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Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 90 reviews

Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful Cajun-inspired pasta dish featuring perfectly cooked penne combined with tender, seasoned chicken and sautéed vegetables. This creamy Alfredo pasta boasts a spicy kick from Cajun seasoning and jalapeño peppers, enriched with a luscious homemade cheese sauce that includes parmesan and mozzarella. Finished with a touch of lime juice and fresh cilantro, this dish offers a perfect balance of creaminess and heat, making it a delightful and comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 quart cold water
  • 1 tablespoon sea salt or kosher salt
  • 1 pound penne

Chicken and Vegetables

  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts (2–3 medium breasts)
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (plus more to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil or vegetable oil
  • 10–12 thin slices red bell pepper (from approximately 1 small bell pepper, core and seeds removed)
  • 1 jalapeño pepper, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup diced yellow onion (about 1 small onion)
  • 1 ½ tablespoons minced garlic (about 3 large cloves)

Alfredo Sauce

  • ¼ cup unsalted butter
  • ¼ cup all-purpose flour
  • 2 cups half-and-half (at room temperature)
  • 1 cup grated parmesan cheese (at room temperature)
  • 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • ½ tablespoon lime juice
  • Chopped fresh cilantro (approximately 2 tablespoons total) for garnish

Instructions

  1. Boil the Pasta: Fill a large pot with 1 quart of cold water and bring to a rolling boil over high heat. Add 1 tablespoon sea salt once boiling, stir to incorporate, and allow the water to return to a rolling boil. Add 1 pound of penne pasta and cook for 2 minutes less than the package instructions until almost al dente. Drain the pasta well in a colander and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, trim and cut 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle 2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning over the chicken, coating all sides evenly.
  3. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of avocado oil. When the oil is hot and shimmering, add the seasoned chicken pieces. Cook for about 3 minutes until the chicken is opaque and lightly browned. Flip and cook the other side for an additional 3 minutes. Transfer chicken to a large bowl and set aside.
  4. Sauté Vegetables: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add thin slices of red bell pepper, jalapeño pepper, and diced yellow onion. Stir and sauté for about 3 minutes until vegetables begin to soften. Add minced garlic and continue sautéing for 2 more minutes, until the onions are translucent. Transfer vegetables to the bowl with the chicken and set aside.
  5. Make the Alfredo Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium-low and melt ¼ cup unsalted butter. Once melted, whisk in ¼ cup all-purpose flour to form a roux. Cook for 3 minutes, whisking constantly without burning it. Remove from heat and gradually add 2 cups half-and-half, whisking continuously to ensure a smooth sauce. Stir in 1 cup grated parmesan gradually until fully incorporated.
  6. Season and Thicken Sauce: Return the skillet to medium-low heat. Add 1 ½ teaspoons Cajun seasoning, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper to the sauce. Whisk and simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  7. Add Cheese and Lime: Remove the skillet from heat again and stir in 1 cup shredded mozzarella and ½ tablespoon lime juice. Return the pan to the heat, stirring gently until the cheese is just melted and the sauce is smooth.
  8. Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Vegetables: Add the drained pasta, cooked chicken, and sautéed vegetables into the sauce in the skillet. Stir gently to combine everything evenly and warm through.
  9. Serve: Divide the Rattlesnake Pasta among serving bowls. Garnish with chopped fresh cilantro if desired. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors.

Notes

  • Adjust Cajun seasoning to taste for preferred spice level.
  • Ensure half-and-half and cheeses are at room temperature to prevent sauce curdling.
  • Use freshly grated parmesan for best flavor and melting quality.
  • For a milder dish, reduce or omit jalapeño.
  • If pasta sticks, briefly rinse with warm water after draining to separate pieces.

Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy pasta recipe, Alfredo pasta with chicken, Cajun seasoning recipe

Find it online: https://trendytasterecipes.com/rattlesnake-pasta-recipe/