Looking for a healthy, colorful weeknight dinner the whole family will love? This Jiffy Chicken Carrot Pasta combines tender bow tie pasta, juicy chicken, sweet carrots, and bold West African Jollof sauce in one satisfying pan. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's the perfect balance of nutrition, flavor, and convenience.
The natural sweetness of carrots beautifully complements the smoky, aromatic Jollof sauce, while tender chicken adds protein to make this a complete meal. Best of all? One pan means minimal cleanup - exactly what you need on busy weeknights!
Why You'll Love This Chicken Carrot Pasta
✅ One-Pan Wonder - Everything cooks in a single skillet
✅ Nutritious & Balanced - Protein, veggies, and carbs in one dish
✅ Kid-Friendly - Sweet carrots appeal to picky eaters
✅ Quick & Easy - Ready in 30 minutes
✅ Colorful & Appealing - Vibrant colors make it Instagram-worthy
✅ Meal Prep Ready - Great for lunch boxes all week
✅ Budget-Friendly - Simple, affordable ingredients
What Makes This Recipe Special
This isn't your typical pasta dish! We're combining:
- Italian bow tie pasta with West African Jollof sauce
- Sweet carrots that balance smoky spices
- Tender chicken for protein-packed satisfaction
- Fresh aromatics that build layers of flavor
The result? A fusion dish that's both comforting and exciting, familiar yet delightfully different.
Ingredients You'll Need
For the Pasta:
- 2 cups bow tie pasta (farfalle) - Or any short pasta shape
- Salt - For pasta water
For the Main Dish:
- 200g (7 oz) chicken breast, bite-sized - Or chicken thighs for more flavor
- 1 large carrot, diced - Peeled and cut into small cubes
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped - Yellow or white onion
- 1 cup Jiffy Jollof Sauce - Shop Jiffy Jollof Sauce
- 3/4 cup water - To create sauce consistency
- Salt to taste - Adjust to preference
For Tempering (Flavor Base):
- 1 teaspoon crushed garlic - Fresh is best
- 1 teaspoon olive oil - For sautéing
- 1 tablespoon butter - Adds richness
- Crushed pepper (optional) - For extra heat
Pro Tip: Medium Jiffy Jollof Sauce works perfectly here - the balanced spice level lets the sweet carrots shine. Try Mild for younger kids or Hot if your family loves spice!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Bow Tie Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 2 cups bow tie pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 10-12 minutes).
Save 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining - you might need it later to adjust sauce consistency.
Drain pasta well and set aside.
Why al dente matters: Slightly firm pasta holds up better when tossed with sauce and doesn't turn mushy.
Step 2: Create Your Aromatic Base
In a large, deep skillet or sauté pan, heat 1 teaspoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter over medium heat until the butter melts and starts to foam.
Add 1 teaspoon crushed garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant and lightly golden.
Chef's Tip: Don't let the garlic burn! It should smell amazing, not bitter. If it starts browning too fast, reduce heat slightly.
Why butter + oil? Oil prevents butter from burning while butter adds rich, nutty flavor.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Add bite-sized chicken pieces to the garlic butter. Spread them in a single layer if possible.
Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through (no pink inside) and lightly golden on the edges.
Internal temperature check: Chicken should reach 165°F for food safety.
Step 4: Add Vegetables and Build Flavor
Add chopped onions and diced carrots to the cooked chicken. Stir well to combine.
Cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions start to soften and become translucent.
What's happening: The vegetables begin releasing their natural sweetness, creating a flavor foundation for your sauce.
Step 5: Create the Jollof Sauce Base
Add 1 cup Jiffy Jollof Sauce to the pan. Mix everything well, ensuring the chicken and vegetables are coated in the sauce.
Pour in 3/4 cup water and stir to combine. The water helps create a sauce consistency that will coat the pasta beautifully.
Chef's Secret: The water loosens the thick Jollof sauce and helps it penetrate the vegetables while cooking.
Step 6: Cook the Vegetables
Cover the pan with a lid and let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes over medium-low heat.
You want the carrots to be tender yet still slightly crunchy - not mushy. They should be easy to bite but have a pleasant texture.
Texture checkpoint: Pierce a carrot piece with a fork - it should go in with slight resistance.
At this point, add crushed pepper if you want extra heat (optional).
Step 7: Combine with Pasta
Add your cooked bow tie pasta to the pan. Using tongs or two large spoons, toss everything together thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta gets coated in the flavorful sauce.
Cook together for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently, allowing the pasta to absorb the sauce.
Too thick? Add reserved pasta water, 2 tablespoons at a time, until you reach desired consistency.
Too thin? Let it cook uncovered for another minute to reduce.
Step 8: Serve Hot
Remove from heat and serve immediately while hot!
Optional garnishes: Fresh parsley, grated parmesan, or extra crushed pepper.
What to Serve with Chicken Carrot Pasta
Complete the Meal:
- Garlic bread or dinner rolls
- Simple green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted broccoli or green beans
- Cucumber tomato salad
Beverage Pairings:
- Iced tea
- Lemonade
- Light white wine (for adults)
Expert Tips for Perfect Chicken Carrot Pasta
🍝 Pasta shape flexibility: Bow ties (farfalle) are pretty, but penne, rotini, or rigatoni work equally well.
🥕 Uniform carrot dicing: Cut carrots into similar-sized pieces (about 1/4 inch) so they cook evenly.
🍗 Don't overcook chicken: It continues cooking with the sauce, so slightly underdone at first is okay.
🧈 Quality butter matters: Real butter adds so much more flavor than margarine.
🧄 Fresh garlic wins: Pre-minced garlic works in a pinch, but fresh crushed garlic delivers superior flavor.
💧 Save that pasta water: The starchy water is your secret weapon for perfect sauce consistency.
🌈 Add more veggies: Bell peppers, peas, or corn blend beautifully with carrots.
🔥 Control your heat: Medium heat prevents burning while properly cooking everything through.
Recipe Variations
Veggie-Packed Version
Add bell peppers, zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas along with the carrots for extra nutrition and color.
Creamy Chicken Carrot Pasta
Stir in 1/4 cup heavy cream or coconut cream at the end for luxurious creaminess.
Spicy Chicken Carrot Pasta
Use Hot Jiffy Jollof Sauce and add extra crushed red pepper or fresh chili peppers.
Protein Swap
Replace chicken with shrimp (cook for 2-3 minutes), turkey, or cubed firm tofu for vegetarian option.
Whole Grain Version
Use whole wheat bow tie pasta for added fiber and nutrients.
Cheesy Addition
Stir in 1/2 cup grated parmesan or mozzarella at the end for extra richness.
Mediterranean Twist
Add olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean-African fusion.
Meal Prep Instructions
Batch Cooking: Double the recipe! This pasta reheats beautifully and tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.
Storage: Divide into individual meal prep containers. Store in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating:
- Microwave: 2-3 minutes on high, stirring halfway. Add 1-2 tablespoons water if needed.
- Stovetop: Reheat in a pan over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
Freezing: Not recommended - carrots and pasta textures change when frozen and thawed.
Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve overnight!
Best Reheating Method: Stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to refresh the sauce. This prevents drying out.
Lunch Box Friendly: Pack in insulated containers. Reheat at work or enjoy at room temperature (still delicious!).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape? Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti work well. Just adjust cooking time per package directions.
What if I don't have bow tie pasta? Any pasta works! Short shapes are easiest to eat with chunky vegetables, but long pasta is fine too.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast? Yes! Thighs are more flavorful and forgiving (less likely to dry out). Cook time is similar.
How do I know when carrots are done? They should be fork-tender but still have a slight crunch - not mushy. Taste one to check!
Can I make this vegetarian? Skip the chicken and add extra vegetables, chickpeas, or cubed tofu. Everything else stays the same.
What if my sauce is too thick? Add pasta water or plain water, 2 tablespoons at a time, stirring until you reach desired consistency.
Can I prep ingredients ahead? Yes! Chop vegetables and chicken the night before. Store separately in the fridge.
Which Jiffy Jollof Sauce spice level is best? Medium is most versatile. Mild for sensitive palates, Hot for spice lovers.
Nutritional Benefits
Why this recipe is nutritious:
- Chicken: Lean protein for muscle maintenance
- Carrots: Rich in vitamin A, fiber, and antioxidants
- Onions & Garlic: Immune-boosting properties
- Whole grain option: Extra fiber when using whole wheat pasta
- Balanced meal: Provides protein, carbs, and vegetables
Approximate nutrition per serving: ~400-450 calories with good protein, moderate carbs, healthy fats
Why This Recipe Works
The winning combination:
- Garlic butter base = foundational flavor
- Properly cooked chicken = protein satisfaction
- Sweet carrots = natural sweetness balances spice
- Jollof sauce = complex, smoky depth
- Perfect pasta = comforting base that ties everything together
The result: A complete, balanced meal that satisfies every taste bud!
Perfect for...
✓ Busy weeknight family dinners ✓ Meal prep Sundays ✓ Kids' lunch boxes (they'll actually eat it!) ✓ Post-workout meals (protein + carbs) ✓ Introducing kids to new flavors ✓ One-pan cooking enthusiasts ✓ Anyone craving comfort food with a twist
Kid-Friendly Tips
Getting picky eaters to try this:
- Let them help dice carrots (with supervision)
- Start with Mild Jiffy Jollof Sauce
- Use fun pasta shapes (bow ties are appealing!)
- Serve with familiar sides they already love
- Call it "Butterfly Pasta" to make it exciting
Time-Saving Hacks
- Use pre-diced carrots from the produce section
- Buy pre-cut chicken breast pieces
- Use jarred minced garlic (though fresh is better)
- Cook pasta while preparing other ingredients
- Make a double batch and freeze half
Ready to Make This Family Favorite?
Transform your weeknight dinners with this easy, nutritious fusion dish! Shop Jiffy Jollof Sauce and discover how simple it is to create restaurant-quality meals at home. Want to experiment with different spice levels? Try our All Spice Levels Bundle!