Jerk Chicken Meatball Pasta

Jerk Chicken Meatball Pasta 🍗🌶️

This Jerk Chicken Meatball Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that combines tender, spicy jerk chicken meatballs with creamy, cheesy sauce and perfectly cooked pasta. The vibrant heat of jerk seasoning meets the richness of parmesan and cream in this hearty meal, making it a show-stopping dinner option. Whether you’re craving something comforting or looking to spice things up, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Let’s dive into how to make this delicious and satisfying dish step by step.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Spicy & Savory : Jerk seasoning adds a fiery kick and aromatic depth to the dish.
2. Creamy Comfort : The rich, cheesy sauce pairs perfectly with the tender meatballs and pasta.
3. Versatile : Add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition or swap out pasta shapes to suit your preference.
4. One-Pan Sauce : The sauce comes together in the same skillet used for the meatballs—minimal cleanup required.
5. Perfect for Weeknights : Quick enough for busy evenings but impressive enough for guests.

Ingredients

For the Meatballs:

• 1 lb ground chicken
• ½ cup breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 egg
• 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (adjust for spice preference )
• 1 tbsp finely chopped green onions
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for cooking )

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz rigatoni (or any pasta of your choice )
• Salt (for pasta water )

For the Creamy Sauce:

• 2 tbsp butter
• 1 small onion , finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic , minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp jerk seasoning
• 1 cup spinach (optional, for extra greens )
• Salt and pepper , to taste
• Fresh parsley , for garnish

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Make the Meatballs

1. Preheat the Oven : Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) .
2. Mix the Ingredients : In a large bowl, combine the ground chicken, breadcrumbs, parmesan cheese, egg, jerk seasoning, green onions, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until everything is evenly combined.
3. Form the Meatballs : Roll the mixture into small meatballs, about 1½ inches in size .
4. Brown the Meatballs : Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the meatballs on all sides for about 5–7 minutes . They don’t need to be fully cooked through at this stage.
5. Finish Baking : Transfer the browned meatballs to a baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 10–12 minutes , or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C ).

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

1. Sauté Aromatics : In the same skillet used for the meatballs, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until softened, about 2–3 minutes .
2. Deglaze with Broth : Pour in the chicken broth and stir in the jerk seasoning. Let it simmer for 2 minutes to reduce slightly.
3. Add Cream and Cheese : Stir in the heavy cream and grated parmesan cheese. Let the sauce cook for 5 minutes , stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
4. Optional Greens : Add the spinach (if using) and cook for another minute until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Combine Pasta and Sauce : Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Add Meatballs : Gently place the cooked jerk chicken meatballs on top of the pasta or mix them in for even distribution.
3. Garnish and Serve : Sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for Success

1. Adjust the Spice Level : Use mild jerk seasoning if you prefer less heat, or add extra red pepper flakes for more spice.
2. Use Fresh Ingredients : Fresh garlic, green onions, and parsley add brightness and depth to the dish.
3. Add More Veggies : Sauté mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini along with the onions for added flavor and nutrition.
4. Leftovers : Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed.
5. Freeze for Later : Freeze the cooked meatballs separately and assemble the dish later with fresh pasta and sauce.

Perfect Pairings

This Jerk Chicken Meatball Pasta pairs beautifully with:

• Garlic Bread : Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Green Salad : A simple side salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness of the dish.
• Steamed Vegetables : Serve with steamed broccoli, green beans, or asparagus for added nutrition.
• Wine Pairing : Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light red like Pinot Noir for an elegant touch.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approx.)

(Based on 4 servings)

• Calories : ~600 kcal
• Protein : ~35g
• Carbohydrates : ~45g
• Fat : ~32g
• Fiber : ~3g

Note: Nutritional values may vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.

Final Thoughts

This Jerk Chicken Meatball Pasta is a bold, comforting dish that brings together the fiery flavors of jerk seasoning with the creamy indulgence of a rich parmesan sauce. Whether you’re looking to spice up your weeknight dinners or impress guests with a flavorful meal, this recipe is sure to satisfy.

The combination of tender meatballs, perfectly cooked pasta, and a velvety sauce makes every bite a delight. Plus, the optional addition of spinach ensures you’re getting some greens in while still indulging in comfort food. So grab your ingredients, fire up the stove, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as exciting to eat as it is to prepare.