Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
The Best Rattlesnake Pasta is a fiery, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, a creamy cajun-spiced sauce, and a vibrant mix of bell peppers and jalapeños that bring this pasta to life. This recipe balances heat and creaminess beautifully, making it a perfect comfort meal for those who enjoy a little kick in their pasta. Whether you’re craving something new or want to impress friends with a unique twist on creamy pasta, the Best Rattlesnake Pasta will quickly become one of your favorites.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t be intimidated by the ingredient list because each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture. From tender chicken to the cheesy sauce, every ingredient adds something special to this dish.
- 1 pound penne pasta: The perfect pasta shape here for catching creamy sauce and peppers in every bite.
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps brown the chicken evenly and adds a subtle richness.
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cubed): Provides protein and soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 4 Tablespoons butter: A base for the sauce that gives it a smooth, luxurious texture.
- 1 onion (finely minced): Adds sweetness and depth when softened in butter.
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 4 cloves): Essential for that aromatic punch that lifts the whole pasta.
- 1/3 cup flour: Thickens the sauce gently to the right consistency.
- 4 cups whole milk: Makes the sauce creamy and comforting.
- 3 teaspoons cajun seasoning: The heart of the dish’s bold, spicy flavor—adjust if you like it milder.
- 1 green bell pepper (chopped): Adds color and a crisp, slightly sweet bite.
- 1 red bell pepper (chopped): Brings a brightness and sweetness that balances the heat.
- 3 jalapeños (sliced): The fiery star ingredient; seeds in or out, depending on your spice tolerance.
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce adding a salty, nutty richness.
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional): For an extra layer of spice if you’re feeling bold.
How to Make Best Rattlesnake Pasta
Step 1: Prepare and Cook the Pasta
Begin by cooking the penne pasta according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. This means the pasta should be tender but still have a bit of a bite, perfect for holding onto all that luscious sauce later.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
While your pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the cubed chicken pieces and cook them through, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F. The chicken should be juicy and flavorful, ready to soak up the creamy sauce.
Step 3: Sauté Onion and Garlic
Next, melt butter in the same skillet and add finely minced onion and garlic. Cook gently for about five minutes until softened and fragrant, creating a savory base that your sauce will build upon.
Step 4: Make the Roux
Sprinkle the flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring to combine. Don’t worry if it looks clumpy or odd at first; this step is essential for thickening the sauce perfectly.
Step 5: Slowly Add Milk
Add the milk gradually, about one cup at a time, stirring continuously. It might look a little strange at first, but trust the process. The sauce will smooth out and thicken beautifully as the milk blends in completely after four additions.
Step 6: Season and Simmer
Add your cajun seasoning and optional chili flakes to the creamy mixture, then stir in the chopped green and red bell peppers along with the sliced jalapeños. Bring everything to a gentle simmer and cook for around five minutes until the sauce thickens and the peppers soften just right.
Step 7: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the parmesan cheese until melted and fully incorporated, enriching the sauce with a salty, nutty flavor. Then toss in the cooked chicken and pasta, stirring until everything is evenly coated in the decadent sauce.
How to Serve Best Rattlesnake Pasta
Garnishes
Top this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or extra parmesan for a pop of color and brightness. A few more chili flakes or sliced jalapeños on top can add a fresh burst of heat if you like it spicy.
Side Dishes
Serve with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables to balance the richness of the pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette also makes a perfect side to soak up any leftover sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the Best Rattlesnake Pasta in individual cast iron skillets or hollowed-out bell peppers. These ideas add charm and an extra layer of flavor to your meal experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually develop further overnight, making it an even better dish the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze portions of the Best Rattlesnake Pasta, but be aware that the peppers might soften slightly upon thawing. Pack it in freezer-safe containers and label with the date, using within 2-3 months for best quality.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce creamy and ensure even heating. Adding a splash of milk when reheating can help revive the sauce’s silky texture.
FAQs
Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne is classic for catching the sauce, rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine would work wonderfully with the creamy texture and hearty ingredients.
How spicy is the Best Rattlesnake Pasta?
The spice level can be adjusted easily by controlling the amount of jalapeños and red chili flakes. Leaving the jalapeño seeds in adds more heat, so remove seeds if you prefer a milder dish.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with hearty veggies like mushrooms or tofu to soak up all those spicy, creamy flavors just as well.
What can I use instead of whole milk?
Whole milk provides richness, but you can use 2% or even half-and-half for a creamier texture, or milk alternatives like oat or almond milk if you prefer dairy-free, though the flavor and texture might be slightly different.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time for a party?
Definitely. Prepare the pasta and sauce separately, then combine just before serving for the freshest taste. You can also keep the sauce warm in a slow cooker to serve right from there.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to bring some southern boldness and creamy comfort to your dinner table, give the Best Rattlesnake Pasta a try. It’s a lively dish packed with personality, guaranteed to impress and satisfy anyone who loves a deliciously spicy twist on classic pasta. I promise, once you make it, this recipe will be on your repeat list!
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Best Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
Best Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, jalapeños, and a rich Cajun-seasoned sauce served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish balances heat and creaminess for an irresistible meal.
Ingredients
Pasta and Protein
- 1 pound penne pasta
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
Cooking and Sauce Base
- 1 Tablespoon olive oil
- 4 Tablespoons butter
- 1 onion, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic or 4 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup flour
- 4 cups whole milk
Vegetables and Seasonings
- 3 teaspoons cajun seasoning
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 3 jalapeños, sliced (seeds optional for less spice)
- 1 1/2 cups parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare Pasta: Cook penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Cube Chicken: Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes for even cooking.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken cubes and cook, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: Melt butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add minced onion and garlic and cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened.
- Prepare Vegetables: While onions cook, chop green and red bell peppers and slice jalapeños. Seed jalapeños if you prefer less heat.
- Add Flour: Sprinkle flour over the onion and garlic mixture, stirring constantly. The mixture will become clumpy and thick.
- Add Milk Gradually: Pour in 1 cup of milk and stir continuously until combined. Repeat this step three more times with the remaining milk, stirring well each time. The mixture will become a smooth sauce with onion bits.
- Simmer Sauce: Stir in Cajun seasoning and red chili pepper flakes if using. Add bell peppers and jalapeños, then bring the sauce to a simmer. Let it cook for 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Finish Sauce: Stir grated parmesan cheese into the sauce until melted and smooth.
- Combine and Serve: Add cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Stir gently to combine all ingredients well. Serve immediately and enjoy your best rattlesnake pasta!
Notes
- The heat level can be adjusted by removing jalapeño seeds and omitting red chili flakes if desired.
- Use fresh parmesan cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F for safety.
- This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Boiling
- Cuisine: Cajun, American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 11g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0.3g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Rattlesnake pasta, Cajun pasta, spicy chicken pasta, creamy pasta, penne pasta recipe
