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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- Submerge penne pasta in generously salted water, cooking until perfectly tender with a slight bite. Drain thoroughly and reserve.
- 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.
- In the same skillet, introduce bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until vegetables achieve a vibrant, crisp-tender texture, releasing their aromatic essence.
- 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.
- Stream milk into the roux, whisking methodically to construct a luxurious, velvety sauce. Simmer gently until the consistency transforms and thickens noticeably.
- Incorporate Parmesan cheese, transforming the sauce into a creamy, smooth coating. Season with salt and freshly cracked pepper to elevate the flavor profile.
- Reunite the reserved chicken, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta within the decadent sauce. Gently fold to ensure every ingredient is lavishly enrobed.
- 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