Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

This creamy and spicy Rattlesnake Pasta brings a Cajun kick to your dinner table. A velvety parmesan sauce wraps around penne and tender chicken for a flavor-packed bite that’s weeknight-friendly and crave-worthy.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 20

Total Time 35

Servings: 4

Course: Easy Dinner ideas, pasta

Cuisine: American, Cajun

Calories: 540

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

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

Equipment

1 Large skillet For sautéing chicken and sauce
1 Saucepan For boiling pasta
1 Wooden spoon (for stirring the sauce)

Method

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

For extra smoky flavor, try blackening the chicken with a cast iron skillet. Not a fan of heat? Use a mild seasoning blend and skip the red pepper.