If you’re craving a meal that brings bold, spicy flavors together with creamy comfort, the Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe is exactly what you need. This vibrant dish perfectly balances the smoky heat of jerk-seasoned chicken wings with a luscious cheesy pasta loaded with zesty Rotel tomatoes and tender green beans sautéed with garlic. It’s a colorful, satisfying dinner that feels both indulgent and fresh, making it a standout on any table whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special gathering with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering these straightforward and pantry-friendly ingredients is your first step toward creating a dish bursting with flavor and texture. Each one plays a crucial role, whether it’s the spice-packed jerk seasoning that elevates the chicken, the creamy cheese sauce that wraps the pasta, or the crisp green beans that add a fresh crunch to the plate.
- 2 pounds chicken wings: Choose fresh wings for the best texture and flavor that hold up perfectly to baking.
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning: The star spice blend that gives the wings their signature fiery kick.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps the seasoning stick to the wings and ensures a crispy skin.
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini): Your creamy sauce clings beautifully to these shapes, making every bite delicious.
- 1 tablespoon butter: For starting the cheese sauce with a rich base.
- 1 tablespoon flour: Thickens the sauce into a silky, smooth coating for the pasta.
- 1 cup milk: Adds creaminess and balances the spices in the sauce.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melts into the sauce creating a classic cheesy indulgence with a little tang.
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies: Adds a zesty, slightly spicy twist that brings the pasta to life.
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder: Boosts depth and warmth in the cheesy tomato sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder: Enhances the savory notes in the pasta sauce.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential for rounding out all the flavors to perfection.
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed: Bring a crisp, fresh contrast and vibrant color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon butter (for green beans): Provides richness to the garlicky veggie side.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Adds a fragrant and punchy aroma to the green beans.
How to Make Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake the Jerk Wings
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F for that perfect roasting temperature. Toss your chicken wings with the jerk seasoning and olive oil until every wing is coated with that irresistible spice blend. Lay them out on a lined baking sheet so they cook evenly and crisp up beautifully. Bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure golden, crispy skin and juicy meat inside.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
While your wings roast, boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain it well and set it aside — this will soon be smothered in the bold, cheesy Rotel sauce that brings the whole dish together.
Step 3: Make the Rotel Cheese Sauce
In a medium saucepan, melt butter over medium heat and whisk in the flour to form a roux — this is the magic that thickens your sauce. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly and patiently until the sauce is creamy and thick, about 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Rotel tomatoes with their green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Combine the cooked pasta with the sauce so each piece is generously coated in cheesy, spicy goodness.
Step 4: Cook the Garlicky Green Beans
Bring a pot of water to a boil or set up your steamer for the green beans. Cook them until just tender, about 5 to 7 minutes, to keep them crisp and vibrant. In a skillet, melt butter and gently sauté the minced garlic for one minute until fragrant. Toss in the green beans and cook another 2 to 3 minutes to marry the flavors. The green beans add a fresh, savory finish that balances the richness on the plate.
How to Serve Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro or green onions on top of the wings for a fresh, herbaceous lift that complements the heat of the jerk seasoning. A wedge of lime on the side adds a bright, zesty punch that enhances every component of the meal.
Side Dishes
If you want to build on the meal, a crisp garden salad with a tangy vinaigrette or some warm, crusty bread to soak up the cheesy sauce works exceptionally well. These sides keep the meal balanced and satisfying, perfect for family dinners or casual get-togethers.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the jerk wings on a platter surrounded by bowls of the Rotel pasta and garlicky green beans, inviting everyone to dig in family-style. Alternatively, plate each portion with a neat stack of pasta topped with a couple of wings and a side of green beans for a visually stunning presentation that looks as good as it tastes.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover jerk wings, Rotel pasta, and green beans in airtight containers in the refrigerator. They will keep well for up to three days, giving you quick and flavorful meals ready to enjoy without extra cooking.
Freezing
You can freeze the jerk wings and pasta separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to two months. Make sure to cool the food completely before freezing to maintain the best texture and flavor. Green beans are best enjoyed fresh, so consider preparing a fresh batch when you reheat.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat wings in the oven at 350°F to preserve their crispiness, while gently warming the pasta on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Quickly sauté green beans again with a little butter and garlic to refresh their flavor and texture before serving.
FAQs
Can I adjust the spice level in the Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe?
Absolutely! The jerk seasoning can be tailored to be milder or hotter depending on your preference, and adding or reducing the green chilies in the Rotel or including jalapeños can also control the pasta’s heat.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Penne or rotini are perfect because their shapes hold onto the creamy Rotel sauce splendidly. However, any short, tubular pasta will do if you don’t have these on hand.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, swapping out the butter, milk, and cheddar cheese for dairy-free alternatives like plant-based margarine, unsweetened almond milk, and vegan cheese can make this meal suitable for dairy-free diets.
Is it possible to bake the wings ahead of time?
You can bake the wings a day in advance and reheat them in the oven to refresh their crispy texture just before serving. This can save time on busy days.
What else can I serve with this dish to make it a full meal?
A fresh salad, sweet plantains, or even a simple coleslaw make wonderful accompaniments that complement the spicy, creamy flavors of the Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe.
Final Thoughts
This Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe has a special place in my kitchen because it manages to deliver comfort, spice, and a burst of fresh flavor all in one delightful plate. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together and keeps them coming back for more. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it one of your favorites too!
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Jerk Wings with Rotel Pasta and Green Beans Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This vibrant and flavorful recipe combines spicy Caribbean-inspired jerk chicken wings with creamy Rotel pasta and garlicky green beans, offering a well-rounded, comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Chicken Wings
- 2 pounds chicken wings
- 2 tablespoons jerk seasoning
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Rotel Pasta
- 8 ounces pasta (penne or rotini)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 cup milk
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 (10-ounce) can Rotel tomatoes with green chilies
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Green Beans
- 1 pound fresh green beans, trimmed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 clove garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken Wings: Preheat your oven to 400°F. In a large bowl, toss the chicken wings with jerk seasoning and olive oil until they are evenly coated. Arrange the wings on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup.
- Bake the Wings: Place the wings in the oven and bake for 40 to 45 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure even cooking. Bake until the wings are crispy and cooked through.
- Cook the Pasta: While the wings bake, cook the pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the Roux and Cheese Sauce: In a saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter and whisk in the flour to form a roux. Slowly add the milk while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue to cook and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add Flavor to the Pasta Sauce: Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese, Rotel tomatoes with green chilies, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the cheese and tomato sauce and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
- Prepare the Green Beans: Steam or boil the green beans for 5 to 7 minutes, until just tender but still crisp.
- Sauté the Green Beans with Garlic: In a skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Toss in the cooked green beans and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes to combine flavors and heat through.
- Serve: Plate the jerk wings alongside a generous scoop of creamy Rotel pasta and the garlicky green beans for a complete and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Adjust the heat level of the jerk seasoning to suit your spice preference.
- Add jalapeños or red pepper flakes to the Rotel pasta for an extra spicy kick.
- Substitute cheddar cheese with pepper jack cheese for additional flavor and heat.
- Ensure wings are flipped halfway for even crispiness.
- Trim green beans to uniform sizes for even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Caribbean-American
