If you have been craving a meal that totally wows your taste buds and feels like a warm hug from the inside, then you are in for a treat with this Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Garlic Green Beans Recipe. This dish perfectly balances the spicy, smoky flavors of jerk-seasoned chicken wings with the creamy comfort of cheesy Rotel pasta and the fresh, garlicky crunch of sautéed green beans. Every bite is a celebration of bold Caribbean-inspired flavors combined with classic American heartiness, guaranteed to become a beloved favorite for weeknight dinners and casual gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting started with this recipe means gathering a handful of simple but essential ingredients, each deliberately chosen to create a harmony of flavors, textures, and colors. From the robust jerk seasoning that infuses the wings to the fresh green beans that brighten the plate, every component counts.
- Chicken Wings: Use 2 pounds, split and tips removed for even cooking and crispy skin.
- Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons for coating wings and 1 tablespoon for pasta sauté to bring richness and help flavors meld.
- Jerk Seasoning: 2 tablespoons to provide authentic Caribbean spice with a smoky kick.
- Garlic Powder: 1 teaspoon for enhancing savory notes in the wings.
- Smoked Paprika: 1/2 teaspoon adds depth and a subtle smokiness.
- Brown Sugar: 1 tablespoon balances spice with a touch of sweetness.
- Penne Pasta: 12 ounces, perfect for holding onto the creamy tomato sauce.
- Ground Sausage or Ground Chicken: 1/2 pound brings hearty protein and flavor.
- Garlic (minced): 4 cloves total, two for pasta and two for green beans, giving that irresistible aromatic punch.
- Rotel Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: 1 (10-ounce) can, undrained; this adds a lively, tangy, and mildly spicy tomato base.
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup creates a luscious, velvety pasta sauce.
- Chicken Broth: 1/2 cup intensifies flavor and helps balance the cream.
- Shredded Cheddar Cheese: 1 cup melts into the pasta for cheesy goodness.
- Black Pepper and Italian Seasoning: 1/2 teaspoon each, for seasoning and herbal complexity.
- Fresh Green Beans: 1 pound trimmed for a crisp, vibrant vegetable side.
- Butter: 1 tablespoon to enrich the sautéed green beans.
- Salt: Adjusts seasoning in all components, enhancing natural flavors.
How to Make Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Garlic Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Jerk Wings
Start by heating your oven to 400°F and lining a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. In a big bowl, toss your chicken wings with olive oil, jerk seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and brown sugar until every piece is fully coated with this fragrant, flavorful rub. Spread them out in a single layer so they crisp up beautifully. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway to get that signature golden-brown, sticky crust that makes jerk wings so irresistible. Make sure they reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure they’re perfectly cooked and juicy inside.
Step 2: Cook the Rotel Pasta
While the wings are crisping, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta following package instructions until it’s just al dente. Drain and put aside while you prepare the sauce. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, then brown the sausage or ground chicken thoroughly. Once the meat is cooked through, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the Rotel tomatoes along with their juices, followed by the heavy cream and chicken broth. Season with black pepper and Italian seasoning, then let the sauce simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes until it thickens just a bit. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese until melted and silky smooth, then fold in your cooked pasta so every piece is luscious and coated.
Step 3: Make the Garlic Green Beans
For a fresh and vibrant side, blanch the green beans in boiling water for 3 to 4 minutes. This gives them that perfect snap and bright green color while keeping their tender-crisp texture. Drain thoroughly and then melt butter along with olive oil in a skillet. Add the minced garlic and sauté briefly to release its intoxicating aroma before tossing in the blanched green beans. Season with salt and black pepper, then sauté for another 3 to 4 minutes so the beans soak up all that garlicky richness. These garlicky green beans offer a perfect crunchy contrast that balances the creaminess and spice.
How to Serve Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Garlic Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some fresh chopped cilantro or parsley over the jerk wings to add a pop of color and herbaceous brightness. A wedge of lime on the side also works wonders, inviting a fresh zing that complements both the heat and the creaminess. If you enjoy extra spice, a dash of hot sauce or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper on the wings will send the flavors soaring.
Side Dishes
This recipe is already a full meal in itself, but feel free to serve alongside a crisp green salad or some sweet fried plantains for a true Caribbean feast experience. A cold, refreshing beverage like iced tea or a tropical fruit punch pairs beautifully too.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve everything family-style on a large platter, letting everyone help themselves, which adds a warm and communal vibe to the meal. For a more elegant presentation, plate the wings neatly beside a scoop of Rotel pasta with green beans fanned out on the side. Garnish the plate with edible flowers or microgreens for that unexpected wow factor at your dinner table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place leftover jerk wings, Rotel pasta, and garlic green beans in airtight containers and refrigerate. They will stay delicious for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or reheated dinners.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the chicken wings and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or zip bags. The green beans are best enjoyed fresh but can be frozen if needed. Properly stored, frozen portions last for up to 2 months.
Reheating
Reheat wings in the oven at 350°F for about 10 to 15 minutes to regain their crispness. Warm the pasta gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or broth to revive its creamy texture. Sauté green beans briefly in a pan to refresh their flavor and texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I use turkey wings instead of chicken wings?
Absolutely! Turkey wings can be seasoned and cooked in the same way, but keep in mind they might require a bit more cooking time due to their size.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
You can swap the chicken wings for cauliflower florets tossed in jerk seasoning and roasted until crispy. For the pasta, use plant-based sausage or simply omit it, adding extra veggies or beans for protein.
How spicy is this dish?
The jerk seasoning and Rotel tomatoes bring a moderate heat level, which can be adjusted by adding cayenne pepper or hot sauce for more punch or toning down the seasoning for a milder version.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Yes, the components can be prepped in advance: marinate the wings overnight, cook the pasta and sauce ahead, and blanch the green beans beforehand. Simply reheat and assemble just before serving.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in the Rotel pasta?
If you want a lighter option, use half-and-half or full-fat coconut milk, keeping in mind it will slightly alter the flavor and texture but still deliver creaminess.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Garlic Green Beans Recipe is a wonderful way to bring exciting, bold flavors to your dinner table without complicated steps. It’s satisfying, colorful, and bursting with personality in every bite. I can’t wait for you to try it, share it, and make it a regular in your cooking rotation — your family and friends will thank you!
Print
Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Garlic 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
Description
This vibrant Caribbean-American meal features spicy baked jerk chicken wings paired with creamy Rotel pasta and garlicky sautéed green beans. A harmonious blend of bold seasonings, tender meat, and fresh vegetables makes this an easy, flavorful family dinner.
Ingredients
For the Jerk Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings, split and tips removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
For the Rotel Pasta
- 12 ounces penne pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground sausage or ground chicken
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (10 ounce) can Rotel diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
For the Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare and Bake Jerk Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with olive oil, jerk seasoning, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and brown sugar until evenly coated. Arrange the wings on the prepared sheet in a single layer and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Cook Pasta: While the wings bake, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Rotel Sauce: In a large skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil. Add the ground sausage or chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked. Stir in minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the Rotel diced tomatoes with juices, heavy cream, and chicken broth. Season with black pepper and Italian seasoning, then simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Stir shredded cheddar cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to evenly coat with the creamy tomato sauce.
- Blanch Green Beans: Bring a pot of water to a boil and blanch the green beans for 3 to 4 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. Drain thoroughly.
- Sauté Green Beans: In a skillet over medium heat, melt butter with olive oil. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the blanched green beans, season with salt and black pepper, and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until tender and well coated in garlic butter.
- Serve: Plate the hot jerk wings alongside the creamy Rotel pasta and garlic sautéed green beans for a complete, flavorful meal.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the wings or a dash of hot sauce to the pasta sauce.
- The wings can also be air fried at 400°F for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through, as an alternative to baking.
- Substitute turkey sausage in the pasta for a lighter, leaner option.
