Sizzling Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: Spicy Comfort on a Plate

Culinary adventurers seeking a bold pasta dish might find their match in this rattlesnake pasta recipe that packs unexpected flavor punches.

Southwestern spices dance through creamy sauce, creating a memorable meal.

Exotic ingredients come together in surprising ways.

Wild game enthusiasts appreciate the unique protein choice.

Home cooks can easily master this distinctive plate with simple techniques.

Unexpected combinations spark conversation around the dinner table.

Fire up your appetite and dive into a recipe that promises delicious excitement.

Why Rattlesnake Pasta is So Popular

• Spice Up Your Dinner: Packed with bold flavors from jalapenos and Worcestershire sauce, this Rattlesnake Pasta delivers a zesty kick that transforms an ordinary meal into an exciting culinary adventure.
• Customize with Ease: Perfect for heat lovers who can adjust spice levels by adding red pepper flakes or extra jalapenos, making it adaptable to different taste preferences.
• Quick Kitchen Magic: Requires minimal prep and cooks in under 30 minutes, ideal for busy weeknight dinners or spontaneous meal solutions that don't compromise on taste.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Combines familiar pasta comfort with exciting southwestern-inspired flavors, ensuring both kids and adults will enjoy this crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients for Rattlesnake Pasta

• Chicken: A lean protein that provides a hearty base for the pasta dish.
• Parmesan Cheese: A salty, aged cheese that adds depth and richness to the sauce.
• Cheddar Cheese: A sharp cheese that melts beautifully and adds a creamy texture.

• Bell Peppers: A sweet and colorful vegetable that brings crunch and flavor to the dish.
• Jalapenos: A spicy pepper that adds a kick of heat and excitement to the pasta.
• Garlic: An aromatic ingredient that provides a robust and pungent flavor base.

• Olive Oil, Butter: Cooking fats that help develop flavors and create a smooth texture.
• Milk, Heavy Cream: Dairy ingredients that create a rich and creamy sauce.
• Worcestershire Sauce, Salt, Pepper, Italian Seasoning, Red Pepper Flakes: Seasonings that enhance and balance the overall taste profile.
• Flour: A thickening agent that helps create a smooth and consistent sauce.

Instructions for Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Sizzle Peppers and Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium flame. Toss bell peppers into the pan and let them dance and soften for 5 minutes.

Scoop out the peppers and set aside. Next, slide chicken into the same hot pan, cooking until it turns completely white and tender, about 5-7 minutes.

Sprinkle with salt and pepper, then splash Worcestershire sauce to add a tangy kick. Transfer chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Craft Creamy Sauce

Melt butter in the pan, creating a golden base. Drop minced garlic into the butter and let it sizzle and release its aromatic magic for 1-2 minutes.

Whisk in Italian seasoning and flour, stirring constantly until a smooth paste forms. Let the mixture cook for a minute to eliminate raw flour taste.

Gradually pour milk and heavy cream, whisking steadily until the sauce transforms into a luxurious, velvety consistency. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Build Flavor Layers

• Parmesan cheese
• Half the cheddar cheese

Add the previously cooked chicken and bell peppers back into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to suit your taste.

Toss the cooked pasta through the sauce, ensuring every strand gets a delicious coating. Sprinkle remaining cheddar on top for an extra cheesy finish.

Serve with red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or extra jalapeno slices for those who crave more heat.

Tips for Rattlesnake Pasta

• Adjust the heat by controlling jalapeno and red pepper flake amounts, letting you create a mild or fiery dish based on personal preference.
• Chop peppers, measure ingredients, and cook chicken in advance to streamline cooking process and reduce overall meal preparation time.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, ground beef, or plant-based alternatives like tofu for diverse protein options that maintain the recipe's delicious flavor profile.
• Substitute heavy cream with coconut milk and use vegan cheese alternatives to create a lactose-free version of this creamy pasta dish.
• Choose hearty pasta shapes like penne or rigatoni that hold sauce well and provide excellent texture in the final rattlesnake pasta creation.

Variations of Rattlesnake Pasta

• Smoky Southwest Rattlesnake Pasta: Replace regular chicken with smoked chicken and add chipotle peppers for an intense southwestern flavor profile.
• Veggie Protein Power Pasta: Swap chicken for black beans or grilled tofu, incorporating extra bell peppers and roasted corn for added nutrition.
• Creamy Cajun Rattlesnake Pasta: Use Andouille sausage instead of chicken, add Cajun seasoning, and mix in some green onions for a Louisiana-style kick.
• Mediterranean Herb Rattlesnake Pasta: Incorporate feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh oregano for a Mediterranean-inspired version with lighter, brighter notes.

Pairings with Rattlesnake Pasta

• Spice-Matching Margarita: Craft a zesty margarita with tequila, lime juice, and a splash of orange liqueur to complement the pasta's spicy kick and creamy texture.
• Wine-Pairing Perfection: Select a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay with bright acidity to balance the rich, creamy sauce and cut through the heat of jalapenos.
• Cooling Companion Salad: Prepare a fresh cucumber and avocado salad with a light vinaigrette to provide a cool contrast to the pasta's spicy and robust flavors.
• Craft Beer Complement: Choose a hoppy IPA or a light wheat beer that can stand up to the dish's bold spices and creamy sauce while refreshing the palate.

Storing Rattlesnake Pasta Correctly

Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Transfer pasta to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing dairy-heavy sauces as they might separate.

Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk or cream to restore moisture, cover, and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to ensure even warming.

Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of milk or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently to maintain sauce consistency and prevent burning.

FAQs

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal as they hold the creamy sauce well and provide good texture for the chicken and peppers.

• How spicy is Rattlesnake Pasta?

The heat level depends on jalapeno amount – you can control spiciness by adjusting or removing jalapeno seeds for milder flavor.

• Can I substitute heavy cream?

Yes, you can use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce might be less rich and creamy compared to heavy cream.

• Is this dish considered a Tex-Mex recipe?

While it has Tex-Mex inspired ingredients like jalapenos and spicy elements, it’s more of a creamy pasta dish with southwestern flavor influences.

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rattlesnake pasta brings fiery southwestern heat to classic Italian comfort food. Spicy chicken, bold peppers, and creamy sauce combine for a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces/170 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (4 ounces/113 grams) shredded cheddar cheese

Produce and Seasonings:

• 1 bell pepper, chopped
• 23 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 23 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos
• 1/2 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes or hot sauce (optional)

Dairy and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 cups milk
• 1 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 lb (454 grams) penne or cavatappi pasta, cooked and drained

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large cooking vessel and warm olive oil over medium heat, carefully sautéing bell peppers until they soften and develop a slight char, approximately 5 minutes. Transfer peppers to a separate plate.
2. In the same pan, introduce chicken pieces and cook thoroughly for 6-7 minutes, ensuring no pink remains. Season with salt and pepper, then deglaze using Worcestershire sauce to enhance flavor complexity. Remove chicken and set aside.
3. Reduce heat and melt butter, then gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Incorporate Italian seasoning and flour, creating a smooth roux by continuously stirring.
4. Gradually introduce milk and heavy cream, whisking consistently to develop a velvety, uniform sauce. Cook until the mixture thickens and reaches a luxurious consistency.
5. Fold in chopped jalapenos, Parmesan, and half the cheddar cheese, stirring until completely integrated. Return chicken and bell peppers to the sauce, adjusting seasoning as needed.
6. Combine cooked pasta with the spicy cream sauce, ensuring every strand is generously coated. Transfer to serving dishes and garnish with remaining cheddar cheese.
7. Optionally enhance the dish with red pepper flakes, additional hot sauce, or fresh jalapeno slices for extra heat and visual appeal.

Notes

• Swap chicken for shredded rotisserie meat to save cooking time and add instant flavor depth.
• Reduce spiciness by removing jalapeno seeds or using mild green chiles for a gentler version.
• Ensure a creamy sauce by whisking continuously and maintaining medium-low heat to prevent scorching or separation.
• Transform into a gluten-free dish by substituting all-purpose flour with cornstarch or using a gluten-free flour blend.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 725 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 760 mg
• Fat: 45 g
• Saturated Fat: 22 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 21 g
• Trans Fat: 0.5 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 48 g
• Cholesterol: 140 mg