Jerk Chicken Pasta Alfredo is the perfect collision of bold Caribbean spices and comforting Italian creaminess. In the U.S., fusion dishes like this are booming because they offer both flavor and familiarity. The rise of creators like Savannah from Eminent Recipes, who believe in blending traditional roots with modern culinary trends, has helped push such recipes into the spotlight. Her love for experimenting with flavor and her approach to making cooking approachable have made Caribbean-Italian hybrids like jerk chicken pasta Alfredo a staple among adventurous home cooks looking for bold new meals with minimal prep.
Table of Contents

Jerk Chicken Pasta Alfredo
- Total Time: 45 mins
Description
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
⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
16 ounces penne pasta
Alfredo Sauce:
½ cup butter
1 cup milk
1 ½ cups finely shredded Parmesan cheese
2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
Blend green onions, garlic, spices, herbs, lime juice, soy sauce, and oil into a thick jerk marinade. Coat the chicken in the mixture inside a sealed zip-top bag and marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes, turning occasionally. While it rests, boil penne pasta in salted water until tender, then drain. In a pan, melt butter, add milk, and simmer. Whisk in Parmesan and garlic until creamy. Cook the marinated chicken in a skillet until done, about 7–8 minutes. Slice it, stir into the Alfredo sauce, and let simmer to blend flavors. Serve over the cooked pasta and enjoy.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 30 mins
Key Ingredients for the Ultimate Jerk Chicken Pasta Alfredo
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
- ⅛ teaspoon dried rosemary
- ⅛ teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed
- 16 ounces penne pasta
Alfredo Sauce:
- ½ cup butter
- 1 cup milk
- 1 ½ cups finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
How to Make jerk chicken pasta alfredo
Start with the marinade: In a food processor, blend green onions, garlic, vegetable oil, brown sugar, soy sauce, lime zest and juice, red pepper flakes, salt, basil, allspice berries, peppercorns, mustard, thyme, ginger, coriander, rosemary, and nutmeg until a thick paste forms. Scrape the sides as needed to ensure everything is well mixed. Pour the marinade into a large zip-top bag, add the chicken, seal tightly, and massage to coat. Let it sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes, turning occasionally to distribute the flavors evenly.
Cook the pasta: Meanwhile, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook until just tender—about 12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
Prepare the Alfredo sauce: In a large pan, melt butter over low heat. Pour in the milk and gently bring it to a simmer. After about 5 minutes, add Parmesan cheese and garlic. Whisk constantly until smooth, creamy, and fully combined. Remove from heat.
Cook the chicken: Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard the excess. Sear the chicken in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat for 7 to 8 minutes, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
Combine and finish: Slice the cooked chicken and stir it into the Alfredo sauce. Bring everything to a low simmer for 3 to 5 minutes, letting the jerk spices infuse the cream. Serve hot over pasta.
Looking for more creamy pasta inspiration? Don’t miss our classic chicken pasta recipe for a simple weeknight favorite, or try the crockpot BWW garlic parmesan chicken pasta for a slow-cooked twist packed with bold flavor.
How to Make Jerk Chicken Pasta Alfredo Step by Step
Prepping the Jerk Chicken (Grill, Bake, or Pan-Sear?)
Start by marinating your chicken in a bold jerk paste for at least 30 minutes. You can grill it for a smoky char, bake it for hands-off cooking, or pan-sear it for a crisp crust and juicy center. Each method brings a slightly different depth of flavor, but pan-searing is ideal for locking in moisture while forming a nice spice crust.
Cooking the Pasta and Crafting the Creamy Alfredo Sauce
While the chicken cooks, boil your pasta until al dente. In a skillet, melt butter, add garlic, and pour in milk or cream. Simmer, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until smooth and velvety. Combine sliced jerk chicken with the Alfredo sauce and toss with the cooked pasta. It’s creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible.
Jerk Chicken Alfredo Variations to Try
Jerk Shrimp Alfredo, Vegetarian Jerk Alfredo, and More
Looking to switch things up? Try Jerk Shrimp Alfredo for a lighter, seafood twist with bold island flavor. For a meatless take, sauté tofu or mushrooms with jerk spices for a satisfying Vegetarian Jerk Alfredo. Even roasted chickpeas work great for added protein and crunch.
Using Coconut Milk or Cashew Cream as a Dairy-Free Option
Want to go dairy-free? Swap heavy cream for full-fat coconut milk or a rich cashew cream blend. Both provide a luscious texture while complementing the jerk seasoning. These plant-based alternatives keep the Alfredo sauce creamy without losing any depth of flavor.
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FAQs
Can you put jerk seasoning on pasta?
Yes, jerk seasoning adds bold Caribbean flavor to pasta. When paired with creamy Alfredo, it creates a deliciously spicy-smooth fusion dish.
What is a good side dish for jerk chicken?
Great sides include coconut rice, fried plantains, garlic bread, or a crisp green salad to balance the heat.
What sauce to serve with jerk chicken?
Besides Alfredo, you can try mango salsa, pineapple glaze, or honey-lime dressing to enhance its smoky spice.
What can I add to Alfredo pasta to make it better?
Try garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, grilled veggies, or spice blends like jerk seasoning to boost richness and complexity.
Conclusion:
Jerk chicken pasta Alfredo brings together fiery Caribbean heat and creamy Italian comfort in one unforgettable dish. It’s quick, customizable, and perfect for weeknight meals or weekend indulgence. Whether you’re craving bold flavors or looking for an exciting twist on Alfredo, this fusion recipe is guaranteed to impress. Try it once, and it might just become your new favorite pasta.