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.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
Instructions
- Pasta Preparation: Immerse penne in heavily salted water, cooking until al dente. Drain completely and set aside.
- 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.
- Vegetable Foundation: In identical skillet, sauté bell peppers, onions, garlic, and jalapeños until they become vibrant and slightly tender, releasing their aromatic essence.
- 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.
- 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.
- Final Assembly: Combine reserved chicken, sautéed vegetables, and perfectly cooked pasta within the velvety sauce. Gently fold to ensure comprehensive coating and uniform distribution.
- 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