Name: Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; Juice of ½ lime; ½ cup reserved pasta water

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Introduction

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken or shrimp with creamy Cajun-seasoned sauce and vibrant bell peppers. Perfect for those who love a little heat and a rich, comforting meal in under 30 minutes.

The dish is a close-up of penne pasta coated in a creamy white sauce, placed in a black pan with a silver handle on a white marbled surface. The pasta is mixed with chunks of light green jalapeño slices, small red bell pepper pieces, and green asparagus segments. There are also white cauliflower florets scattered throughout. The entire dish is sprinkled lightly with orange-red seasoning powder, adding color contrast. The textures include smooth creamy pasta, tender vegetables, and the rough sprinkled seasoning. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins:

¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Juice of ½ lime
½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water and then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the protein until cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, until softened.
Step 4: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds, then slowly pour in the heavy cream. Simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and chicken or shrimp back into the skillet. Toss to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Step 6: Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For extra heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper along with the other spices.
Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut milk for a lighter or dairy-free option, though the sauce will be less rich.
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist, or mix both for variety.
Fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro add brightness and cut through the richness of the sauce.
If the sauce gets too thick, gradually stir in reserved pasta water until it reaches the perfect creaminess.

Storage

Store leftover Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwaving directly as it can cause uneven heating.

How to Serve

A white plate sits on a wooden cutting board with a simple handle cutout, placed on a surface with a white marbled texture. On the plate, there is creamy penne pasta mixed with pieces of chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, and slices of bright green jalapeños. The pasta is coated in a light creamy sauce, and there are small red chili flakes sprinkled on top. A shiny silver fork rests on the right edge of the plate, angled slightly outward. Around the cutting board, there are three whole green jalapeños positioned casually. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can omit the chicken or shrimp and add extra vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach to keep the dish hearty and flavorful.

How spicy is this pasta?

This pasta has a moderate level of spice thanks to Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the heat by reducing or increasing the amount of red pepper flakes and adding cayenne pepper if desired.