Feeling spicy? This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe isn’t made with actual rattlesnake (whew!), but it does bite back with its creamy, cheesy, jalapeño-kissed kick. It’s a bold, Tex-Mex twist on fettuccine alfredo that struts onto the dinner table like it owns the place. Think rich parmesan sauce, tender chicken (yep, loaded with flavor and protein. Check out why chicken is still the dinner MVP), spicy peppers, and fettuccine that soaks it all in. It’s cowboy boots meets pasta night.
Now, if you’re into other cozy, creamy dinners, this one lives in the same spicy family as our Hot Honey Chicken and Kielbasa Pasta Recipe, both absolute flavor bombs. But Rattlesnake Pasta brings that “I wasn’t expecting that!” energy. It balances heat with creamy indulgence like a champ, and honestly, it’s a welcome break from the usual marinara rut. Bonus? It reheats like a dream. (Late-night leftovers, anyone?)
Also, let’s just take a second to appreciate jalapeños. Not only do they spice things up, but they also offer real health benefits like boosting metabolism. Pair that with cheese and grilled chicken, and you’ve got a weirdly balanced meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant but only dirtied one pan. If you’re looking for a partner in crime for this dish, check out our Spicy Tomato Juice or even something cool like the Cold Cucumber Mint Soup as a fresh sidekick.
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this bold and creamy Rattlesnake Pasta.
It’s spicy, saucy, and weeknight-friendly, with ingredients you probably already have on hand.
Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe’s got you.
Let’s get that skillet sizzling and bring the heat to your pasta game.
Scroll down for the full step-by-step breakdown!
Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Large skillet For sautéing chicken and sauce
- 1 Saucepan For boiling pasta
- 1 Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne pasta cooked al dente
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced into thin strips
- 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning adjust to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil for cooking chicken
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth low sodium
- 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese freshly grated preferred
- 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper optional for extra heat
- to taste salt & pepper
- optional parsley chopped for garnish
Instructions
- Season & Sear the Chicken: Toss chicken strips in Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and cook chicken until golden and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, scraping up any brown bits.
- Add Cheese & Spice: Reduce heat to low and stir in parmesan until melted. Add red pepper flakes if using. Simmer until slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta & Chicken: Add cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until well-coated in sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve & Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired. Enjoy immediately!
Notes
Share Your Twist on This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe!
Did you switch up the heat level? Throw in shrimp instead of chicken? Maybe you went rogue and used fettuccine; hey, no judgment here. Whether you toned it down for the kids or doubled the Cajun spice like a hero, we want to hear about it!
📸 Snap a pic and tag us on Instagram or Facebook using #OoohDelishTwist. Your spicy remix might just get featured.
💌 Got a wild twist that turned out surprisingly amazing? Email us at contact@ooohdelish.com we might test it in our kitchen and shout you out as the credited creator!
Let the pasta experiments begin your remix could be the next crave-worthy dinner hit.
FAQs: Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
What is Rattlesnake Pasta made of?
Rattlesnake Pasta is typically made with Cajun-spiced chicken, creamy parmesan sauce, garlic, red pepper flakes, and penne pasta. It’s creamy, spicy, and addictive.
Is Rattlesnake Pasta actually made with rattlesnake?
Nope, no snakes here! The name comes from its spicy bite—thanks to Cajun seasoning and pepper flakes—not the ingredients.
Can I make this Rattlesnake Pasta recipe less spicy?
Yes! Just reduce the Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. It’ll still be creamy and flavorful, just a little tamer.
What can I substitute for heavy cream in Rattlesnake Pasta?
You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and cream cheese. The texture will be slightly different, but still delicious.
How do I reheat leftover Rattlesnake Pasta?
Add a splash of broth or cream and reheat it gently on the stove over medium heat. Stir often until warmed through.
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