Quick Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: Spicy Comfort in Every Bite

Simmering with southwestern charm, this spicy rattlesnake pasta recipe delivers a culinary adventure straight to your plate.

Bold flavors dance across tender noodles, promising an unexpected twist on traditional pasta dishes.

Snake meat brings a lean, wild protein that elevates every single bite with rich, gamey nuances.

Chefs and food enthusiasts seeking something extraordinary will adore this unique recipe’s complex profile.

The combination of robust spices and tender meat creates a dish that challenges conventional cooking boundaries.

Heat lovers will relish the kick of peppers and zesty seasonings woven throughout the pasta.

Experience a plate that tells a story of culinary courage and untamed flavors.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15min

Cook Time: 30min

Total Time: 45min

Calories: 710 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients to Make Rattlesnake Pasta

• Penne Pasta: Hearty and ridged pasta that perfectly captures the creamy sauce, ideal for holding onto spicy flavors and textures.

• Chicken Breast, Cajun Seasoning: Lean protein with a bold, zesty kick that adds depth and heat to the dish, choose fresh chicken for best results.

• Bell Peppers, Onion, Garlic, Jalapeños: Vibrant mix of vegetables that brings crunch, sweetness, and fiery heat, select crisp and colorful peppers for maximum flavor impact.

• Butter, Flour, Milk, Parmesan Cheese: Silky foundation that transforms simple ingredients into a luxurious, rich sauce, use freshly grated Parmesan for superior melting quality.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper, Fresh Parsley: Enhancing seasonings and herbs that brighten and balance the dish's intense flavors, choose high-quality extra virgin olive oil for best taste.

Kitchen Tools for Rattlesnake Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly and creating a base for this delicious dish.
• Large Skillet: Your go-to pan for cooking chicken, sautéing vegetables, and creating the creamy sauce.
• Whisk: Perfect for smoothly blending flour, milk, and creating a lump-free sauce.
• Cutting Board: Helps chop peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeños with ease.
• Chef's Knife: Sharp tool for precise vegetable and herb chopping.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and tossing ingredients in the skillet.
• Colander: Helps drain pasta quickly and efficiently.

How to Cook Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta

• Pasta Base

Create a flavor foundation by cooking penne in salted water until perfectly tender. Drain and set aside for later magic.

• Chicken Preparation

Season chicken pieces with zesty Cajun spices. Sizzle in hot skillet until golden and fully cooked, creating a delicious protein layer.

• Veggie Excitement

Transform the skillet with colorful bell peppers, onions, garlic, and spicy jalapeños. Sauté until vegetables dance with a crisp texture.

• Creamy Sauce Creation

Craft a luxurious sauce using butter and flour, slowly whisking in milk until silky smooth. Allow the mixture to gently thicken and develop rich flavors.

• Cheese Fusion

Introduce Parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and creating a velvety texture. Season with salt and pepper for depth.

• Final Assembly

Combine pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables into the creamy sauce. Gently toss until every ingredient is lovingly coated with flavor.

• Serving Celebration

Plate the rattlesnake pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Dive into a spicy, creamy culinary adventure that tantalizes taste buds.

Ideas to Customize Rattlesnake Pasta Heat

• Customize the spiciness by adjusting jalapeños or adding hot sauce for more intense flavor without overwhelming the dish.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, andouille sausage, or plant-based alternatives to create exciting new taste profiles and accommodate different dietary preferences.
• Mix different cheeses like sharp cheddar or pepper jack with Parmesan to develop a more complex and rich sauce that elevates the overall flavor experience.
• Prepare components separately and store in refrigerator for up to 3 days, assembling quickly when ready to serve – perfect for busy weeknight meals or meal prepping.
• Incorporate additional vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini to increase nutritional value and add extra texture to the creamy pasta dish.

Serving Suggestions for Rattlesnake Pasta

• Spicy Dinner Date Night: Create a romantic atmosphere with candlelight and soft music, making this zesty pasta the star of your evening meal.
• Southwestern Fiesta Spread: Set up a vibrant buffet-style serving with additional hot sauces, fresh lime wedges, and crispy tortilla chips on the side for extra crunch and flavor.
• Quick Lunch Transformation: Pack leftovers in a sealed container for a delicious next-day lunch that reheats beautifully in the office microwave or as a picnic-friendly meal.
• Protein Power Boost: Top the pasta with extra grilled shrimp or sliced blackened steak for additional protein and a more substantial dining experience.

How to Store Spicy Pasta Properly

• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftovers in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth. Glass containers work best for maintaining flavor integrity.
• Smart Portion Separation: Divide remaining pasta into individual meal-sized portions before refrigerating, making reheating and meal planning easier throughout the week.
• Flavor Revival Technique: When reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to restore sauce's original creamy consistency. Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat to prevent sauce separation and maintain texture.
• Shelf Life Wisdom: Consume refrigerated rattlesnake pasta within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Always check for any unusual odors or color changes before reheating, which might indicate spoilage.

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45min
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Creamy rattlesnake pasta offers a spicy southwestern culinary adventure with bold protein and zesty flavors. Rich ranch-style ingredients combine for a memorable southwestern-inspired dish you will savor with pure delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb (0.45 kg) penne pasta
• 1 lb (0.45 kg) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 4 tbsps butter
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 2 tbsps olive oil, divided
• ½ red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ¼ cup all-purpose flour
• 2–3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
• ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1 ½ tsps Cajun seasoning
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Pasta Preparation: Immerse penne in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
2. Protein Development: Dust chicken with intense Cajun spices. Sear in hot olive oil until caramelized and fully cooked, approximately 5-7 minutes. Transfer chicken from skillet and reserve.
3. Vegetable Foundation: In identical skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeños until they become vibrant and slightly tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
4. Sauce Construction: Craft a golden roux by melting butter and integrating flour, whisking meticulously to eliminate potential lumps. Gradually introduce milk, creating a smooth, rich base.
5. Flavor Enhancement: Melt Parmesan into the sauce, transforming it into a creamy, luxurious coating. Season with salt and cracked pepper to amplify the taste profile.
6. Final Assembly: Combine reserved chicken, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta within the velvety sauce. Gently fold to ensure comprehensive coating and uniform distribution.
7. Presentation: Plate the rattlesnake pasta immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley for a vibrant, herbaceous finish. Serve steaming hot to maximize culinary experience.

Notes

• Boost Spice Impact: Toast Cajun seasoning briefly in the skillet before coating chicken to intensify flavor complexity and aroma.
• Manage Heat Levels: Control jalapeño quantities based on personal spice tolerance; remove seeds for milder version or add extra for fiery kick.
• Prevent Sauce Separation: Whisk roux continuously and maintain medium-low heat to ensure smooth, lump-free sauce without curdling.
• Pasta Perfection: Reserve small amount of pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if needed, helping create silky, clingy texture that coats ingredients evenly.

• Prep Time: 15min
• Cook Time: 30min
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 710
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 680 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 16 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 66 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 44 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg