for this recipe.
How long do I simmer the sauce?
The sauce should be brought to a boil and then simmered for about 3 minutes while stirring constantly.
What kind of mushrooms are best for this recipe?
You can use 8 ounces of sliced mushrooms, including both pieces and stems.
How is the chicken cooked?
The chicken is sautéed in a mixture of butter, garlic, and cayenne pepper until golden brown.
Do I need to remove the chicken from the pan?
Yes, once cooked, remove the chicken but leave the flavorful butter and garlic mixture in the skillet to start the sauce.
How much parsley is required?
You should use 3 tablespoons of crushed parsley.
What is used to thicken the sauce?
One teaspoon of cornstarch is whisked with the liquids to help thicken the sauce.
Can I adjust the salt and pepper?
Yes, the recipe suggests seasoning with salt and pepper to your personal taste at the end.
What is the first step in making this pasta?
The first step is to melt butter over medium-low heat and sauté crushed garlic until it is fragrant.
How is the asparagus cooked?
It is cooked in a steamer basket over a pan of water for 5 to 10 minutes.
When do I add the pasta to the sauce?
The drained angel hair pasta is added to the skillet as the final step before serving.
Is this a quick recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick recipe and a convenient one-dish meal.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 14 ingredients used in this recipe.
What is the category of this recipe?
It is categorized as a One Dish Meal.
Should the pasta be cooked separately?
Yes, the angel hair pasta should be cooked in its own pot according to package instructions then drained.
When do I add the mushrooms to the dish?
The sliced mushrooms are stirred into the sauce along with the herbs and steamed asparagus and heated through for 3-5 minutes.
How should I serve this dish?
It should be served hot immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce and chicken.