Jerky Pasta? Yes, It’s a Thing – Try This Recipe

Jerky Pasta? Yes, It’s a Thing – Try This Recipe

Wait—jerky in pasta? You heard right. It’s bold, it’s beefy, and yes, it totally works. Jerky isn’t just for road trips, lunchboxes or arvo snacks anymore—it’s making serious moves in the kitchen. 

Think creamy sauce, chewy bites of 3099 Jerky, and a flavour explosion in every forkful. It’s high in protein, low in effort, and all Aussie-made. Sounds odd? Maybe. 

But trust us—once you try it, you won’t go back. Ready to shake up your next pasta night? This is the recipe you didn’t know you needed.

Why Jerky Works in Pasta Dishes

Why Jerky Works in Pasta Dishes

It’s not just a snack—it’s your next secret ingredient. Jerky brings bold flavour, serious texture, and protein power to pasta dishes that need a lift. Here's why it works so well:

  • High in protein and low in carbs: Made from 100% grass-fed Aussie beef, 3099 Jerky adds a nutritional punch to your pasta—fuel that satisfies longer, with fewer carbs and no compromise on quality.

  • Shelf-stable and always ready: No need to defrost or prep meat. Jerky is pantry-friendly and perfect for last-minute meals or quick dinner ideas.

  • Intense flavour in every bite: Whether smoky, spicy, or tangy, 3099 Jerky brings boldness that turns even the simplest sauces into something special.

  • Adds texture and depth: Jerky introduces a chewy, savoury bite that contrasts perfectly with soft pasta and creamy or tomato-based sauces.

  • Aussie-made quality: 3099 Jerky is crafted locally in small batches using premium beef and real ingredients—flavour you can taste in every bite.

Choosing the Right 3099 Jerky for Your Pasta

Choosing the Right 3099 Jerky for Your Pasta

Each jerky flavour brings something unique to your pasta dish. Whether you're cooking creamy, spicy, smoky, or fusion-style, there’s a 3099 Jerky that’ll make it better.

1. Original Beef Jerky

Original Beef Jerky is your go-to for a flavour base that won’t overpower your pasta sauce. Whether it’s tomato, creamy, or herbed butter, this jerky blends in perfectly. Chop it into small bites and mix it through for hearty, balanced flavour.

2. Chilli Beef Jerky

If your pasta needs heat, Chilli Beef Jerky brings it—without burning everything else out. It’s bold, smoky, and layered with just enough fire to enhance your dish. Try it in spicy sausage ragu, arrabbiata, or chilli oil linguine for serious punch.

3. Smokey BBQ Jerky

Smokey BBQ Jerky adds low-and-slow, smoky sweetness that feels like it came off the grill. Stir it through smoky tomato sauces, mac and cheese, or baked pasta. You’ll get barbecue flavour in every bite, without the hours spent cooking outside.

4. Teriyaki Beef Jerky

Teriyaki Jerky is perfect for fusion-style dishes, from miso butter spaghetti to soy garlic noodles. It delivers sweet-savoury balance and a chewy, umami-rich bite every time. If your pasta leans Asian-inspired, this jerky brings it all together in one move.

5. Salt and Vinegar Jerky

Tangy and sharp, Salt and Vinegar Jerky slices through creamy pasta with mouth-puckering contrast. It’s ideal for carbonara, Alfredo, or garlic mushroom pasta. Expect texture, attitude, and acidity that turns a mellow dish into something unforgettable.

6. Garlic Beef Jerky

Packed with roasted flavour, Garlic Jerky saves you peeling cloves but delivers the same depth. Add it to garlic butter fettuccine, aglio e olio, or mushroom pasta. For strong, savoury flavour that doesn’t mess around, this jerky does the job.

Recipe: Creamy Jerky Pasta (Customise with Your Favourite Flavour)

Recipe: Creamy Jerky Pasta (Customise with Your Favourite Flavour)

Quick, bold, and packed with Aussie-made goodness — this jerky pasta is the weeknight winner you didn’t see coming. Whether you choose Garlic, Chilli, or Smokey BBQ, the result is the same: pure flavour, minimal effort.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pack of your favourite 3099 Jerky (e.g. Garlic, Chilli, Smokey BBQ), finely chopped

  • 250g fettuccine or pasta of choice

  • 2 tablespoons butter

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

  • 200ml thickened cream

  • ¼ cup grated parmesan

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Optional: chopped parsley, chilli flakes, or lemon zest for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, following packet directions. Before draining, reserve about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water to use later if needed. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

  2. In a large frying pan or skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1–2 minutes, or until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.

  3. Stir in the finely chopped jerky and cook for another 1–2 minutes. This step helps soften the jerky slightly while releasing its flavour into the buttery garlic base.

  4. Pour in the thickened cream, reduce the heat to low, and let it simmer gently for 3–4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.

  5. Add the cooked pasta and grated parmesan to the pan. Toss everything well to coat.

  6. If the sauce thickens too much, loosen it with a splash of the reserved pasta water.

  7. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot. Garnish with parsley, chilli flakes, or lemon zest.

Extra Variations to Try

Extra Variations to Try

Do you want to switch it up? These simple swaps and upgrades take your jerky pasta to new flavour territory.

  • Turn up the heat: Swap in Chilli Beef Jerky and add a spoonful of chilli oil or fresh chopped red chilli for a fiery finish.

  • Go smoky and rich: Use Smokey BBQ Jerky with sun-dried tomatoes and roasted capsicum. Finish with smoked paprika or chipotle flakes for extra BBQ flair.

  • Lean into garlic: Pair Garlic Beef Jerky with sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, and a touch of lemon zest for a punchy, earthy combo.

  • Make it creamy and tangy: Try Salt and Vinegar Jerky with creamy mushroom sauce and top with crumbled feta or a squeeze of lemon for zing.

  • Add more veg: Throw in roasted broccoli, peas, or grilled zucchini for extra colour, crunch, and balance to the richness of the sauce.

Tips for Cooking with Jerky

Tips for Cooking with Jerky

To get the best results when cooking with jerky, it’s all about prep and balance. First, always chop the jerky into small, even pieces. This helps it distribute evenly through your pasta, so every bite is packed with flavour and texture. 

If you want the jerky to soften slightly, let it simmer gently in your sauce for a minute or two. This brings out its richness and allows it to infuse the base without becoming chewy or tough. Timing matters—just enough heat to unlock the flavour, not so much that it breaks down. 

It’s also smart to pair jerky with the right sauce. Bold flavours like Chilli and Smokey BBQ shine in simple tomato or butter-based sauces, while Garlic, Salt and Vinegar, and Teriyaki are better suited to creamy or soy-forward bases. 

The trick is to let the jerky do the heavy lifting—keeping your sauce simple so the meat stands out in every bite.

Final Thoughts: Jerky Pasta Is Here to Stay

Jerky isn’t just for snacking anymore—it’s your new go-to for turning basic pasta into something unforgettable. Whether you’re after smoky, spicy, or full-on garlic flavour, 3099 Jerky brings bold Aussie character to every bite. 

Quick to prep, easy to love, and packed with protein, it’s the perfect twist for your next meal. Don’t wait for the weekend—grab your favourite flavour of 3099 Jerky today and give pasta night the upgrade it deserves.

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