Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

If you’re craving a little kick with your comfort food, Rattlesnake Pasta is the dreamy dish your taste buds need! Imagine tender Cajun-spiced chicken, ribbons of sweet bell peppers, and a rich, velvety sauce wrapping around perfectly cooked penne—every bite is bursting with flavor, color, and just the right touch of heat. This recipe takes the crowd-pleasing creaminess of classic pasta and cranks it up with a zesty Cajun twist you’ll want to make again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Rattlesnake Pasta is all about bringing together a handful of humble ingredients and letting each one shine. From juicy Cajun chicken to the creamy sauce and crisp veggies, every component is simple to find but so important for that unbeatable texture and flavor!

• Penne Pasta: Its ridges and tube shape perfectly capture the rich, spicy sauce with every forkful.
• Boneless Skinless Chicken Breast: Cubed for quick, even cooking and tossed with Cajun seasoning for bold flavor.
• Cajun Seasoning: The key to the dish’s signature heat and depth—homemade or store-bought both work great.
• Unsalted Butter: Creates a rich sauce base and keeps the chicken tender and juicy.
• Olive Oil: Adds a subtle grassy note and helps sauté the veggies to perfection.
• Red and Green Bell Peppers: Bring sweetness and vibrant color, essential for that classic look and crunch.
• Red Onion: Adds a gentle bite and beautiful purple hue to the mix.
• Minced Garlic: Builds savory depth and aromatic warmth in the sauce.
• All-Purpose Flour: Thickens the sauce for a luxuriously creamy texture that clings to every noodle.
• Low-Sodium Chicken Stock: Keeps the sauce deep and savory without overpowering the Cajun flavors.
• Whole or 2% Milk: Lends creaminess and smooth body to the finished sauce.
• Roasted Garlic: (One whole head!) Sweet, mellow, and utterly irresistible for flavor-packed richness.
• Salt & Black Pepper: Brighten and balance all the other flavors in the skillet.
• Grated Parmesan Cheese: Savory, nutty, and salty for maximum umami punch.
• Heavy Cream: Makes the sauce decadent, silky, and oh-so-indulgent.
• Green Onions: A fresh, herby finish and perfect burst of color for garnish.

Variations

One of the best things about Rattlesnake Pasta is how adaptable it is. Whether you’re craving more spice, need to go dairy-free, or want to try a creative spin, it’s so easy to tweak based on what you love or have on hand.

• Shrimp Swap: Switch out the chicken for peeled, deveined shrimp for a coastal Cajun twist—just sauté for a couple of minutes until pink.
• Vegetarian Option: Ditch the chicken altogether and add extra bell peppers or zucchini; you’ll still have a hearty, satisfying meal.
• Spicier Kick: Up the heat by sprinkling in crushed red pepper flakes or thinly sliced jalapeños to make your Rattlesnake Pasta even bolder.
• Gluten-Free: Use your favorite gluten-free penne and swap the flour for a gluten-free alternative—no one will miss a thing!

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with salted water, bring it to a rolling boil, and cook your penne for about 2 minutes less than the package directs—this ensures the noodles finish perfectly al dente as they mingle with the sauce later. Drain and set aside; don’t forget a quick toss with a drizzle of oil to keep things from sticking!

Step 2: Season and Sauté the Chicken

In a medium bowl, coat those chicken cubes generously with Cajun seasoning. Get a large skillet hot, drop in some butter, and cook the chicken over medium-high heat for 7-8 minutes. Stir occasionally—cook until every piece is beautifully golden and cooked through, then remove to a plate to rest.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Using the same skillet (no need to clean it—the flavor only gets better!), melt more butter and add a splash of olive oil. Stir in your sliced red and green bell peppers, onions, garlic, and a little extra Cajun seasoning. Sauté until softened just enough to keep some crunch—about 3-4 minutes. Remove veggies and set them aside with the chicken.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Add the last bit of butter to the skillet and once melted, sprinkle in your flour. Stir or whisk constantly over medium heat for 3-4 minutes—this step builds a flavorful roux that thickens the sauce. Slowly pour in the chicken stock, milk, roasted garlic, salt, and pepper. Whisk until smooth, then let it simmer gently for 8-10 minutes until the sauce feels rich and creamy.

Step 5: Pull it All Together

Stir in the Parmesan cheese and heavy cream, then swoop in with your cooked chicken, sautéed veggies, and drained pasta. Turn with tongs or a big spoon to coat everything in that luscious sauce. Heat for 2-3 minutes, just until everything’s hot and irresistible.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Dish up piping-hot Rattlesnake Pasta, finishing each plate with a handful of chopped green onions for a fresh, zingy pop. It’s ready to devour—don’t be surprised if it disappears fast!

How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Rattlesnake Pasta is always a scatter of freshly chopped green onions for a refreshing pop of color and a subtle bite. You can also grate extra Parmesan on top or add a sprinkle of chopped parsley for a little herby brightness.

Side Dishes

This creamy, bold pasta loves a crisp side salad—think mixed greens with a lemony vinaigrette—or simple roasted veggies. A warm, crusty baguette or buttery garlic bread is perfect for catching every last drop of sauce, making your meal even more satisfying!

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving Rattlesnake Pasta family-style in a large, shallow bowl for a colorful centerpiece, or plate it individually with a swirl of sauce and stacked chicken for a dinner-party flourish. For extra fun, set out bowls of toppings—shaved Parmesan, sliced jalapeños, or fresh herbs—for guests to personalize their plates.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rattlesnake Pasta keeps beautifully! Just store cooled leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge, where they’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days. The flavors mingle and intensify overnight—hello, best lunch ever.

Freezing

You can freeze Rattlesnake Pasta for later convenience—allow it to cool fully, then pack into freezer-safe containers. While the sauce may thicken slightly after freezing, a splash of extra milk or cream when reheating brings back its silky charm.

Reheating

For best results, reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth, stirring frequently to restore that creamy texture. If you’re in a hurry, the microwave works too—just heat in short bursts and stir often for even warming.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Rattlesnake Pasta is the kind of dish you make once—and suddenly, everyone is begging for seconds and the recipe. There’s just something magical about Cajun seasoning, creamy sauce, and rainbow veggies all tangled together with pasta. So roll up your sleeves, dive in, and treat yourself and your loved ones to some seriously bold, cozy comfort food tonight!

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