Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe

Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe - Bahama Breeze provides a convenient way to enjoy the delicious and healthy Caribbean cuisine known for its rich flavors and enticing aromas. Whether you have fond memories of Caribbean dishes from a romantic vacation or simply appreciate island food, you will definitely be delighted by their renowned specialty, the Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta.

Nevertheless, we firmly believe that there is great satisfaction in replicating your favorite restaurant recipes at home, allowing you to add your personal touch to each dish. Keeping this in consideration, we have chosen to share our version of the famous Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta.

How to make Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta

Pasta dishes are undeniably a top pick for home-cooked meals, as they offer a quick and satisfying option that is both delicious and nutritious.

The Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta recipe is no exception, requiring minimal time in the kitchen, which is a convenience we can all enjoy.

Despite its simplicity, this chicken pasta dish excels in delivering rich and layered flavors and aromas, showcasing its depth and complexity.

Furthermore, it is remarkably satiating, making it a perfect choice to serve as a hearty main course.

Ingredients

(6 servings)

1 lb penne pasta (or any other pasta of your choice)
3 boneless chicken breasts
1 cup onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 orange bell pepper (sliced)
2 tbsp olive oil
1/3 cup green onions (sliced)
1 jalapeno (minced)
3 tbsp jerk seasoning
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/2 tsp salt
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
1/4 cup parsley (chopped)

Instructions

The choice of pasta shape is flexible in the original recipe, allowing you to decide which type suits your preferences for this jerk chicken pasta.

Various options like linguine, fusilli, fettuccine, and bow tie pasta can yield similar results, depending on the desired texture for your pasta dishes.

For an enhanced savory flavor and smoky aroma, we suggest using freshly grated parmesan cheese instead of pre-grated, bagged shredded parmesan.

Step 1

To prepare the chicken pasta recipe, it's recommended to season the chicken breast in advance, allowing it to marinate and absorb the flavors.

Leave the seasoned chicken in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before cooking.

Coat the chicken evenly by rubbing 2 tablespoons of jerk seasoning onto it.

Step 2

Preheat your oven to 400°F while browning the chicken on the stove.

Remove the chicken from the fridge and let it rest at room temperature for about 15 minutes before cooking.

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.

Place the chicken breast in the hot oil and cook each side for approximately 3 minutes until a golden-brown layer forms, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Once the oven reaches 400°F, transfer the skillet with the chicken into the oven.

Roast the chicken for about 30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (using a thermometer, if available).

Step 4

While waiting, take a large pot and fill it with water. Add a small amount of salt to the water and bring it to a boil.

Once the water reaches a boil, add the pasta and cook it for approximately 8 minutes.

If you prefer your pasta to be al dente, follow the instructions on the packaging to achieve the desired texture.

Once the pasta is cooked to your liking, reserve a small amount of pasta water and set it aside. Then drain the pasta.

Step 5

After about 30 minutes, take the chicken out of the oven and set it aside. Cover it with aluminum foil to keep it warm.

Now that both the jerk chicken and the pasta are prepared, it's time to focus on making the Bahama Breeze pasta sauce.

You can use the same skillet you used to cook the chicken for extra flavor, or you can use a new skillet to start fresh.

Add the remaining olive oil to the skillet and heat it over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the diced bell peppers and onions to the pan.

Allow them to cook for approximately 4 minutes.

Step 6

When the bell peppers and onions become soft, it's time to add the green onions and jalapeno to the skillet. Cook the vegetables for an additional 2 minutes.

Once the veggies are soft and aromatic, pour in the chicken broth and bring the sauce to a boil.

Step 7

Reduce the heat and add the heavy cream, parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt to the sauce. Stir the sauce well to ensure the parmesan melts.

To achieve the desired consistency, add a small amount of the reserved pasta water gradually, while stirring.

Now it's time to add the cooked pasta to the sauce and combine all the ingredients together.

Serve the pasta on a plate, and top it with the chopped jerk chicken and some parsley.

Ingredient substitutions

While this recipe aims to replicate a specific dish, strict adherence to the exact ingredients is not necessary to achieve an exceptional result.

If you're interested in substituting some of the recipe ingredients while ensuring a successful outcome, here are some suitable options to consider.

Turkey breasts

Turkey breasts make an excellent alternative to chicken breasts, as they offer similar textures and flavors. Although some individuals find turkey slightly chewier, if you prefer turkey meat, it can certainly be used as a replacement in this dish.

Homemade jerk seasoning

Creating your own seasoning mixture at home offers numerous advantages, including complete control over the ingredients and their quantities. Homemade mixtures also avoid the presence of preservatives or artificial additives, which is always beneficial.

Here is a breakdown of the ingredients required for preparing your own jerk seasoning:

2 tsp salt
1 tbsp garlic powder
1 tbsp onion powder
2 tsp smoked paprika
2 tsp cayenne pepper
1 tsp ground allspice
1 tsp ground black pepper
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1 tbsp brown sugar
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tbsp dried parsley

Banana peppers

In place of bell peppers, you can opt for mild peppers such as banana peppers as a suitable substitute.

It is advisable to select peppers that fall within the mildly hot range, considering that jalapenos, which are also added to the dish, can bring some heat.

Additionally, it's important to keep in mind that the jerk seasoning itself incorporates red pepper flakes, which contribute to a spicy element.

What to serve with Bahama Breeze jerk chicken

It is evident that Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta is a satisfying and well-rounded meal in itself. It encompasses the meat, vegetables, pasta, and sauce components.

Nevertheless, a complementary side dish can always be a welcome addition. Let's explore some excellent options that would complement this chicken pasta.

Asparagus

Grilled or roasted asparagus is a reliable choice when you're seeking a side dish idea. It is both filling and highly nutritious, while also versatile enough to pair well with more complex dishes.

Broccoli

Similar to asparagus, steamed or roasted broccoli serves as a simple solution when you're looking for a side dish idea. Including broccoli alongside your chicken pasta not only adds balance to the meal but also allows you to incorporate some greens into your diet. Enhance the flavor and texture by sprinkling sea salt and grated parmesan cheese on top.

Salad

Since this pasta dish already comprises all the essential components for a complete meal, the side dish doesn't require excessive attention. Adding a side of your favorite salad with a vinaigrette dressing and a squeeze of lemon juice can bring a refreshing touch to the overall meal.

How to reheat Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta

To ensure optimal reheating of Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta, it is recommended to warm the chicken and pasta separately, treating each component individually.

However, if time is limited, you can choose to heat the entire dish together for a quicker reheating process.

How to reheat Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta on the stovetop

If you choose to separate the chicken from the pasta during the reheating process, follow these steps:

Heat a small amount of butter or olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat.
Place the sliced jerk chicken in the pan and allow it to heat up for a few minutes.
Transfer the pasta with the vegetables to a saucepan and warm it over low heat.
If the pasta has absorbed the sauce, you can add additional chicken stock or heavy cream to restore the desired pasta sauce consistency.

If you prefer to reheat the entire dish together, follow these steps:

Grab a saucepan and heat a small amount of olive oil or butter over low heat.
Add the chicken pasta to the pan and cook it on low heat while stirring constantly to prevent the pasta from sticking.
If necessary, you can add more chicken stock or heavy cream to achieve the desired consistency of the dish.

How to reheat Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta in the oven

To reheat the entire pasta dish in the oven, start by preheating your oven to 400°F.

While the oven is preheating, transfer the chicken pasta to a pot and cover it with aluminum foil. This will help retain the moisture in the dish and prevent the sauce from evaporating, ensuring that both the meat and pasta remain moist.

Place the covered pot of pasta in the preheated oven and bake it at 400°F for approximately 6 minutes, or until you reach the desired temperature for reheating.

How to store Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta

It is crucial to ensure that your pasta cools down completely at room temperature before storing it in the fridge or freezer.

Store in the fridge

For refrigerator storage, it is advisable to store the pasta separately from the chicken to prevent it from becoming soggy and mushy.

Place each component in a separate airtight container and refrigerate them for a maximum of 4 days.

Store in the freezer

If you intend to freeze your Bahama Breeze jerk chicken pasta, it is recommended to only save the chicken, as defrosted pasta may not have an appetizing taste.

Place the jerk chicken in an airtight container or freezer bag and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Easy Recipe