If you’re craving a vibrant meal that bursts with bold flavors and comforting textures, this Jerk Wings with Creamy Rotel Pasta and Garlicky Green Beans Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. Perfectly spiced jerk wings deliver that smoky Caribbean punch, while the luscious Rotel pasta brings a creamy, mildly spicy counterpoint, and the garlicky green beans add a fresh, crunchy balance. Together, they create a harmonious dinner that’s exciting yet familiar—ideal for weeknights, gatherings, or anytime you want to impress without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Keeping the ingredients simple yet impactful is key for this dish. Each component works in harmony: the spices for the wings pack serious flavor, the pasta ingredients create a creamy, cheesy sauce with a kick, and the green beans offer a bright, garlicky side that refreshes the palate.
- Chicken wings (2 lbs): The star protein that absorbs all the jerk seasoning to deliver juicy, spicy bites.
- Jerk seasoning (2 tbsp): This blend of aromatic spices is what gives the wings their unforgettable Caribbean flair.
- Olive oil (2 tbsp): Used for marinating wings and sautéing veggies; it brings richness and helps in cooking evenly.
- Lime juice (1 tbsp): Adds a zesty brightness to the wings that perfectly balances the heat.
- Salt: Essential for enhancing all the other flavors throughout the dish.
- Pasta (8 oz): Penne or rotini works best to hold onto that creamy sauce.
- Onion (1 small, diced): Provides sweetness and depth when sautéed with garlic.
- Garlic cloves (3 total, minced): Crucial for that punchy aroma in both the pasta and green beans.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (1 can, 10 oz): Brings a vibrant, slightly spicy tomato base for the creamy pasta sauce.
- Heavy cream or milk (½ cup): Needed for the luscious creaminess that coats the pasta beautifully.
- Shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese (1 cup): Melts into the pasta to add richness and a little kick if you choose pepper jack.
- Chopped cilantro or green onions (optional): Fresh herbs brighten the finished pasta for a delightful finish.
- Fresh green beans (1 lb, trimmed): These add a crisp, fresh vegetable side with a lovely snap.
- Butter or olive oil (1 tbsp): For sautéing the green beans with garlic to infuse flavor.
- Lemon (optional, a squeeze): Adds a subtle tang that lifts the garlicky green beans perfectly.
How to Make Jerk Wings with Creamy Rotel Pasta and Garlicky Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and cook the jerk wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F or warming your grill to medium-high heat. Toss the split chicken wings in a bowl with olive oil, the fragrant jerk seasoning, fresh lime juice, and a pinch of salt. This simple marinade ensures every piece becomes deeply flavorful. Lay the wings out evenly on a lined baking sheet or arrange them on the grill grates. Bake or grill, turning halfway through, until the skin crisps up beautifully and the meat is cooked through—about 40–45 minutes in the oven or 20–25 minutes on the grill. That irresistible aroma will have you counting down the minutes!
Step 2: Make the creamy Rotel pasta
While the wings cook, boil the pasta in salted water following the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set it aside to wait for its creamy partner. In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and gently sauté diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and soft, which forms the flavorful base for the sauce. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with their juices and simmer for a few minutes to marry the flavors. Stir in the cream and let it simmer gently before adding the shredded cheese, stirring until melted and silky smooth. Toss in the cooked pasta, giving everything a thorough stir so that every noodle is blissfully coated in the creamy, slightly spicy sauce. Finish with salt and pepper to your liking and a sprinkle of chopped herbs if you have them.
Step 3: Cook the garlicky green beans
Blanch the trimmed green beans in boiling water for just 2–3 minutes, then transfer them straight into cold water to lock in their bright green color and crisp texture. In a skillet, melt butter or heat olive oil over medium heat and add a minced garlic clove. Toss in the green beans and sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender-crisp and infused with that savory garlic flavor. Add salt, pepper, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if you want to add a fresh zing that rounds out the dish perfectly.
How to Serve Jerk Wings with Creamy Rotel Pasta and Garlicky Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Simple garnishes can elevate this meal to next-level deliciousness. Try a handful of chopped cilantro or sliced green onions scattered over the pasta or wings for a burst of color and fresh flavor. Lime wedges on the side add a vibrant citrus note that complements the spices perfectly.
Side Dishes
This meal is beautifully balanced on its own, but if you want to add variety, consider serving it with a light green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette or warm crusty bread to mop up the pasta sauce. A cold slaw with a touch of sweetness would also contrast beautifully with the spicy wings.
Creative Ways to Present
Present the wings piled high on a rustic wooden board accompanied by bowls of the creamy Rotel pasta and garlicky green beans for a family-style feast. For a more elegant touch, plate one wing per person alongside a neat nest of pasta and a generous spoonful of bright green beans, garnished with herbs and a drizzle of chili oil or lemon zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The wing’s spices actually get better after resting, and the pasta will keep its creamy texture well if reheated gently.
Freezing
For longer storage, freeze cooked wings and pasta separately in freezer-safe bags or containers. Green beans are best fresh but can be frozen for up to a month—just blanch before freezing. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Warm the pasta gently in a saucepan over low heat; adding a splash of milk or cream helps restore its creamy consistency. Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F for 10–15 minutes to keep the skin crispy. Sauté green beans briefly with a little extra garlic or butter to refresh their flavor.
FAQs
Can I make this recipe spicy or milder?
Absolutely! Adjust the jerk seasoning amount or use a milder version for less heat. For the pasta, add cayenne or hot sauce if you want to kick up the spice level. Feel free to make it your own!
What other veggies can I use instead of green beans?
Snap peas, asparagus, or sautéed zucchini would all be delightful swaps offering similar garlicky freshness and satisfying texture.
Can I use boneless chicken instead of wings?
Yes, boneless thighs or breasts work, but cooking times will vary. Boneless pieces may cook faster and won’t have the same crispy skin, but the jerk flavor still shines through.
Is there a dairy-free option for the creamy Rotel pasta?
Definitely! Swap heavy cream for coconut milk and use a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for that cheesy richness without dairy.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
You can marinate the wings the day before to deepen flavors and even prep the pasta sauce base early. Cooking everything fresh yields the best texture and taste, but partial prep saves time on the day you serve.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about this Jerk Wings with Creamy Rotel Pasta and Garlicky Green Beans Recipe—it’s comfort food with a spirited twist that feels both cozy and exciting. Once you try it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again because it hits all the right notes: spicy, creamy, garlicky, fresh, and utterly satisfying. So grab your ingredients and make this vibrant feast happen; your taste buds will thank you!
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Jerk Wings with Creamy Rotel Pasta and Garlicky Green Beans Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean-American Fusion
- Diet: Nut-Free
Description
This vibrant Caribbean-American Fusion meal features spicy jerk chicken wings paired with creamy Rotel pasta and garlicky green beans. The succulent wings are seasoned with bold jerk spices and baked to crispy perfection. The Rotel pasta combines zesty tomatoes with a rich cheesy sauce, while the green beans add a fresh, tender-crisp vegetable side. Ideal for a flavorful and hearty 4-serving dinner that balances spice, creaminess, and freshness in every bite.
Ingredients
For the jerk wings:
- 2 lbs chicken wings (split and tips removed)
- 2 tbsp jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- Salt to taste
For the Rotel pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 can (10 oz) Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- ½ cup heavy cream or milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped cilantro or green onions for garnish (optional)
For the green beans:
- 1 lb fresh green beans (trimmed)
- 1 tbsp butter or olive oil
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Squeeze of lemon (optional)
Instructions
- Make the jerk wings: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) or grill to medium-high heat. In a large bowl, combine chicken wings with olive oil, jerk seasoning, lime juice, and a pinch of salt. Toss well to coat evenly. Arrange wings on a parchment-lined baking sheet or place directly on the grill grates. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway through, or grill for 20–25 minutes until the wings are crisp and cooked through.
- Make the Rotel pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain and set aside. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add diced onion and minced garlic, and sauté until softened and fragrant. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes with their liquids and cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally. Stir in the cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Add shredded cheese and stir until melted and the sauce becomes creamy. Add the cooked pasta and toss to coat evenly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Make the green beans: Blanch the green beans in boiling water for 2–3 minutes until they are bright green and slightly tender, then drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking. In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds to release aroma, then add the green beans. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently until beans are tender-crisp. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon if desired.
- To serve: Plate the crispy jerk wings alongside a generous scoop of creamy Rotel pasta and a serving of garlicky green beans. Garnish with fresh herbs such as cilantro or green onions, or add lime wedges for an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Notes
- Add cayenne pepper or your favorite hot sauce to the Rotel pasta for an extra spicy kick.
- For a crispier texture on the wings, try air-frying or broiling instead of baking or grilling.
- Use heavy cream for a richer pasta sauce; substitute with milk for a lighter version.
- Fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions enhance the flavor and presentation when used as garnish.
