Curious and eager, I delved into the world of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta, a dish that embodies the essence of the tropical paradise it is named after.
With a blend of zesty jerk seasoning, succulent chicken, and a medley of fresh vegetables, this pasta dish offers a culinary escape to the sun-drenched shores of the Bahamas.
What is Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?
Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta is a mouthwatering dish that combines the bold flavors of jerk seasoning with tender chicken and a creamy pasta base.
The jerk seasoning, a signature blend of herbs and spices, infuses the chicken with a spicy kick while complementing the richness of the creamy sauce. Sautéed bell peppers, onions, and mushrooms add depth and texture to the dish, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.
Why This Recipe Works?
The magic of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta lies in its harmonious blend of flavors and textures. The bold, smoky notes of the jerk seasoning pair perfectly with the creamy sauce, while the tender chicken and sautéed vegetables add layers of depth to the dish.
Each component works in harmony to create a truly unforgettable dining experience that is sure to delight your palate.
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Ingredients You’ll Need:
- Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts as the main protein in the dish, providing a lean and flavorful base for the pasta.
- Jerk Seasoning: Jerk seasoning adds a bold and spicy flavor to the chicken, infusing it with Caribbean-inspired spices and enhancing its taste profile.
- Extra-Virgin Olive Oil: I use extra-virgin olive oil to sauté the chicken and vegetables, adding richness and depth of flavor to the dish.
- Penne Pasta: Penne pasta serves as the hearty and satisfying base for the dish, providing a perfect vehicle for the flavorful chicken and vegetables.
- Red Bell Pepper, Orange Bell Pepper, Onion, Jalapeno, Garlic: These colorful vegetables add freshness, sweetness, and a hint of heat to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor and texture.
- Low-Sodium Chicken Broth: Low-sodium chicken broth adds depth and richness to the sauce, creating a flavorful base for the pasta dish.
- Heavy Cream or Half and Half: Heavy cream or half and half adds creaminess and richness to the sauce, making it luscious and velvety.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is essential for seasoning the chicken and vegetables, ensuring they are properly seasoned and flavorful.
- Freshly Grated Parmesan: Freshly grated Parmesan cheese adds a nutty and savory flavor to the dish, enhancing its overall taste and adding a touch of richness.
- Chopped Parsley: Chopped parsley adds a fresh and herbaceous flavor to the dish, brightening up the flavors and adding a pop of color.
- Cornstarch: Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent for the sauce, helping to create a smooth and velvety texture.
- Herbs (Rosemary, Marjoram, Oregano): These herbs add depth and complexity to the dish, infusing it with aromatic flavors that complement the other ingredients.
- Cayenne Pepper: Cayenne pepper adds a spicy kick to the dish, enhancing its overall flavor profile with a hint of heat.
- Sliced Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms add earthiness and umami flavor to the dish, complementing the other ingredients and adding texture to the pasta.
Step by Step Directions:
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by seasoning each chicken breast generously with jerk seasoning on both sides. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed over the meat. Cover the seasoned chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the chicken.
Step 2: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken is marinating. This will ensure that the oven is hot and ready for roasting when the chicken is prepared.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This initial searing will help lock in the juices and create a flavorful outer layer.
Step 4: Roast the Chicken
After searing, transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness.
Step 5: Cook the Pasta
While the chicken is roasting, cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s essential to time this step so that the pasta is ready when the chicken is done.
Step 6: Prepare the Sauce
In a separate skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers, diced onions, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Saute the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
Step 7: Add Flavorful Ingredients
To the skillet with the sauteed vegetables, add minced garlic, chopped jalapenos, and sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the ingredients are well combined.
Step 8: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in heavy cream (or half and half) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the pasta.
Step 9: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
Step 10: Serve and Enjoy
To serve, plate the creamy pasta and vegetable mixture, then arrange the sliced jerk chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta!
Tips
To elevate your culinary experience with Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta, consider the following tips:
– Marinate the chicken in jerk seasoning overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
– Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a touch of tropical sweetness.
– Experiment with different types of pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti for a unique twist.
– Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken to create a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.
– Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
How to Store Leftovers?
If you find yourself with leftover Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta, fear not! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Simply reheat in the microwave or on the stove, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to revive the creamy sauce.
Nutrition Information
For those mindful of their dietary intake, here is a rough estimate of the nutritional breakdown per serving of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta:
– Calories: 480
– Protein: 30g
– Carbohydrates: 45g
– Fat: 20g
– Fiber: 3g
How Would I Recommend Serving Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta by pairing it with the following suggestions:
1. Fresh Green Salad: Balance the rich and creamy pasta dish with a crisp, refreshing salad dressed with a zesty vinaigrette.
2. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread makes for the perfect accompaniment to soak up the savory sauce and enhance the overall dining experience.
3. Grilled Pineapple: Elevate the tropical essence of the dish by grilling slices of fresh pineapple and serving them alongside the pasta for a burst of sweetness.
4. Coconut Rice: Prepare a side of coconut rice infused with fragrant coconut milk and shredded coconut to complement the Caribbean flavors of the dish.
What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients If Not Available?
In the event that you are missing a key ingredient for Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta, consider these substitutes to customize the dish to your liking:
1. Jerk Seasoning: If jerk seasoning is not available, you can create a DIY blend using a combination of cayenne pepper, paprika, thyme, allspice, cinnamon, and nutmeg.
2. Chicken: Swap the chicken for shrimp, pork, or tofu to cater to different dietary preferences or flavor profiles.
3. Parmesan Cheese: Substitute Parmesan cheese with grated Romano or Asiago cheese for a nuttier flavor profile.
4. Bell Peppers: Feel free to use any color of bell peppers or even add other vegetables such as zucchini, broccoli, or spinach for added variety.
Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet
- Oven
- Meat thermometer
- Pot for boiling water
Ingredients
- 1 cup diced onion
- 8 ounces sliced mushrooms pieces and stems
- 1 teaspoon herbs of your choice, rosemary, marjoram, oregano
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan
- ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 jalapeno seeded and minced
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil divided
- 3 tablespoons jerk seasoning divided
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 orange bell pepper sliced
- ¼ cup chopped parsley
- ½ teaspoon kosher salt
- 3 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- ¾ cup heavy cream or half and half
Instructions
- Begin by seasoning each chicken breast generously with jerk seasoning on both sides. Ensure that the seasoning is evenly distributed over the meat. Cover the seasoned chicken and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, allowing the flavors to meld and infuse into the chicken.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) while the chicken is marinating. This will ensure that the oven is hot and ready for roasting when the chicken is prepared.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the seasoned chicken breasts to the skillet.
- Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. This initial searing will help lock in the juices and create a flavorful outer layer.
- After searing, transfer the skillet with the chicken to the preheated oven. Roast the chicken for about 25-30 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is cooked through. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate way to check for doneness.
- While the chicken is roasting, cook the penne pasta in a pot of salted boiling water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside. It’s essential to time this step so that the pasta is ready when the chicken is done.
- In a separate skillet, heat another tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced bell peppers, diced onions, and sliced mushrooms to the skillet. Saute the vegetables until they are tender and slightly caramelized, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes.
- To the skillet with the sauteed vegetables, add minced garlic, chopped jalapenos, and sliced green onions. Cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until the garlic becomes fragrant and the ingredients are well combined.
- Pour in low-sodium chicken broth and bring it to a gentle simmer. Then, stir in heavy cream (or half and half) and freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken slightly, creating a creamy and flavorful base for the pasta.
- Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice the chicken into strips. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and vegetables. Stir well to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce.
- To serve, plate the creamy pasta and vegetable mixture, then arrange the sliced jerk chicken on top. Garnish with chopped parsley or additional sliced green onions for a pop of color and freshness.
- Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious homemade Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta!
Notes
- Marinate the chicken in jerk seasoning overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
- Add a splash of coconut milk to the sauce for a touch of tropical sweetness.
- Experiment with different types of pasta such as fettuccine or spaghetti for a unique twist.
- Substitute shrimp or tofu for the chicken to create a seafood or vegetarian version of the dish.
- Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro or lime wedges for a burst of freshness.
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with a dairy-free alternative such as coconut milk or cashew cream for a luscious, dairy-free version of the dish.
Q2. Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Absolutely! Opt for gluten-free pasta or zoodles (zucchini noodles) as a gluten-free alternative to traditional penne pasta.
Q3. Can I adjust the level of spice in the dish?
Of course! Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning and cayenne pepper to suit your heat preference, whether you prefer a mild kick or a fiery explosion of flavor.
Q4. How can I add more protein to the dish?
Consider incorporating additional protein sources such as black beans, chickpeas, or grilled tofu to boost the protein content of the dish without compromising on flavor.
Q5. Can I prepare this dish in advance for a gathering?
Indeed! You can prepare the components of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta ahead of time and simply assemble and reheat before serving to streamline your hosting experience.
Q6. What wine pairs well with this dish?
Opt for a crisp, fruity white wine such as a Sauvignon Blanc or a Chardonnay to complement the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning and the creaminess of the sauce.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta is a culinary masterpiece that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of the Caribbean with every mouthful.
From the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning to the creamy richness of the sauce, this dish offers a symphony of flavors and textures that are sure to delight your senses. Whether enjoyed on a weeknight or shared with loved ones at a gathering, this recipe is a true celebration of tropical indulgence.
So, gather your ingredients, embark on this culinary journey, and savor the taste of paradise in every bite.
