Introduction

This Jerk Chicken Wings & Creamy Rotel Pasta Dinner is a flavor-packed meal that brings Caribbean spice and comforting pasta together. It’s a perfect choice for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a casual gathering. For another delicious chicken dish, try the Teriyaki Chicken Bowls with Crispy Brussels Recipe.

Ingredients

Gather these bold and comforting components to create a meal where spicy, smoky jerk wings meet creamy, zesty pasta and crisp-tender green beans.

• 2 lbs chicken wings
• 1/4 cup jerk seasoning or rub
• 1 lb pasta (penne or spaghetti)
• 2 cans Rotel tomatoes with green chilies (10 oz each)
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 lb fresh green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp butter or oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: shredded chicken or ground beef for pasta, bell peppers, green onions

Timing

Prep Time	15 minutes
Cook Time	45 minutes
Total Time	1 hour

Context: This total time for jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans is about 20% faster than similar multi-component recipes, thanks to efficient overlapping cook times.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1 — Prep the Jerk Wings

Pat 2–3 pounds of chicken wings completely dry with paper towels. This is crucial for crispy skin. In a bowl, combine your favorite jerk seasoning blend with a tablespoon of oil to form a paste. For an authentic kick, look for a blend containing allspice, scotch bonnet, and thyme. Massage the paste thoroughly onto the wings, ensuring every piece is well-coated.

Step 2 — Bake or Air Fry the Wings

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or your air fryer to 375°F (190°C). Arrange the wings in a single layer on a wire rack over a baking sheet for the oven, or in the air fryer basket. Bake for 40–45 minutes, flipping halfway, until deeply browned and crispy. In the air fryer, cook for 22–25 minutes, shaking the basket midway. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).

Step 3 — Start the Rotel Pasta Base

While the wings cook, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for your pasta. In a separate large skillet or Dutch oven, brown one pound of ground beef, turkey, or sausage over medium-high heat. Drain any excess fat. Add one diced onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.

Step 4 — Build the Creamy Pasta Sauce

Stir in two cans of Rotel tomatoes (do not drain) and let simmer for 5 minutes. Reduce heat to low and stir in one block of softened cream cheese until fully melted and incorporated. For extra creaminess, add a half cup of shredded cheddar. Season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 5 — Cook and Combine the Pasta

Cook 12 ounces of elbow macaroni or rotini in the boiling water according to package directions for al dente. Reserve one cup of pasta water before draining. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the creamy Rotel sauce. Toss to combine, adding splashes of the reserved pasta water until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

Step 6 — Prepare the Green Beans

Trim one pound of fresh green beans. Heat a tablespoon of oil or butter in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the beans and sauté for 5–7 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp. For extra flavor, add minced garlic during the last minute of cooking and a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.

Step 7 — Final Assembly and Serving

Let the jerk wings rest for 5 minutes after cooking. Give the Rotel pasta a final stir and adjust seasoning if needed. Plate the jerk wings, creamy Rotel pasta, and sautéed green beans together immediately for a warm, satisfying meal. The spicy, smoky wings pair perfectly with the rich, cheesy pasta and fresh green beans.

Nutritional Information

Calories	Approx. 780 kcal
Protein	Approx. 48 g
Carbohydrates	Approx. 62 g
Fat	Approx. 38 g
Fiber	Approx. 8 g
Sodium	Approx. 1450 mg

Note: Estimates based on typical ingredients and serving size for this jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans meal. Values can vary based on specific brands and preparation methods.

Healthier Alternatives

This flavorful meal of jerk wings, rotel pasta, and green beans can be easily adapted to fit various dietary needs without sacrificing taste. Here are some practical swaps to consider.

• Protein Swap: Baked Jerk Chicken Thighs — For a leaner option, use skinless chicken thighs or breasts. Baking instead of frying reduces fat while the bold jerk seasoning ensures the dish remains packed with flavor.
• Lower-Carb Pasta — Replace traditional pasta with chickpea, lentil, or edamame pasta for a higher-protein, higher-fiber meal. Spiralized zucchini or spaghetti squash also makes a great low-carb base for the Rotel sauce.
• Dairy-Free Creaminess — To make the Rotel pasta creamy without dairy, blend soaked cashews with a bit of the pasta cooking water, or use a plain, unsweetened coconut milk or almond milk beverage.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation — Ensure your jerk seasoning and Rotel tomatoes are gluten-free. Pair them with your favorite gluten-free pasta, or use the vegetable noodle alternatives mentioned above.
• Low-Sodium Jerk Seasoning — Make your own jerk marinade using fresh herbs (thyme, scallions), spices (allspice, nutmeg), and a touch of citrus, omitting added salt. This allows you to control the sodium while keeping the authentic Caribbean flavor profile.
• Boost the Greens — Amp up the nutrition by sautéing the green beans with garlic and a splash of vegetable broth instead of oil or butter. Adding spinach or kale to the Rotel pasta sauce is another easy way to incorporate more vegetables.
• Plant-Based Protein — For a vegetarian jerk option, use cauliflower florets, extra-firm tofu, or tempeh. Marinate and roast them until crispy for a satisfying texture that holds up to the robust seasoning.
• Lighter Cheese Topping — If using cheese in the pasta, opt for a strongly flavored, finely grated cheese like aged Parmesan or sharp cheddar. A little goes a long way, reducing overall fat and calories while maintaining a cheesy finish.

Serving Suggestions

• For a casual game-day feast, serve the jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans buffet-style with cooling sides like a cucumber salad or a dollop of sour cream to balance the heat.
• Elevate a weeknight dinner by plating the jerk wings atop a bed of the creamy rotel pasta, with the crisp green beans arranged neatly on the side for a colorful and satisfying presentation.
• Turn this into a summer barbecue spread by adding cornbread, grilled pineapple slices, and a pitcher of iced sweet tea to complement the bold flavors of the jerk seasoning.
• For a family-style gathering, serve each component in its own dish: a large platter of jerk wings, a bowl of the cheesy rotel pasta, and a serving dish of garlicky green beans, allowing everyone to build their own plate.
• Create a Caribbean-inspired meal night by pairing this trio with fried plantains, coconut rice, and a tropical fruit punch, making the jerk wings the star of the show.
• For a lighter lunch option, serve a smaller portion of the rotel pasta and green beans as a salad base, topped with one or two jerk wings sliced for easy eating.

No matter the occasion, the combination of spicy jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans offers a versatile and crowd-pleasing meal that balances heat, creaminess, and a fresh, crisp element.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mistake: Using a store-bought jerk marinade that’s too sweet or mild, overpowering the wings. Fix: Make a simple paste from Scotch bonnet peppers, allspice, thyme, and garlic for authentic, fiery flavor.
• Mistake: Baking the jerk wings without a final high-heat blast, leaving them pale and soggy. Fix: Finish under the broiler for 2-3 minutes to achieve a beautifully charred, crispy skin.
• Mistake: Draining all the fat from the cooked ground beef for the Rotel pasta. Fix: Leave a tablespoon of flavorful fat in the pan to help create a richer, more cohesive cheese sauce.
• Mistake: Adding the Velveeta cheese to the Rotel pasta over high direct heat. Fix: Remove the skillet from the burner and stir in the cheese off the heat to prevent it from breaking and becoming grainy.
• Mistake: Overcooking the green beans until they’re mushy and dull in color. Fix: Blanch them briefly in boiling salted water, then shock in ice water to lock in vibrant color and a crisp-tender bite.
• Mistake: Seasoning each component of the meal with the same salt level. Fix: Taste and adjust seasoning separately; the jerk wings and Rotel pasta are boldly flavored, while the green beans need a lighter, brighter touch.
• Mistake: Not patting the chicken wings completely dry before marinating. Fix: Use paper towels to dry the wings thoroughly so the jerk paste adheres better and the skin crisps up properly.
• Mistake: Using the liquid from the canned Rotel tomatoes without accounting for it. Fix: Drain half the liquid to control the sauciness of your pasta, preventing a watery final dish.
• Mistake: Serving all three components hot without considering timing. Fix: Use a staggered approach: roast the wings first, prepare the beans during the wing rest, and make the quick-cooking Rotel pasta last.

Storing Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover jerk wings, rotel pasta, and green beans in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the components in freezer-safe bags or containers. Jerk wings and green beans freeze well for 2-3 months, while the rotel pasta’s creamy sauce may separate slightly upon thawing but will still be tasty.
• Reheat: Reheat thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F. For best results, reheat jerk wings in the oven or air fryer to recrisp the skin. The rotel pasta and green beans can be reheated gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water to the pasta if needed.

Always allow food to cool to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing, and never leave it out for more than two hours to ensure food safety for your jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans meal.

Conclusion

This jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans recipe is a fantastic way to bring bold, Caribbean-inspired flavor to your table. It’s a complete, satisfying meal that’s perfect for gatherings or a fun weeknight dinner. If you love the spicy kick of Rotel, you might also enjoy our Rotel Cream Cheese Sausage Balls Recipe. Give this recipe a try and let us know what you think in the comments!

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FAQs

Can I make the jerk wings ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the jerk wings overnight for deeper flavor. For the best texture, bake or grill them just before serving your complete meal of jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans.

What can I use if I don’t have Rotel tomatoes?

You can substitute a 10-ounce can of diced tomatoes mixed with a small can of diced green chiles. This will provide a similar flavor and spice level for the pasta component of this jerk wings, rotel pasta and green beans recipe.

How can I adjust the spice level for this meal?

Control the heat by using mild or hot Rotel tomatoes and by adjusting the amount of jerk seasoning on the wings. For the green beans, keep them simple to provide a cooling contrast to the spicier elements of the dish.