Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that brings a touch of heat and a whole lot of comfort. It’s a creamy, Cajun-spiced pasta loaded with tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños for an irresistible combination. Perfect for those who love a little spice in their meal, this dish is great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Why You’ll Love This Rattlesnake Pasta :

This Rattlesnake Pasta recipe is a restaurant-quality dish you can make at home. The creamy sauce is spiced with Cajun seasoning, and the jalapeños add just the right amount of kick. The mix of bell peppers and onions creates a colorful and flavorful addition to the tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. It’s easy to customize based on your preferred spice level and can even be made with shrimp for a seafood twist.

“This pasta has become a family favorite—it’s rich, spicy, and so satisfying. We can’t get enough of the creamy Cajun flavors!”

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Ingredients You’ll Need for Rattlesnake Pasta :

Main Ingredients:

1 lb penne pasta: The base of this hearty dish.
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast: Cut into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
2 tbsp olive oil (divided): Used for sautéing the chicken and vegetables.
1 1⁄2 tsp Cajun seasoning: Brings bold flavor and a bit of heat.
1 red bell pepper, sliced: Adds sweetness and color.
1 green bell pepper, sliced: Complements the red pepper with a fresh, mild flavor.
1⁄2 red onion, sliced: Adds a touch of sharpness and color.
3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with aromatic flavor.
2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced: Adds heat; remove seeds for less spice.

For the Sauce:

4 tbsp butter: Creates a rich base for the sauce.
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour: Thickens the sauce.
2 cups milk or half-and-half: Adds creaminess.
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a nutty, savory flavor.
1⁄2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors.
1⁄4 tsp black pepper: Adds a touch of spice.

Garnish:

1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley: For a fresh, vibrant finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Rattlesnake Pasta :

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

“Cooking the pasta al dente ensures it holds up well when mixed with the sauce and other ingredients.”

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil. Add the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the vegetables are tender-crisp. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Pro Tip: Adjust the amount of jalapeños to control the spice level. Remove the seeds for a milder flavor.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until the flour is lightly golden and fragrant. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth.

Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated.

Serve the Rattlesnake Pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley for a fresh touch.

Notes, Substitutions, and Variations :

Adjust the Spice: For less heat, reduce the number of jalapeños or use milder peppers like poblanos.
Cheese Options: Mix Asiago or Romano cheese with Parmesan for added depth of flavor.
Add Depth: Stir in a splash of white wine or chicken broth when making the sauce for added complexity.
Seafood Twist: Substitute shrimp for chicken for a seafood variation of this dish.

Frequently Asked Questions :

Q: Can I use other types of pasta?
A: Yes! While penne is great for holding the sauce, other types like fettuccine, rigatoni, or farfalle will work well too.

Q: How can I make this dish gluten-free?
A: Substitute the all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free pasta.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the components ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat and combine just before serving to maintain the best texture.

Serving Suggestions for Rattlesnake Pasta :

Pair this Rattlesnake Pasta with:

Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce.
Side Salad: A light salad with a lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the pasta.
Steamed Vegetables: To add more greens, serve with steamed or roasted broccoli or asparagus.

“This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp white wine or a sparkling water with lemon for a refreshing contrast.”

Why You’ll Love Making Rattlesnake Pasta :

This Rattlesnake Pasta recipe is rich, creamy, and full of bold flavors. It’s a fun twist on classic pasta dishes with its Cajun seasoning and touch of heat from the jalapeños. Whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together, it’s sure to impress and satisfy with its perfect balance of creaminess, spice, and savory flavors.

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Name: Rattlesnake Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American, Italian
Ingredients: 1 lb penne pasta; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces; 2 tbsp olive oil, divided; 1 1⁄2 tsp Cajun seasoning; 1 red bell pepper, sliced; 1 green bell pepper, sliced; 1⁄2 red onion, sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced; 4 tbsp butter; 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour; 2 cups milk or half-and-half; 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1⁄2 tsp salt; 1⁄4 tsp black pepper; 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

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Yield: 6

Rattlesnake Pasta

Enjoy this Rattlesnake Pasta for a spicy, flavorful dinner that’s sure to impress!

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 40 minutes

Ingredients

1 lb penne pasta
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
1 1⁄2 tsp Cajun seasoning
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1⁄2 red onion, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced
4 tbsp butter
1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
2 cups milk or half-and-half
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1⁄2 tsp salt
1⁄4 tsp black pepper
1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

Cook penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.

Season chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.

Add remaining olive oil to the skillet and sauté bell peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeños for 5 minutes. Remove from skillet.

Melt butter in the skillet, whisk in flour, and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in milk. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened. Stir in Parmesan, salt, and black pepper.

Add pasta, chicken, and vegetables to the sauce. Toss to coat.

Serve hot, garnished with parsley.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by using more or less jalapeños, or substituting with milder peppers like poblanos.
For extra flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Asiago or Romano cheeses in the sauce.
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for more depth of flavor.
Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood version.