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Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 116 reviews

Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, onions, and jalapeños tossed with penne pasta in a rich Parmesan cheese sauce. This flavorful pasta combines heat and creaminess for a satisfying meal perfect for spice lovers seeking a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 lb penne pasta

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 1⁄2 tsp Cajun seasoning
  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, sliced
  • 1⁄2 red onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2–3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)

Sauce

  • 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

Garnish

  • 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
  2. Cook Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and place it on a plate.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, red onion, minced garlic, and sliced jalapeños. Sauté the vegetables until they are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove the vegetables from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Sauce: Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1 to 2 minutes to create a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until the mixture is smooth. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook until it begins to thicken, about 2 to 3 minutes.
  5. Add Cheese and Seasoning: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper into the sauce until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  6. Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Gently toss everything together until the pasta, chicken, and vegetables are well coated with the creamy Cajun sauce.
  7. Serve: Dish out the rattlesnake pasta hot, garnished with the chopped fresh parsley for a fresh, herbal finish. Enjoy the spicy and creamy flavors in every bite!

Notes

  • To reduce the heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before slicing.
  • For a richer sauce, substitute half-and-half or heavy cream for the milk.
  • You can swap penne with other pasta shapes like rigatoni or fusilli.
  • Use fresh Parmesan cheese for best melting and flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.

Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Cajun Chicken Pasta, Spicy Pasta Recipe, Penne Pasta with Chicken

Find it online: https://servedbynora.com/rattlesnake-pasta-recipe/