Rattlesnake Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that is perfect for any occasion. This creamy pasta dish is easy to make and will surely impress your family and friends with its bold flavors.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
- The Cajun seasoning adds a spicy kick to the dish, elevating the flavors.
- This recipe comes together quickly, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Rattlesnake Pasta is great for meal prep and can be easily reheated for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredient Notes:
- Penne pasta: Provides a sturdy base for the dish to hold the creamy sauce.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Adds protein and a meaty texture to the pasta.
- Olive oil: Used for cooking the chicken and vegetables.
- Cajun seasoning: Infuses the dish with a spicy and bold flavor.
- Red and green bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and jalapeño peppers: Add a colorful and flavorful mix of vegetables to the dish.
- Butter, all-purpose flour, and milk or half-and-half: Create a creamy and rich sauce for the pasta.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a salty and nutty flavor to the dish.
- Salt, black pepper, and chopped fresh parsley: Season the dish and provide a fresh herb garnish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Cook penne pasta according to package instructions.
- Season chicken with Cajun seasoning and cook in olive oil until browned.
- Add bell peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeño peppers to the pan and sauté until softened.
- In a separate pot, melt butter and whisk in flour to create a roux.
- Gradually whisk in milk or half-and-half until a creamy sauce forms.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and season with salt and pepper.
- Combine cooked pasta, chicken, and vegetables in the sauce and toss to coat.
- Serve topped with chopped parsley.
Helpful Tips:
- For a milder version, reduce the amount of Cajun seasoning or use a mild chili powder.
- Substitute shrimp or sausage for the chicken for a different flavor profile.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Expert Tips for the Best Results:
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and texture.
- Cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the creamy sauce.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve Rattlesnake Pasta with a side of garlic bread and a crisp green salad. Pair with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade for a complete meal.
Storage and Reheating Tips:
To reheat leftovers, gently heat in a pan on the stovetop with a splash of milk to revive the creamy sauce. Avoid microwaving to prevent the sauce from separating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra vegetables or tofu for protein.
- How spicy is this dish? The level of heat can be adjusted by adding more or less jalapeño peppers.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, feel free to use any pasta shape you prefer.
- How can I make this dish gluten-free? Use a gluten-free flour blend and pasta to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Conclusion:
Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful and creamy dish that is sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for a quick and satisfying meal that will impress everyone at the table. Enjoy!
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Rattlesnake Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Total Time: 40 mins
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Spice up your dinner with this flavorful Rattlesnake Pasta dish featuring tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a creamy Cajun sauce served over penne pasta.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Main Ingredients:
-
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
Sauce:
- 4 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or half-and-half
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Boil penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Sear Chicken: In a pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil and cook chicken with Cajun seasoning until browned. Remove from pan.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same pan, sauté bell peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeños until tender.
- Make Sauce: Melt butter, add flour, then gradually whisk in milk. Stir in Parmesan, salt, pepper, and parsley.
- Combine: Add chicken and vegetables to the sauce. Serve over pasta and enjoy!
Notes
- You can adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like mushrooms or spinach for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg