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If you’re longing for a dish that bursts with bold flavors and comforting creaminess, then you absolutely must try the Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe. This vibrant, Cajun-spiced pasta combines tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and just the right kick from jalapeños, all coated in a luscious parmesan sauce that clings perfectly to every bite of penne. It’s a dish that dances on your taste buds and brings rustic Southern charm right to your dining table in just about 30 minutes. Ready to make this crowd-pleaser your new favorite? Let’s dive in!
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each adding its own magic to the dish’s flavor, texture, and color. From creamy dairy to fiery saisoning, they come together in beautiful harmony to create a meal that’s vibrant and satisfying.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect sturdy pasta shape that holds the creamy sauce well.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: For cooking the chicken to juicy perfection without sticking.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for quick and even cooking.
- 4 Tablespoons butter: Adds a rich, velvety base to the sauce and helps soften the aromatics.
- 1 onion, finely minced: Builds savory depth and sweetness as it cooks down.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 4 fresh cloves): A must for that essential aromatic punch.
- 1/3 cup flour: The thickening agent that brings the sauce’s creamy texture to life.
- 4 cups whole milk: Creates that rich, indulgent sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning: The heart of this dish’s flavor, delivering warmth and spice.
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped: For fresh, crunchy bites and vibrant color.
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: Adds a sweet contrast and pops of red to the dish.
- 3 jalapeños, sliced: Brings heat and brightness—keep seeds for more spice, remove some for milder flavor.
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese: Melts into luxuriousness, giving the sauce a nutty, salty finish.
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional): An extra touch of heat for those who like their pasta with a kick.
How to Make Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the penne according to package directions until al dente. This gives the pasta just the right texture to soak up all the creamy sauce without becoming mushy later on. Drain and set aside.
Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Chicken
Cut your chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F. This ensures juicy, tender bites without drying out. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside to keep warm.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics
Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Toss in the finely minced onion and garlic, cooking gently for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. As they soften, chop your bell peppers and slice the jalapeños—remember to keep or remove seeds depending on desired spice level.
Step 4: Make the Roux and Build the Sauce
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly to combine. The texture will appear clumpy and a bit strange at this stage—that’s perfectly normal! Slowly add 1 cup of whole milk and whisk until combined. It may look odd at first, but this is the crucial step where the sauce begins to come together. Keep adding the milk one cup at a time, stirring thoroughly after each addition until the sauce turns smooth and rich, with only the tender onion pieces interrupting the creaminess.
Step 5: Add Seasonings and Vegetables
Stir in the Cajun seasoning and red chili pepper flakes if you’re using them. Then fold in the chopped green and red bell peppers along with the sliced jalapeños. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens slightly and the veggies start to soften, releasing their vibrant flavors.
Step 6: Finish with Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta
Now comes the indulgent part—add the parmesan cheese and stir until it melts fully into the sauce, making it silky and flavorful. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then fold in the drained pasta. Gently toss everything together so every piece of pasta is coated in that creamy, spicy sauce loaded with veggies and tender chicken. Your Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is almost ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To make your presentation pop and enhance flavors, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or green onions on top. A light dusting of extra parmesan cheese adds a cheesy finish, and a few chili flakes can bring a lovely visual cue for the spicy bite in each forkful.
Side Dishes
This hearty, flavorful pasta pairs wonderfully with a crisp garden salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a simple garlic bread to soak up every drop of the delicious sauce. For a heartier meal, try serving with roasted vegetables or even grilled asparagus.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve it family-style in a big, colorful bowl to encourage sharing and conversation, or portion it into individual pasta bowls for a cozy, intimate dinner. For a festive touch, try a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts or a side of pickled jalapeños to amplify the dish’s layers of flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Your Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store any leftovers in an airtight container to maintain the sauce’s creamy texture and prevent the chicken from drying out.
Freezing
You can freeze the pasta, but keep in mind the texture of bell peppers and jalapeños may soften after thawing. Place the cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container and use it within 2 months for best taste. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of milk to revive the sauce’s creaminess. You can also microwave portions on medium power in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating without drying the chicken or curdling the sauce.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is great for holding the sauce, you can swap it for rigatoni, fusilli, or even bowtie pasta depending on your preference and what you have on hand.
How spicy is the Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is flexible! Leaving jalapeño seeds in adds spice, while removing them mellows the dish. You can also adjust the red chili flakes or Cajun seasoning to match your desired heat tolerance.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the butter with vegan margarine and use a plant-based milk like oat or almond milk, although the sauce may not be as rich and creamy. Nutritional yeast can replace parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy.
Can I use thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Definitely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs add more juiciness and a slightly richer flavor that pairs beautifully with the bold sauce.
What is the origin of this recipe’s name, rattlesnake pasta?
The dish takes inspiration from the spicy, bold flavors associated with Cajun and Southern cooking, evoking the “bite” or kick that rattlesnake imagery suggests—a perfect name for a pasta with personality!
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like sharing a warm plate of the Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe with friends or family to bring everyone together. This dish is a celebration of flavor, texture, and ease all in one delightful bowl. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved staple in your kitchen as it has in mine. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Print
Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Description
Best Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, bell peppers, jalapeños, and parmesan cheese tossed with penne pasta. This flavorful recipe comes together in 30 minutes, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with a spicy kick.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 1 pound penne pasta
Chicken and Vegetables
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped)
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped)
- 3 jalapeños (sliced, seeds included for spiciness or removed for less heat)
- 1 onion (finely minced)
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 4 cloves fresh, finely chopped)
Sauce
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups whole milk
- 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare: Begin by cutting the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions, drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken cubes and cook until done, stirring occasionally. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a bowl and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add finely minced onions and garlic, cooking and stirring occasionally for about 5 minutes until softened.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture. Stir well to combine; the mixture will appear clumpy at first.
- Add Milk Gradually: Slowly add 1 cup of the whole milk, stirring continuously. Repeat this process three more times until all 4 cups of milk are incorporated and the sauce is smooth except for the onion pieces.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in the Cajun seasoning and optional red chili pepper flakes. Add chopped green and red bell peppers and sliced jalapeños. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 5 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Finish Dish: Stir in the parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet, stirring everything together to coat evenly with the sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta hot and enjoy your delicious, spicy Rattlesnake Pasta!
Notes
- You can remove the seeds from jalapeños to reduce the heat if desired.
- Cajun seasoning adds the signature flavor and spiciness; adjust the amount to suit your taste.
- Use freshly grated parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
- Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
