Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe
If you love bold flavors with a comforting twist, you’re in for an absolute treat. Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans is the kind of meal that gets your whole family excited for dinner – spicy, zesty, creamy, and loaded with textures. The fiery Caribbean-inspired jerk wings, creamy and cheesy Rotel pasta with just a gentle kick from those green chilies, plus buttery skillet green beans all come together for a plate that’s equal parts vibrant and cozy. Whether it’s weeknight energy or a weekend feast, every bite will transport you to a place where flavors are celebrated big time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s turn simple staples into pure magic! Each ingredient for Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans brings something essential to the table, from the Caribbean spice of the wings to that lush pasta and crisp-tender green beans.
- Chicken wings (2 pounds): Drumettes and flats are ideal for maximum crispy skin and juicy bites.
- Jerk seasoning (2 tablespoons): The spice blend that gives these wings their unmistakable Caribbean punch; use homemade or store-bought for convenience.
- Olive oil (2 tablespoons, divided): Helps coat the wings and browns both the pasta veggies and the green beans.
- Lime juice (1 tablespoon): Adds a hit of bright acidity which balances the heat of the jerk seasoning.
- Penne or elbow pasta (8 ounces): Both capture the creamy sauce beautifully, so use your favorite.
- Ground beef or turkey (1/2 pound): A hearty protein that keeps the Rotel pasta satisfying and flavorful; turkey makes things a touch lighter.
- Chopped onion (1/2 cup): Brings subtle sweetness and depth to the pasta base.
- Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10-ounce can): The hero ingredient for that signature creamy-spicy pasta flair.
- Shredded cheddar cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into a luscious sauce for the pasta, making every bite irresistible.
- Heavy cream or milk (1/2 cup): Makes the pasta sauce creamy; use full cream for richness or milk for a lighter touch.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning the pasta and green beans to taste.
- Fresh or frozen green beans (12 ounces): Crisp and colorful, these balance the meal with their freshness.
- Butter (1 tablespoon): Adds gorgeous sheen and flavor to the green beans.
- Garlic, minced (1 clove): Fragrant garlic works wonders with the buttery beans.
How to Make Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans
Step 1: Prep and Season the Wings
Begin by patting the chicken wings dry with paper towels to guarantee ultra-crisp skin in the oven. Toss them into a big bowl, drizzle with olive oil, jerk seasoning, and that fresh squeeze of lime juice. Massage everything in until each piece is well coated. This quick marinating time while you prep the pasta means the wings soak up those signature punches of heat, citrus, and savory goodness.
Step 2: Bake (and Broil) the Jerk Wings
Set your oven to 400°F and arrange the wings on a wire rack over a baking sheet if you have one (or use a parchment-lined tray). The wire rack helps the air circulate, making that skin extra crisp. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping halfway so both sides get golden. For an indulgent finish, slide them under the broiler for a final 2 to 3 minutes. The aroma alone will have everyone circling the kitchen.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
As the wings bake, bring a big pot of salted water to a boil and add your pasta. Cook until just al dente, following the package instructions so it stays perfectly toothsome – this is key for soaking up all that fantastic sauce later. Drain well and set aside, reserving a splash of the cooking water just in case you want to thin the sauce later.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Rotel Pasta
Grab a large skillet and set it over medium heat. Drizzle in olive oil, add the chopped onion, and sauté until soft and subtly sweet, about 3 minutes. In goes the ground beef or turkey – break it up as it browns, letting all those lovely onion flavors mingle. Stir in the undrained Rotel tomatoes and let everything simmer for 5 minutes, infusing the meat with spiced tomato goodness. Turn the heat to low, then add cheddar cheese and heavy cream, stirring gently until you have a dreamy, creamy sauce. Fold in the drained pasta, toss to combine, and season well with salt and pepper. Each bite should be creamy, tangy, and just a little bit spicy.
Step 5: Sauté the Green Beans
While the oven and stove work their magic, steam or boil the green beans until just tender (about 5 minutes), then drain well. Over medium heat, melt butter in a skillet and add minced garlic, sautéing for about 30 seconds or until fragrant. Toss in the green beans to coat with that garlicky butter, cooking for 2 more minutes. Finish simply with salt and pepper – it’s the secret to a perfectly balanced plate.
How to Serve Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans
Garnishes
For that wow-factor, shower the jerk wings with finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley and a final squeeze of lime. The Rotel pasta loves a sprinkle of extra cheddar and a dash of black pepper. For the green beans, add toasted almonds or crisp bacon bits for bonus crunch and flavor. The pops of color and extra layers make Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans look and taste even more vibrant.
Side Dishes
This trio truly stands tall on its own, but if you want to bulk up your table Caribbean-style, a simple green salad with a citrusy vinaigrette or lightly fried plantains play perfectly alongside. Even warm dinner rolls are excellent for soaking up all that creamy pasta sauce. With Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans, variety is more than welcome.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving everything family-style on a big platter for casual gatherings, letting everyone dig in and pick their favorites. If you’re plating individually, pile pasta alongside a generous portion of wings, crossing the beans on top for a colorful, composed look. For fun, tuck the meal into compartment-style trays for a playful, nostalgic feel the kids (and adults!) will love. However you serve it, Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans will surely steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Transfer any leftovers to airtight containers once cooled, separating wings, pasta, and green beans if possible for best flavor. Stored like this, Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. That way, you can enjoy bold, crave-worthy leftovers with almost zero effort.
Freezing
You can absolutely freeze the wings and pasta for up to two months. Place them in freezer-safe containers or zip bags (pressing out as much air as possible). The green beans are best when enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze them in a pinch. Label your portions to make reheating a breeze later on.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat wings in a hot oven (375°F) for 10–15 minutes to recapture that crispy skin. Pasta can be microwaved, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce is too thick. Green beans warm up quickly on the stovetop with a touch of butter or a few drops of water to keep them moist and tender. With a little care, your Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans can taste just as delicious as the first time!
FAQs
Can I make the jerk wings less spicy?
Absolutely! Simply use a mild jerk seasoning (or make your own with less cayenne or chili), and skip the hot sauce. A splash of honey added to the mix can also mellow things out without losing that iconic jerk flavor.
What’s a good substitute for Rotel tomatoes if I can’t find them?
You can use any diced tomatoes and add a small can (or a few tablespoons) of chopped green chilies for similar flavor and texture. Look for fire-roasted tomatoes for even more depth.
Can I use a different protein for the pasta?
Of course! Swap ground beef or turkey with crumbled sausage, chopped rotisserie chicken, or even plant-based crumbles for a vegetarian version. Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans is all about working with what you have and what you love.
How do I keep the green beans crisp, not soggy?
Steam or boil the green beans only until just barely tender, then immediately plunge them into ice water to stop the cooking. Pat them dry before sautéing with butter and garlic, and they’ll stay beautifully crisp-tender every time.
What can I do if my pasta sauce is too thick or too thin?
If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water or extra milk until it loosens up. If too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a minute or two, or add an extra handful of cheddar cheese to bring it together.
Final Thoughts
Whether it’s a rowdy family dinner or just a personal craving for something with real flavor, Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans always delivers joy. This recipe is all about sharing great food and great times. Give it a try and watch it become a staple at your table – I promise you’ll be dreaming about each bite until you make it again!
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Jerk Wings, Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This flavorful meal features spicy Jerk Wings, creamy Rotel Pasta, and garlicky Green Beans. Perfect for a Caribbean-inspired dinner!
Ingredients
For the Jerk Wings:
- 2 pounds chicken wings (drumettes and flats)
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lime juice
For the Rotel Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or elbow pasta
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 1/2 cup chopped onion
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (undrained)
- 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup heavy cream or milk
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Green Beans:
- 12 ounces fresh or frozen green beans
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- For the Jerk Wings: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Pat the wings dry and toss them with jerk seasoning, olive oil, and lime juice. Bake until crispy and cooked through.
- For the Rotel Pasta: Cook pasta, then sauté onion and meat. Add Rotel tomatoes, cheese, and cream. Stir in pasta and season.
- For the Green Beans: Steam green beans, then sauté with garlic in butter. Season to taste.
Notes
- Make the wings spicier with crushed red pepper or hot sauce.
- For a vegetarian option, use plant-based crumbles instead of ground beef.
- Enhance green beans with chopped bacon or almonds.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Caribbean-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 670
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 920mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 13g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 145mg
