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
Scale
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
