Jerk Chicken Mac and Cheese
Cavatappi, Cheddar, Mozzarella, Pepper Jack, Jerk Chicken Thighs, Green Seasoning
Chef Wayne Sharpe of Jrk! | Miami
Adapted by StarChefs | March 2025 | Photo: will blunt
INGREDIENTS
Jerk Seasoning:
Yield: 1 cup
10 pimento seeds
3 cloves garlic
2 stalks scallions
2 Scotch bonnet peppers
2 sprigs thyme
1 medium onion
1-inch piece ginger, peeled
½ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons browning sauce
¼ teaspoon kosher salt
Green Seasoning:
Yield: 1 cup
6 heads garlic, peeled
6 stalks scallions
3 shallots
¼ cup olive oil
To Assemble and Serve:
Yield: 6 servings
1 pound dried cavatappi
3 cups whole milk
2 cups heavy cream
½ cup butter
¼ cup all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons all-purpose seasoning
1 teaspoon kosher salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 grilled boneless jerk chicken thighs, diced
1 teaspoon brown sugar
½ pound shredded cheddar cheese
½ pound shredded mozzarella
½ pound shredded pepper jack cheese
METHOD
For the Jerk Seasoning:
In a Vitamix Commercial blender, combine all ingredients and blend until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
For the Green Seasoning:
In a Vitamix Commercial blender, combine all ingredients until smooth. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.
To Assemble and Serve:
Heat oven to 350°F. In a large pot over medium-high heat, bring water to a boil. Add pasta and cook 8 minutes, or until pasta is al dente. Strain and set aside. In a mixing bowl, whisk to combine milk and heavy cream. Set aside. In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt butter. Whisk in flour, all-purpose seasoning, salt, and pepper. Cook 2 minutes, stirring constantly. Whisk in milk-heavy cream mixture. Bring to a gentle boil, then simmer until mixture has thickened to desired consistency. Add chicken thighs, brown sugar, 2 tablespoons Jerk Seasoning, and 1 tablespoon Green Seasoning. Let simmer 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in cheeses, mixing until cheese has fully melted. Add cooked pasta and mix until evenly coated. Transfer pasta to a greased baking dish. Bake 45 minutes, or until top is golden brown.
