Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Recipe

Island vibes and flavorful adventures are closer than you may think, nestled right in your kitchen with a dish that combines comfort with a hint of exotic spice. Imagine a plateful of perfectly al dente pasta intertwined with the sizzling, spicy-sweet notes of jerk seasoning, crowned with succulently seasoned chicken. This is the essence of the Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta, a culinary escape that brings the tropics to your taste buds.

Nothing embodies the soul of island cuisine quite like the word “jerk.” It speaks to a legacy of marinades, a symphony of spices, and the kind of heat that makes your palate dance. I still remember the first time I ventured into a Bahama Breeze restaurant and, on a whim, ordered their famed Jerk Chicken Pasta. The explosion of flavors was an unfading memory that had me yearning to recreate the experience at home.

How to make Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta

Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta is a dish served at Bahama Breeze Island Grille, a casual restaurant chain specializing in Caribbean-inspired cuisine. This dish typically consists of seasoned grilled chicken breast served on top of pasta, often fettuccine or linguine, tossed in a creamy Alfredo sauce infused with Caribbean flavors such as jerk seasoning.

Ingredients

For the Jerk Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
• Salt to taste

For the Pasta:

• 400g (14oz) penne pasta (or your preferred type)
• Salt for boiling water

For the Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 green onions, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to your heat preference)
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lime juice
• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Garnish (Optional):

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Extra Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Jerk Chicken Preparation:

1. Season the Chicken: Rub each chicken breast with jerk seasoning and a pinch of salt (if your jerk seasoning isn’t very salty).
2. Cook the Chicken: Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side until they’re cooked through and the outside is caramelized. Once done, set them aside and let them rest before slicing them into strips.

Pasta Prep:

Boil the Pasta:

1. Set a pot of water over high heat and bring it to a boil.
2. Add a generous pinch of salt and then the pasta.
3. Cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
4. Drain and set aside, reserving a little of the pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency later, if needed.

Sauce Time:

Sauté the Veggies:

1. Using the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
2. Add the bell peppers and green onions, sautéing until they’re just starting to soften.
3. Add in the minced garlic and stir for another minute until fragrant.

1. Cream it Up: Pour in heavy cream, chicken broth, and crushed red pepper flakes. Let it simmer for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to slightly thicken.
2. Finish the Sauce: Stir in the lime juice and parmesan cheese until the cheese melts and the sauce is creamy. Season the sauce with salt and black pepper to taste.

Bringing It All Together:

1. Combine: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, ensuring each piece is generously coated. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a little of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
2. Add the Chicken: Add the sliced jerk chicken to the pasta or mix it through, whichever you prefer.
3. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle with chopped parsley and more parmesan cheese, if desired.

Tips

• Freshly squeeze your lime juice for the best flavor.
• When slicing your chicken, cut against the grain for the most tender bite.
• Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
• If you have time, marinate your chicken with the jerk seasoning for a few hours before cooking for deeper flavor penetration.
• Feel free to add more vegetables like mushrooms or spinach to the sauce for a more substantial dish.

what to serve with

The vibrant flavors of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta are best complimented by side dishes that can stand up to the bold spices without overpowering the meal. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or enjoying a family meal, pairing your pasta with suitable accompaniments will elevate the dining experience. Here’s a curated list to create a harmonious meal:

• Mango Avocado Salad: A refreshing blend of sweet mango and creamy avocado with a citrusy dressing can cleanse the palate and provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty pasta.
• Pineapple Cucumber Salad: This light and tangy salad offers a juicy crispness that can balance the heat and richness of the jerk seasoning.
• Sautéed Plantains: Add a touch of sweetness and island authenticity to your meal with ripe plantains caramelized to golden perfection.
• Roasted Asparagus: With a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of sea salt, roasted asparagus offers a simple, earthy component to the table.
• Jamaican Hard Dough Bread: Slightly sweet and dense, this bread is ideal for sopping up any leftover creamy sauce on your plate.
• Coconut Johnny Cakes: These fluffy fried breads can serve as a delightful buffer for those who might find the jerk seasoning on the spicy side.
• Fruit Salsa: A chunky salsa made with fruits like pineapple, kiwi, and papaya, laced with a hint of cilantro, could act as a refreshing side or topping.
• Grilled Corn on the Cob: Brush corn with a mix of melted butter and jerk seasoning before grilling for a smoky side that complements the main dish.
• Tropical Fruit Punch: Serve a non-alcoholic tropical fruit punch, featuring juices like pineapple, mango, and a squeeze of lime, to keep the island theme going.
• Caribbean Rum Punch: If you’re looking for an alcoholic option, a vibrant rum punch with notes of citrus and a grenadine splash perfectly captures the islands’ spirit.
• Coconut Flan: Indulge in a creamy coconut flan for a sweet finish that carries through the tropical theme.
• Rum Cake: A classic Caribbean dessert, rum cake’s rich flavor and moist texture ensure it’s an uplifting end to your meal.

Ingredients substitutes

Running low on some of the ingredients? Or do you have dietary restrictions? Don’t worry; the essence of cooking is being flexible and creative with what you have on hand. Here are some possible substitutes for the ingredients of Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta.

• Chicken: Feel free to use shrimp or tofu as a protein substitute in this recipe. Cooking times will vary with the shrimp cooking much faster and tofu needing a thorough sauté to get a good crisp on the surface.
• Jerk Seasoning: Jerk seasoning may not be available in all supermarkets but you can make your own mix with staple spices. Combine all spices, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, garlic powder, and chili powder for a homemade version.
• Pasta: Any type of pasta can be used. Fettuccine or spaghetti are good alternatives to penne. Use gluten-free pasta or spiralized vegetables like zucchini noodles (zoodles) for a gluten-free version.
• Bell Peppers: Any color of bell peppers will work in this recipe. Red, orange, and yellow bell peppers are sweeter, while green ones are more bitter. You can also mix bok choy, snap peas or broccoli for some green.
• Heavy Cream: Use half-and-half or milk thickened with a tablespoon of all-purpose flour for a lower-fat option. For a dairy-free option, use full-fat coconut milk which can add a tropical flavor to the dish.
• Chicken Broth: Vegetable broth or water with a touch of soy sauce can replace chicken broth.
• Cheese: Aged asiago, romano or pecorino romano are good substitutes for Parmesan cheese. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast.
• Lime Juice: If limes aren’t available, substitute them with lemon juice. It won’t provide the exact same flavor as lime, but it will give the dish the acid it needs to balance the flavors.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta recipe that brings the taste of the islands right to your dinner table. With each forkful, you’ll get a mouthful of creamy, spicy, and utterly satisfying flavors that make this dish an instant hit.

More Pasta Recipes:

• Shrimp Portofino
• Capital Grille Lobster Mac and Cheese Recipe