Jerk Chicken in Creamy Alfredo Sauce

If you love bold flavors with a creamy twist, this dish is sure to satisfy your cravings. Combining spicy jerk seasoning with rich Alfredo sauce creates a deliciously unique meal that's perfect for any night of the week.

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TIME30 min

SERVINGS4

RATING5.0 / 5

01 / WHAT YOU NEED

Ingredients

Jerk Marinade: 4 large green onions, white parts and some tender green tops, chopped 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tablespoon vegetable oil 1 tablespoon brown sugar 1 tablespoon soy sauce 1 lime, zested 1 teaspoon green chile pepper flakes 1 teaspoon salt 1 teaspoon dried basil 1 splash lime juice ½ teaspoon whole allspice berries ½ teaspoon whole black peppercorns ½ teaspoon yellow mustard ½ teaspoon ground thyme ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground coriander 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed 16 ounces penne pasta Alfredo Sauce: ½ cup butter milk 1 ½ cups finely shredded Parmesan cheese

02 / HOW TO MAKE IT

Let's cook.

Step 1

Start by combining green onions, garlic, vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lemon zest, pepper flakes, salt, basil, lime juice, allspice berries, peppercorns, mustard, thyme, ginger, coriander, rosemary, and nutmeg in a food processor. Blend everything until you get a smooth paste, scraping down the sides as needed. Pour this jerk marinade into a large resealable plastic bag, add the chicken, and toss to coat it well. Seal the bag and let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, giving it a little shake every now and then to make sure the chicken marinates evenly.

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Step 2

While the chicken is soaking up all those flavors, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until it’s tender but still has a little bite — about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.

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Step 3

Next, melt some butter in a saucepan over low heat. Pour in the milk and let it come to a gentle simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes. Then, stir in the Parmesan cheese and garlic, whisking constantly until the cheese melts completely and the sauce comes together nicely. Set this creamy sauce aside for a moment.

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Step 4

Heat up a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken until it’s cooked through and there’s no pink left inside — this should take around 7 to 8 minutes. Once the chicken is done, transfer it to the Alfredo sauce and let everything simmer together for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently. This helps the jerk flavors blend beautifully into the sauce.

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Step 5

Finally, serve the chicken and sauce over your cooked pasta and enjoy!

03 / EXTRA DETAILS

Good to know.

Cook's tip

- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours to let the spices fully penetrate.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for a more flavorful and creamy sauce.
- Cook the chicken over medium heat to avoid burning the spices while ensuring it stays juicy.

Why you’ll love it

This dish brings together bold and spicy jerk flavors with a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce. The combination creates a perfect balance of heat and smoothness that satisfies both comfort food cravings and adventurous palates.

Serving ideas

Serve with steamed rice or buttery garlic mashed potatoes to soak up the sauce. A side of sautéed greens or a crisp salad adds freshness and balances the richness.

Storage & leftovers

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on low heat to prevent the sauce from separating. Avoid freezing, as the cream sauce may change texture.