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Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 89 reviews

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful and creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken or shrimp, sautéed bell peppers, and a rich, spicy cream sauce tossed with al dente penne pasta. This dish is perfect for those who love a bit of heat balanced with creamy, cheesy goodness and vibrant fresh herbs.

Ingredients

Scale

Primary 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

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta until just under al dente, about 1 minute less than package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water before draining the pasta.
  2. Cook the Protein: Season your chosen protein—either sliced chicken breast or shrimp—with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the protein until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and the butter. Sauté the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with the minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes, or until softened and fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Add the remaining 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes to the peppers and garlic. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aroma. Slowly pour in the heavy cream, bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet and add the drained penne pasta. Toss everything together to ensure the pasta and protein are well coated with the spicy cream sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and a generous squeeze of lime juice. Serve immediately while hot to enjoy the full flavor and creaminess of the dish.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper according to your preferred spice level.
  • Shrimp cooks faster than chicken; watch carefully to avoid overcooking.
  • Using reserved pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and enhances its silkiness.
  • Fresh herbs and lime juice add brightness and balance the richness of the cream sauce.
  • To make it lower fat, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, but the sauce will be less rich.

Keywords: Spicy Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Shrimp Pasta, Rattlesnake Pasta, Spicy Cream Sauce, One Pan Pasta

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