Name: Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Cajun
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; Juice of ½ lime; ½ cup reserved pasta water

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Introduction

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken or shrimp with creamy, spicy sauce and crisp bell peppers. This recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and creaminess, making it an exciting meal for spice lovers looking for a satisfying pasta dish.

A close-up of a bowl filled with creamy penne pasta, showing about two layers of pasta coated in a thick, light yellow sauce. The penne pasta is mixed with small pieces of red pepper and garnished with scattered green herb leaves. The sauce has specks of black pepper and red seasoning sprinkled on top, creating a slightly textured look. The bowl holding the pasta is white and is placed against a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Juice of ½ lime
½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until just al dente, about one minute less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Step 2: Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet and sear the protein until fully cooked. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened.
Step 4: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds, then pour in the heavy cream. Let the mixture simmer while stirring in the Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy.
Step 5: Add the cooked pasta and the chicken or shrimp back into the sauce. Toss everything to coat thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro and squeeze lime juice over the top if desired. Serve immediately while hot.

Tips & Variations

Use shrimp for a lighter option or chicken for a heartier dish; both work beautifully with this sauce.
Adjust the red pepper flakes and cayenne to control the heat level according to your preference.
For extra depth, add a splash of white wine when building the sauce before adding cream.
Fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime brighten the flavors and add freshness to the rich sauce.

Storage

Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens. Avoid microwaving to keep the sauce creamy and prevent the protein from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Close-up of creamy penne pasta with three layers visible: the bottom layer is tender penne pasta covered in white creamy sauce, the middle layer shows browned sausage pieces with a slight crispy texture, and the top layer has sliced red cherry tomatoes and small green parsley leaves scattered around. The pasta has a light sprinkling of black pepper and herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The dish is served in a white bowl, all placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely. While penne works well to hold the sauce, other pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle can also be used depending on your preference.

Is this dish very spicy?

The heat level is moderate and can be easily adjusted by varying the amount of red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper, allowing you to make it mild or extra spicy as you like.