Rattlesnake Pasta

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Rattlesnake Pasta is a fiery, creamy pasta dish that packs bold Southwestern flavors in every bite. Tender strips of chicken are coated in a spicy Cajun cream sauce and tossed with perfectly cooked pasta, creating a meal that’s comforting yet adventurous. This dish is beloved for its balance of heat and richness, making it a favorite for weeknight dinners or casual dinner parties.

The name may sound intimidating, but Rattlesnake Pasta is all about bringing the zesty bite of jalapeños, Cajun spices, and creamy cheese together into a harmonious dish. If you’re looking for something more exciting than your usual Alfredo, this pasta is just the right way to spice up your dinner routine without being overwhelming.

Why You’ll Love This Rattlesnake Pasta

This recipe is quick enough for busy evenings but impressive enough to serve to guests. It’s creamy, spicy, and loaded with tender chicken, making it satisfying and full of flavor. You can adjust the spice level to suit your taste, and it’s a one-pan sauce that keeps cleanup easy. Plus, it’s versatile—try it with shrimp or even vegetarian-style with sautéed veggies.

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

The beauty of Rattlesnake Pasta is that it works well with a variety of pasta shapes. Traditionally, fettuccine or linguine is used because their broad noodles hold the creamy sauce beautifully. If you prefer, penne or rotini also work great for catching all the creamy, spicy goodness in every bite. Choose your favorite, and enjoy the irresistible kick of this dish.

Ingredients for the Rattlesnake Pasta

Chicken breast adds protein and substance to the dish, soaking up the Cajun spice beautifully. Fresh jalapeños bring the signature heat that gives Rattlesnake Pasta its name, while bell peppers add sweetness and crunch for balance. Heavy cream is the foundation of the sauce, making it luscious and rich. Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty depth of flavor. Garlic adds aromatic warmth, while Cajun seasoning ties everything together with bold, smoky spices. Lastly, your choice of pasta forms the hearty base, catching all that creamy, spicy sauce.

How To Make the Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Cook your pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve a little pasta water before draining to adjust the sauce later, if needed.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning and sear them in a large skillet over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, sauté garlic, jalapeños, and bell peppers until just tender and fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Lower the heat, pour in heavy cream, and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and let it melt completely into a creamy sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning with more Cajun spice if desired.

Step 5: Combine and Serve

Return the chicken to the skillet and toss in the cooked pasta. Stir well to coat everything evenly with the sauce. Garnish with extra Parmesan and sliced jalapeños if you like a spicier kick, then serve immediately.

Serving and Storing Rattlesnake Pasta

This Rattlesnake Pasta recipe makes enough to serve four generous portions, perfect for a family meal or for sharing with friends. Serve it hot, straight from the skillet, for the best creamy texture. If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm gently over low heat to bring back the sauce’s creaminess.

What to Serve With Rattlesnake Pasta?

Garlic Bread

Warm, crusty garlic bread is the ideal companion to soak up the creamy Cajun sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light salad with crisp greens and a vinaigrette dressing helps balance the richness of the pasta.

Roasted Vegetables

Roasted asparagus, zucchini, or broccoli make colorful and tasty sides.

Cornbread

Sweet, buttery cornbread offers a comforting Southern twist alongside the spicy pasta.

Avocado Slices

Cool, creamy avocado slices temper the heat of the jalapeños beautifully.

Coleslaw

A tangy, crunchy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the creamy sauce.

Grilled Shrimp

For a seafood option, add some smoky grilled shrimp on the side or even on top of the pasta.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re a fan of creamy, comforting pastas with a twist, you’ll love exploring these other creative recipes:

• Delicious Garlic Sausage Alfredo Rigatoni for a garlicky, hearty option.
• Quick Creamy Cajun Pasta if you enjoy that Cajun kick.
• Creamy Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood spin on creamy pasta.
• Easy Chicken with Zucchini Corn Garlic Sauce for a lighter, vegetable-rich take.
• Creamy Mushroom Ravioli if you’re craving earthy, cheesy comfort.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it anytime.

And let me know in the comments how your Rattlesnake Pasta turned out. Did you keep it mild or go full fiery? Did you add shrimp or stick with chicken?

I love seeing how others put their own spin on these recipes. Feel free to ask questions too—let’s make cooking more fun together.

Explore beautifully curated pasta and dinner ideas on Luna Meals on Pinterest and discover your next favorite meal!

Conclusion

Rattlesnake Pasta is a delicious way to turn up the flavor in your kitchen. Creamy, spicy, and deeply satisfying, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding a family or looking to impress guests, this pasta delivers both comfort and a little adventure in every bite.

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