Sizzling Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: A Bold Dinner Adventure

Tangy and bold flavors dance across this zesty rattlesnake pasta recipe that promises a culinary adventure like no other.

Spicy peppers and tender meat create a southwestern-inspired dish that packs serious heat.

The combination of creamy sauce and unexpected protein will surprise your taste buds with every bite.

Rich jalapeño cream sauce coats perfectly cooked pasta, delivering a punch of flavor that keeps you coming back for more.

Inspired by southwestern cuisine, this recipe brings restaurant-quality excitement to your home kitchen.

Each forkful tells a story of bold spices and daring ingredients that challenge traditional pasta expectations.

Prepare to experience a meal that turns an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast.

What’s So Exciting About Rattlesnake Pasta

• Packed with bold jalapeño and hot sauce flavors, this pasta delivers a fiery kick that transforms an ordinary dinner into an exciting culinary adventure.
• One-pot preparation means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious results without complicated techniques.
• Easily adjust spice levels by adding more or less hot sauce and jalapeños, making this recipe adaptable for different taste preferences and heat tolerances.
• Combines protein-rich chicken with creamy cheese sauce, creating a hearty meal that comes together in under 30 minutes for a fast and filling dinner solution.

Rattlesnake Pasta Ingredient Guide

• Chicken: A lean protein that adds substance and flavor to the pasta dish.

• Pasta, Chicken Stock: The base of the dish that creates a creamy and flavorful meal.

• Jalapeños, Garlic, Bell Pepper: Fresh ingredients that provide heat, depth, and complexity to the recipe.

• Cream, Parmesan Cheese, Cheddar Cheese: Creamy components that contribute richness and a smooth texture to the sauce.

• Salt, Hot Sauce: Enhancers that balance and intensify the overall taste of the dish.

The Best Tools for Cooking Rattlesnake Pasta

• Dutch oven: Large, heavy-bottomed pot perfect for one-pot cooking and developing deep flavors.
• Cutting board: Essential for chopping jalapeños and bell peppers safely.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise vegetable and ingredient preparation.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients without scratching the pot.
• Measuring cups: Helps accurately measure chicken stock and cheese quantities.
• Serving bowls: 4 shallow bowls for portioning and presenting the pasta.

Making Rattlesnake Pasta: How-To Guide

Step 1: Sizzle Jalapeños and Garlic

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.

Drop in jalapeños and garlic, stirring constantly until they release a fragrant aroma, which takes about 30 seconds to 1 minute.

Step 2: Combine Chicken and Pasta

• Chicken
• Pasta
• Chicken stock

Bring the mixture to a boil and cook uncovered, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes.

Reduce heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer while stirring often.

Cook until pasta reaches al dente with a small amount of liquid remaining at the bottom of the Dutch oven, approximately 10 to 12 minutes.

Step 3: Create Creamy Sauce

• Bell pepper
• Cream
• Salt

Remove the pot from heat.

Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese in 2-3 additions, ensuring smooth blending between each addition.

Stir in cheddar cheese and adjust seasoning with additional salt as needed.

Step 4: Finish and Plate

Distribute pasta evenly among 4 shallow serving bowls.

Sprinkle remaining cheddar cheese on top.

Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with extra Parmesan and jalapeños.

Serve immediately while hot and fresh.

Tips for Perfect Rattlesnake Pasta Every Time

• Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder dish or add extra for more heat, tailoring the recipe to your personal spice tolerance.
• Select pasta shapes that hold sauce well, like penne or rotini, ensuring every bite is flavorful and saucy.
• Watch pasta liquid during cooking; add more chicken stock if mixture becomes too dry to prevent sticking.
• Add Parmesan gradually and stir constantly to create a smooth, creamy sauce without lumps.
• Replace chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based chicken for diverse dietary preferences and interesting flavor variations.

Rattlesnake Pasta: Ways to Mix It Up

• Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken with firm tofu or plant-based chicken alternative, using vegetable stock instead of chicken stock for a meat-free protein option.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Swap regular pasta with gluten-free pasta made from rice, corn, or quinoa to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Spice-Reduced Option: Decrease jalapeño quantity or substitute with mild green chiles for those preferring less heat while maintaining flavor complexity.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Use zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice as pasta replacement, reducing overall carbohydrate content for ketogenic or low-carb meal plans.

Serving Rattlesnake Pasta With Style

• Spicy Sidekick Spread: Serve with crisp garlic bread or tortilla chips to soak up the creamy sauce and balance the heat.
• Cooling Companion Combo: Pair with a fresh cucumber salad or coleslaw to provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy pasta.
• Drink Harmony Match: Complement the dish with a cold Mexican beer or a crisp white wine that can cut through the rich, creamy flavors.
• Green Freshness Topper: Sprinkle chopped cilantro or green onions on top for a burst of fresh flavor and added color to the presentation.

How to Keep Rattlesnake Pasta Tasting Great

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cool pasta completely before sealing to prevent moisture buildup.
• Transfer cooled pasta to freezer-safe containers. Will keep frozen for 2-3 weeks. Avoid freezing cream-based sauces as they may separate.
• Place pasta in a microwave-safe dish. Add 2-3 tablespoons of chicken stock or water to restore moisture. Cover and heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat. Add splash of chicken stock or water to prevent drying. Stir gently and frequently until heated through, approximately 4-5 minutes.

FAQs

• Is rattlesnake pasta spicy?

The dish has a moderate heat level from jalapeños and optional hot sauce. You can control the spiciness by adjusting the number of jalapeños or omitting the hot sauce.

• What type of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne or fettuccine are ideal choices. They hold the creamy sauce well and provide good texture in the dish.

• Can I make this recipe without chicken?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with shrimp, ground beef, or make it vegetarian by adding more bell peppers or using plant-based protein alternatives.

• How do I prevent the pasta from becoming mushy?

Follow the recipe’s cooking instructions carefully. Cook pasta al dente by simmering with chicken stock and stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent overcooking.

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 35 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rattlesnake pasta brings bold southwestern spice to classic Italian cuisine, combining tender chicken and zesty peppers in a creamy sauce. Pasta enthusiasts will savor this hearty dish that delivers complex flavors with each satisfying bite.

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Ingredients

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Protein:

• 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces

Pasta and Base Ingredients:

• 12 ounces dried penne pasta
• 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
• 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Cheese and Seasonings:

• 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
• 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese
• 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapenos, plus extra slices for serving
• 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
• 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
• Hot sauce, optional (for serving)

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Instructions

1. Sauté jalapeños and garlic in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat for 30-60 seconds until aromatic, ensuring constant stirring to prevent burning.
2. Add chicken, pasta, and chicken stock to the pot. Bring mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes.
3. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the pot, and simmer for 10-12 minutes. Stir frequently to prevent pasta from sticking, maintaining a small amount of liquid at the bottom.
4. Remove lid and incorporate bell pepper, cream, and salt until thoroughly blended.
5. Take pot off heat and gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, stirring until each addition melts smoothly.
6. Mix in cheddar cheese until sauce reaches a consistent texture. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
7. Portion pasta into shallow serving bowls, sprinkling remaining cheddar cheese on top.
8. Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with extra Parmesan and jalapeño slices.
9. Serve immediately while sauce is hot and creamy.

Notes

• Spice Tolerance: Adjust jalapeño quantity based on personal heat preference, removing seeds for milder flavor or adding more for extra kick.
• Protein Flexibility: Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or plant-based alternatives to accommodate different dietary needs and preferences.
• Pasta Consistency: Watch liquid levels carefully during cooking to prevent sticking or burning, adding extra stock if pasta seems dry.
• Cheese Melting Technique: Add cheese gradually and stir continuously to ensure smooth, creamy sauce without clumping or separating.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 641
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1050 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 63 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 45 g
• Cholesterol: 129 mg