If you love bold flavors and a little kick in your creamy pasta, Rattlesnake Pasta is your new weeknight hero. This eye-catching, crave-worthy dish brings together juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, colorful sautéed bell peppers, ribbons of fettuccine or penne, and a luxurious Parmesan cream sauce with just the right edge of heat. Whether you’re spicing up a quiet dinner at home or impressing friends, Rattlesnake Pasta will add sizzle and southern-inspired comfort to your table.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Get ready to make magic with a handful of pantry and fresh staples! Each ingredient plays an important role in creating layers of flavor, a velvety texture, and a dish that’s as beautiful as it is satisfying.

Pasta: Choose 12 ounces of fettuccine or penne for a hearty, sauce-catching base to soak up every drop.
Olive Oil: Two tablespoons provide a silky start, allowing the chicken to sear and lock in moisture.
Chicken Breast: A pound of boneless, skinless chicken cut into strips turns into the tender, protein-packed star of the show.
Cajun Seasoning: One teaspoon sparks that signature Rattlesnake Pasta heat and depth—turn up or down to suit your taste!
Salt: Half a teaspoon brings all the flavors into perfect balance.
Black Pepper: Another half teaspoon adds mild warmth and that classic finishing touch.
Garlic: Mince two cloves for an aromatic pop that infuses the dish at every bite.
Bell Peppers: One red and one green, thinly sliced, lend color, crunch, and a sweet contrast to the spicy chicken.
Chicken Broth: Half a cup deglazes the skillet, enriching the base and capturing all those flavorful browned bits.
Heavy Cream: A luxurious cup adds that creamy, dreamy mouthfeel everyone adores.
Parmesan Cheese: Half a cup, grated, melts into the sauce for a salty, nutty finish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Half a teaspoon (or more/less) gives that signature rattlesnake “bite.”
Fresh Parsley: Two tablespoons, chopped for a fresh, vibrant finishing garnish.

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start with a large pot of salted water and cook your chosen pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente. Drain well and set aside—timing is everything here, and freshly cooked pasta will hold onto the sauce beautifully.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper, then add them to the hot pan. Sauté until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. The spices will become fragrant and the edges beautifully caramelized. Remove the cooked chicken and set aside for now.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sliced red and green bell peppers. Let them sizzle, stirring occasionally, until the peppers soften and the garlic becomes aromatic—aim for about 3 to 4 minutes. This step builds a vibrant, savory base for your sauce.

Step 4: Build the Sauce

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits left behind; they hold so much flavor! Reduce the heat to medium, then gently stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Stir frequently as it simmers and thickens slightly into a rich, dreamy sauce.

Step 5: Finish and Toss

Return your cooked chicken strips to the skillet and sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes (adjusting for your preferred spice level). Let everything simmer together for about 2 minutes so the flavors meld. Finally, add your drained pasta and toss until every noodle is luxuriously coated. Your Rattlesnake Pasta is ready for garnishing and serving hot!

How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta

Garnishes

Don’t skip the finishing touches! A sprinkling of chopped fresh parsley and a generous dusting of extra Parmesan cheese bring freshness and a pop of color to your plate, making your Rattlesnake Pasta even more appetizing and restaurant-worthy.

Side Dishes

This zesty, creamy pasta is delicious with crusty garlic bread for soaking up the sauce and a simple, crisp green salad to balance the richness. The contrast makes each bite even better and rounds out your meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to wow your guests or elevate a weeknight meal, try serving Rattlesnake Pasta in individual pasta bowls with a swirl of extra cream sauce, or add a pinch of extra Cajun spices across the top. For a dramatic touch, a wedge of lemon on the side adds a burst of brightness and color.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rattlesnake Pasta keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen as they mingle, making for a next-day lunch you’ll actually look forward to.

Freezing

To freeze, let the pasta cool completely and transfer to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months. While the creamy sauce may thin slightly when thawed, the flavor stays bold and the texture can be revived with a quick stovetop reheat and a splash of cream.

Reheating

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, gently reheat the pasta on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a little extra cream or milk as needed to restore its silky texture. You can also microwave individual portions, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?

Absolutely! Shrimp, sliced sausage, or even tofu make delicious substitutions. Each brings a slightly different flavor and texture, but still meshes wonderfully with the creamy, spicy sauce of Rattlesnake Pasta.

How can I make Rattlesnake Pasta less spicy?

If you prefer a milder dish, simply reduce or omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can also choose a mild Cajun seasoning or replace it with Italian seasoning for a different twist.

What vegetables can I add to Rattlesnake Pasta?

Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies—spinach, mushrooms, zucchini, or even sun-dried tomatoes would be delightful. Just sauté them alongside the bell peppers for extra color and nutrition.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Replace the pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety, and make sure your Cajun seasoning is certified gluten-free. You can enjoy all the flavor and creaminess of this classic dish without worry.

Can I make Rattlesnake Pasta ahead of time for a party?

Definitely! Prepare the components separately and toss everything together with the sauce just before serving. This keeps your pasta from getting soggy and your dish tasting fresh and lively.

Final Thoughts

There’s just something irresistible about the spicy, creamy, and savory dance of flavors in Rattlesnake Pasta. Give this recipe a try—it’s easier than you think, and one bite will make you wonder why you waited so long to invite this bold, comforting dish into your kitchen. Enjoy every twirl!

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

A flavorful and creamy pasta dish, Rattlesnake Pasta is a spicy Cajun-inspired recipe featuring tender chicken strips, bell peppers, and fettuccine coated in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with a hint of heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into strips
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Sauce:

2 cloves garlic, minced
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
1/2 cup chicken broth
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water, drain, and set aside.
Sauté Chicken: Season chicken with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sauté until cooked through; set aside.
Prepare Sauce: Sauté garlic and bell peppers. Add chicken broth, cream, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened. Add chicken, red pepper flakes, and simmer.
Combine: Toss cooked pasta in the sauce. Garnish with parsley and Parmesan before serving.