Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and creamy dish combining tender chicken, spicy jalapeños, and colorful bell peppers with a rich, cheesy sauce. It’s the perfect blend of heat and comfort, providing a dynamic, flavorful meal that will leave your taste buds tingling. Whether you’re craving a little spice or looking for a new pasta dish to add to your rotation, Rattlesnake Pasta is a delicious choice that’s sure to become a household favorite.

Photo bypinterest

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This recipe combines the bold flavors of Cajun seasoning with the creaminess of Parmesan and butter to create a pasta dish that’s both rich and spicy. The combination of jalapeños, bell peppers, and red onions adds a colorful contrast to the creamy sauce, while the Cajun seasoning brings the perfect kick of spice. The use of half-and-half (or milk) with butter and flour ensures that the sauce is creamy without being too heavy, creating a smooth, velvety texture that coats the pasta beautifully.

Fun Fact:

Did you know that Rattlesnake Pasta doesn’t actually contain rattlesnake? The name comes from the heat of the dish, which has a bite just like a rattlesnake! It’s a playful way of describing the spiciness of the jalapeños and Cajun seasoning that pack a punch in this meal.

A neat trick to enhance your Rattlesnake Pasta is to marinate the chicken in a bit of olive oil and Cajun seasoning for about 30 minutes before cooking. This allows the flavors to infuse into the chicken, making every bite more flavorful. Plus, the seared chicken pieces provide a savory, slightly crispy texture that pairs perfectly with the creamy sauce.

Nutritional Information for Rattlesnake Pasta (Per Serving, Serves 4-6)

• • Calories: 620 kcal  
  • Protein: 34g  
  • Fat: 28g  
  • Carbohydrates: 54g  
  • Fiber: 4g  
  • Sugar: 6g  
  • Sodium: 920mg

Photo bypinterest

Serving Suggestions to Enhance Your Rattlesnake Pasta

Serve your Rattlesnake Pasta hot, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color. This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or some garlic bread to balance out the heat. If you’re feeling adventurous, top it with a few extra slices of jalapeños for those who love extra spice! Pair with a cold beer or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing contrast to the heat.

Fun Fact:

The use of Parmesan in this dish isn’t just for flavor; it also helps thicken the sauce and adds a nutty, salty complexity that rounds out the richness of the butter and cream. Parmesan cheese has been a key ingredient in Italian cuisine for centuries, often used to enhance the flavor and texture of creamy pasta dishes like this one.

Did you know that the jalapeño is one of the most popular peppers in the United States? Originally from Mexico, it’s now grown all over the world. While jalapeños are known for their heat, they’re also packed with vitamins A and C, making them a nutritious addition to your meals. The seeds and membranes are the spiciest parts, so removing them can help you control the level of heat in your dish.

Storage Information to Keep Your Rattlesnake Pasta Fresh

Rattlesnake Pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. If you plan to make a larger batch, this dish also freezes well. Simply portion it out into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and warm it up on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring the creamy sauce back to life.

Tip: When reheating, you can add a splash of milk or cream to the sauce to ensure it stays smooth and creamy. Sometimes pasta can absorb the sauce when stored, so this will help loosen it up and restore the dish’s creamy texture.

Extra Tip to Elevate Your Rattlesnake Pasta

For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder to the sauce. The smoky undertones complement the heat from the jalapeños, creating a more complex, dynamic flavor. If you want to go even further, try adding crispy bacon bits on top for a salty, crunchy finish.

You can also swap out the penne pasta for a different shape, like fusilli or rigatoni, which will hold the sauce even better. If you’re looking to make it a bit healthier, whole-wheat pasta or gluten-free options work just as well in this recipe.

Photo bypinterest

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb penne pasta  
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces  
• 2 tbsp olive oil, divided  
• 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning  
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced  
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced  
• 1/2 red onion, sliced  
• 3 cloves garlic, minced  
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)  
• 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  
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley  

Instructions:

1. Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.  

2. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces and sprinkle with Cajun seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.  

3. In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and jalapeños until softened, about 5 minutes.  

4. In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, until it turns golden. Gradually whisk in the milk or half-and-half, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.  

5. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth.  

6. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sautéed vegetables. Pour the Parmesan cream sauce over the mixture and toss to combine, ensuring everything is evenly coated with the sauce.  

7. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve hot.

Enjoy this bold, creamy, and spicy Rattlesnake Pasta that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion!