Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: Spicy Comfort in a Flash

Rattlesnake pasta blends culinary adventure with unexpected southwestern flair.

Spicy ingredients reimagine an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Wild flavors dance across your palate with each delectable bite.

Bold southwestern seasonings create a unique pasta experience that challenges traditional recipe boundaries.

Robust and zesty elements combine to elevate this dish beyond standard comfort food.

Passionate home cooks seeking excitement will appreciate the complex taste profile.

Culinary creativity shines through in this remarkable recipe that promises a thrilling dining experience.

Rattlesnake Pasta That Packs a Bold Kick

• Ignite Spicy Flavor Explosion: This recipe delivers a mouthwatering combination of Cajun-seasoned chicken, jalapeños, and creamy cheese sauce that creates an irresistible heat level perfect for spice lovers.
• Master Quick Weeknight Comfort: Prepare a restaurant-quality meal in just 30 minutes with simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that transform basic pantry staples into a gourmet dinner.
• Craft Perfectly Balanced Texture Symphony: Each bite offers a harmonious blend of tender chicken, al dente pasta, crisp vegetables, and velvety smooth sauce that provides a delightful contrast of textures and flavors.

Ingredients That Turn Up the Heat in Rattlesnake Pasta

• Chicken: Lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta, boneless and skinless chicken breasts work best.
• Parmesan Cheese: Rich, salty cheese that creates a creamy and tangy sauce base.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Jalapeños: Colorful vegetables that bring heat, crunch, and depth to the dish, fresh and crisp peppers recommended.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that enhances overall flavor profile with its intense, pungent taste.

• Penne Pasta: Classic pasta shape that holds sauce well, cook until al dente for perfect texture.
• Milk: Smooth base for creating creamy sauce, whole milk preferred for richer consistency.
• Butter: Provides richness and helps create smooth roux for sauce.
• Flour: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth, velvety sauce texture.
• Olive Oil: Used for sautéing chicken and vegetables, extra virgin recommended.
• Cajun Seasoning: Spice blend that adds signature heat and complex flavor.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings to enhance and balance overall taste.
• Parsley: Fresh herb for garnish, adds bright color and subtle freshness.

Cooking Rattlesnake Pasta Made Surprisingly Simple

Step 1: Preparing Pasta Base

Boil water in a large pot with salt. Add penne pasta and cook until tender. Drain and set aside for later use.

Step 2: Seasoning Chicken

Sprinkle Cajun seasoning over chicken pieces. Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Sautéing Vibrant Vegetables

• Bell peppers
• Onions
• Garlic
• Jalapeños

Sauté until vegetables are crisp and colorful. Transfer vegetables to a separate plate.

Step 4: Creating Creamy Sauce Foundation

Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in flour and cook briefly. Slowly pour milk while continuously whisking to create a smooth mixture.

Step 5: Enhancing Sauce Flavor

• Parmesan cheese
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend until sauce becomes silky and rich.

Step 6: Combining All Ingredients

• Cooked pasta
• Seasoned chicken
• Sautéed vegetables

Toss ingredients until evenly coated with creamy sauce.

Step 7: Serving Spicy Delight

Plate the rattlesnake pasta. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top. Serve immediately and enjoy the bold, zesty flavors!

Spicy Tips for Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta Perfection

• Spice Selection Mastery: Choose a high-quality Cajun seasoning with balanced heat for maximum flavor depth without overwhelming the dish.
• Chicken Cooking Technique: Ensure chicken pieces are evenly sized for consistent cooking and golden-brown exterior that locks in juiciness.
• Vegetable Texture Secret: Cut bell peppers and onions into similar-sized pieces to achieve perfect tender-crisp sautéing without burning.
• Sauce Smoothness Trick: Whisk milk gradually and consistently to prevent lumps, creating a silky-smooth sauce that coats pasta beautifully.
• Heat Control Hack: Maintain medium heat when creating the sauce to prevent scorching and achieve ideal creamy consistency.

Save and Reheat Rattlesnake Pasta Without Sacrificing Spice

• Refrigerate: Transfer cooled pasta to an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Store in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze: Pack leftovers in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label with date and contents.
• Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy texture. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated through.

Pairings That Tame or Elevate Rattlesnake Pasta

• Spice Up Your Sip: Pair this fiery rattlesnake pasta with a crisp, cold beer like a pale ale or an IPA to balance the heat and complement the Cajun spices.
• Cool Down the Flame: Serve a refreshing white wine such as Riesling or Gewürztraminer, which will soothe the spiciness while enhancing the creamy sauce's richness.
• Tame the Bite: Offer a side of cool, creamy coleslaw or a simple cucumber salad to provide a refreshing contrast to the pasta's bold, spicy flavors.
• Bread the Heat: Include crusty garlic bread or cornbread to soak up the sauce and provide a mild, comforting element alongside the zesty dish.

Bold Twists for Rattlesnake Pasta Lovers

• Seafood Spice Storm: Replace chicken with shrimp or crab for a maritime protein punch, maintaining the Cajun seasoning's zesty character.
• Vegetarian Fire Medley: Swap chicken with grilled tofu or roasted portobello mushrooms, ensuring protein and texture remain exciting.
• Southwest Ranch Remix: Incorporate ranch seasoning into the sauce and add black beans for a Tex-Mex inspired transformation that amplifies flavor complexity.
• Creamy Sausage Kick: Substitute chicken with spicy andouille sausage, lending a richer, more intense Cajun-style profile to the pasta dish.

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rattlesnake pasta delivers a spicy southwestern kick with tender chicken and creamy jalapeño sauce. Hearty noodles dance with bold flavors, promising a memorable meal that sparks culinary adventure for adventurous palates.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pounds (0.45 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Vegetables and Herbs:

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2–3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Pasta and Seasoning Components:

• 1 pound (0.45 kilograms) penne pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
• 4 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

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Instructions

1. Submerge penne pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
2. Sprinkle chicken pieces with robust Cajun seasoning. Sear in sizzling olive oil until golden brown and completely cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, introduce bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until vegetables achieve a vibrant, crisp-tender texture, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Create a silky roux by melting butter and incorporating flour, whisking continuously to eliminate any potential lumps. Allow mixture to develop a light golden hue.
5. Stream milk into the roux, whisking methodically to construct a luxurious, velvety sauce. Simmer gently until the consistency transforms and thickens noticeably.
6. Incorporate Parmesan cheese, transforming the sauce into a creamy, smooth coating. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
7. Reunite the reserved chicken, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta within the decadent sauce. Gently fold to ensure every ingredient is lavishly enrobed.
8. Plate the rattlesnake pasta immediately, crowning with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a burst of color and herbaceous brightness. Serve piping hot for maximum enjoyment.

Notes

• Spice Level Adjustable: Control the heat by reducing or increasing jalapeños and Cajun seasoning for personalized intensity.
• Quick Meal Prep: Total cooking time is approximately 25-30 minutes, perfect for weeknight dinners.
• Protein Flexibility: Swap chicken with shrimp, tofu, or turkey for varied protein options.
• Cheese Tip: Use freshly grated Parmesan for smoother, richer sauce texture and enhanced flavor.
• Storage Recommendation: Refrigerate leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days; reheat gently to maintain sauce consistency.
• Kitchen Hack: Reserve small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed while mixing ingredients.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 675
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 540 mg
• Fat: 29 g
• Saturated Fat: 12 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 70 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 97 mg