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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- 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.
- Add chicken, pasta, and chicken stock to the pot. Bring mixture to a rapid boil, stirring occasionally for 4 minutes.
- 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.
- Remove lid and incorporate bell pepper, cream, and salt until thoroughly blended.
- Take pot off heat and gradually fold in Parmesan cheese, stirring until each addition melts smoothly.
- Mix in cheddar cheese until sauce reaches a consistent texture. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if needed.
- Portion pasta into shallow serving bowls, sprinkling remaining cheddar cheese on top.
- Optional: Drizzle with hot sauce and garnish with extra Parmesan and jalapeño slices.
- 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