Bahama breeze jerk chicken pasta copycat recipe – Culinary Chase
There’s something magical about nailing a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen, isn’t there? Today, I’m sharing a gem with you: Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta copycat recipe. This one’s guaranteed to evoke a warm welcome from your taste buds and a round of applause from anyone you serve it to. Let’s dive in, roll up our sleeves, and bring the taste of the Caribbean right into your kitchen.
What is the Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?
You might be thinking, “What exactly is this Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?” Well, imagine the rich, spicy kick of jerk chicken mingling with creamy, cheesy pasta goodness. It’s a match made in culinary heaven – the best of Caribbean flavors meets Italian comfort food. This recipe captures that delightful blend, bringing out a symphony of flavors that’s hard to resist.
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Why You’ll Love This Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta Copycat Recipe?
Why should you make this dish? Here are a few reasons:
Bold Flavors: The jerk seasoning adds a burst of flavor that’s both spicy and savory.
Creamy Texture: The cream sauce envelops the pasta and chicken in a silky, luxurious texture.
Quick to Prepare: Despite the complex flavors, it’s surprisingly quick to whip up.
Customizable: You can tweak it to your preferences or dietary needs.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
The Ingredients
Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. This recipe needs some elements that might be new to your pantry, but trust me, they’re worth it.
- 1 lb. Farfalle (bowtie) pasta, Barilla preferred
- 10 oz. Cremini (baby Bella) mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup Jerk seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 scallions, thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh curly parsley, finely chopped
- Four 5 oz. chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 1 large bunch of slender, fresh asparagus
- 3 allspice berries, crushed
- 5 grinds of cracked black pepper
Step by Step Instructions
Now let’s break it down into manageable steps. Cooking is often easier when you tackle it one step at a time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, let’s marinate the chicken. Combine your jerk seasoning blend, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss your chicken breasts in this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Toss in the sliced Cremini mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
In another skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the marinated chicken breasts, cooking them thoroughly until they’re golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and water. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Season with crushed allspice berries and black pepper.
Step 6: Combine Everything
Add the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and sliced chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything until nicely coated.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Top your pasta with thinly sliced scallions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and oozy.
Tips & Tricks
Here are some tips to make this dish even better:
Adjust Spiciness: If you prefer it less spicy, use half the jerk seasoning.
Fresh Herbs: Use fresh thyme and parsley for an authentic kick.
Grating Cheese: Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and has a richer flavor.
Cook Pasta to Al dente: This ensures it doesn’t get mushy once mixed with the sauce.
Chicken Rest Time: Let chicken rest after cooking; it helps retain juices and make slicing easier.
Nutrition Information
Can I Store Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?
Absolutely! This dish stores wonderfully. Let leftovers cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet, adding a splash of chicken broth to loosen up the sauce.
What Can I Serve with Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta?
Here are a few ideas:
Garlic Bread: A classic accompaniment that’s hard to resist.
Green Salad: A light and fresh side to balance the richness of the pasta.
Grilled Vegetables: Adds some smoky flavor and extra nutrients.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet, buttery corn is a fantastic pairing.
Fruit Salad: Offers a refreshing palate cleanser.
Variations
Here are some exciting ways to tweak the recipe:
Vegetarian Version: Swap chicken with tofu or seitan and use vegetable broth.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and ensure other ingredients are gluten-free.
Seafood Twist: Replace chicken with shrimp or scallops.
Extra Veggies: Add bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to increase veggie intake.
Lighter Version: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lower-calorie option.
Bahama breeze jerk chicken pasta copycat recipe
Equipment
- Large pot
- Large skillet
- Bowl
Ingredients
- 1 lb. Farfalle bowtie pasta, Barilla preferred
- 10 oz. Cremini baby Bella mushrooms, sliced
- ½ cup Jerk seasoning blend
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 cups heavy whipping cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup water
- 5 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
- 1 ½ cups freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 scallions thinly sliced
- ⅓ cup fresh curly parsley finely chopped
- Four 5 oz. chicken breasts boneless and skinless
- 1 large bunch of slender fresh asparagus
- 3 allspice berries crushed
- 5 grinds of cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Now let’s break it down into manageable steps. Cooking is often easier when you tackle it one step at a time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- First, let’s marinate the chicken. Combine your jerk seasoning blend, soy sauce, and lemon juice in a bowl. Toss your chicken breasts in this mixture, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes to soak up all that flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
- Next, boil a large pot of salted water. Add your farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 4 tablespoons of unsalted butter. Toss in the sliced Cremini mushrooms, garlic, and fresh thyme leaves. Sauté until the mushrooms are golden brown and the garlic is fragrant.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
- In another skillet, melt the remaining 4 tablespoons of butter. Add the marinated chicken breasts, cooking them thoroughly until they’re golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside. Remove from the skillet and slice into strips.
Step 5: Prepare the Sauce
- In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, reduce the heat to medium-low. Pour in the heavy whipping cream, chicken broth, and water. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, forming a rich, creamy sauce. Season with crushed allspice berries and black pepper.
Step 6: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked pasta, sautéed mushrooms, and sliced chicken strips to the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything until nicely coated.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
- Top your pasta with thinly sliced scallions and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately while it’s hot and oozy.
Notes
Nutrition
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I use store-bought jerk seasoning?
Absolutely. Store-bought jerk seasoning works perfectly. If you prefer making it from scratch, go for it.
2. What type of pasta can I use as a substitute?
Any short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or fusilli would do the trick.
3. How do I reduce the sauce if it turns out too runny?
Simmer the sauce uncovered until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir frequently.
4. Can I use a different type of mushroom?
Sure! Portobello or white button mushrooms are great alternatives.
5. Is there a non-dairy substitute for heavy cream?
Coconut cream or a cashew-based cream can be good substitutes for a dairy-free version.
Conclusion
There you have it—our take on Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta. This recipe isn’t just about feeding the body; it’s about warming the soul and creating connections around the dinner table. So the next time you crave something comforting yet bold, give this recipe a try. Happy cooking, and remember to savor every bite!