This sounds like a delicious and flavorful dish! Here’s a breakdown of the recipe with some tips and suggestions:
Ingredients:
- Penne or Rotini noodles
- Turkey sausage
- Chicken tenderloins
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Jerk seasoning
- Slap Ya Mama seasoning (Cajun seasoning)
- Shredded cheese
- Heavy cream
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken and Sausage:
- Cut the chicken tenderloins into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the chicken with jerk seasoning, Goya total seasoning, garlic and herb, and paprika. You can let it marinate overnight for more flavor, or season it right before cooking.
- Cook the turkey sausage either in an air fryer or on the stove until fully cooked.
- Cook the Chicken and Vegetables:
- In a pan, add the seasoned chicken, diced bell peppers, and onions with a little bit of water at the bottom. This will help steam the vegetables and cook the chicken.
- Mix everything well so that the water is seasoned with the spices. Cover the pan and let it cook for about 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and the vegetables are tender.
- Prepare the Pasta:
- Boil water in a pot and add a little olive oil to prevent the noodles from sticking.
- Add the penne or rotini noodles to the boiling water and cook until they are soft.
- Once cooked, drain the noodles and toss them with a little more olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Make the Cheese Sauce:
- In a separate pot, pour in the heavy cream and add diced bell peppers and Slap Ya Mama seasoning.
- Let the mixture boil on medium heat, then add the shredded cheese.
- Stir the sauce consistently while boiling on medium-high heat for about 5 minutes until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
- Combine Everything:
- Add the cooked chicken (including any juices from the pan) and sausage to the cooked pasta.
- Pour the cheese sauce over the chicken, sausage, and pasta mixture.
- Mix everything together until well combined.
- Sprinkle some additional Slap Ya Mama seasoning and parsley flakes on top for extra flavor and garnish.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once everything is mixed together, serve the Jerk and Cajun Chicken with Sausage and Penne/Rotini noodles hot and enjoy your flavorful meal!
Tips:
- Adjust the seasoning according to your taste preferences. You can add more or less jerk seasoning, Slap Ya Mama seasoning, or any other spices to suit your liking.
- Feel free to add additional vegetables like diced tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added freshness and color.
- Serve with a side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
To achieve the perfect Jerk & Cajun Chicken with Sausage and Penne/Rotini noodles, here are some secrets and tips:
- Marinating the Chicken: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken in the jerk seasoning, Goya total seasoning, garlic and herb, and paprika overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate the chicken thoroughly. If you’re short on time, marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Choosing Quality Ingredients: Opt for high-quality chicken tenderloins, turkey sausage, and fresh bell peppers and onions. Fresh ingredients will enhance the overall taste of the dish.
- Balancing Seasonings: Adjust the amount of jerk seasoning and Slap Ya Mama seasoning according to your taste preferences. Taste the dish as you go and add more seasoning if needed. Keep in mind that both seasonings can be quite spicy, so start with a smaller amount and add more gradually.
- Cooking Techniques: When cooking the chicken and vegetables, ensure that the pan is hot before adding them. This will help to achieve a nice sear on the chicken and impart a delicious flavor to the dish.
- Creating a Creamy Sauce: When making the cheese sauce with heavy cream, ensure that you stir the sauce consistently to prevent it from burning or clumping. Use medium heat to slowly melt the cheese and create a smooth, creamy texture.
- Adding Depth of Flavor: Consider adding additional ingredients to enhance the flavor profile of the dish. For example, you can add minced garlic or chopped herbs like thyme or basil to the cheese sauce for extra depth of flavor.
- Garnishing and Presentation: Sprinkle some additional Slap Ya Mama seasoning and parsley flakes on top of the finished dish for a pop of color and added flavor. Serve the dish hot and garnish with fresh herbs for a visually appealing presentation.
- Pairing Suggestions: Consider serving the Jerk & Cajun Chicken with Sausage and Penne/Rotini noodles with a side salad dressed with a light vinaigrette or some garlic bread for a complete meal. The freshness of the salad or the warmth of the garlic bread will complement the dish perfectly.
By following these tips and secrets, you’ll be able to create a flavorful and satisfying Jerk & Cajun Chicken with Sausage and Penne/Rotini noodles that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy your delicious meal!