Name: Spicy Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Southwestern
Ingredients: 1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta (whole wheat pasta for added fiber as substitute); 1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed (chorizo or turkey sausage as substitute); 1 large yellow onion, diced (shallots as substitute for milder flavor); 3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (serrano peppers for extra heat as substitute); 4 cloves garlic, minced (or 1 tablespoon garlic powder); 1 red bell pepper, julienned (or roasted red peppers from a jar); 1 cup heavy cream (half-and-half for lighter version); 8 oz cream cheese, softened (Greek yogurt for tangy substitute); 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (Pecorino Romano as substitute); ½ cup white wine (chicken broth as substitute); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste); 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste; Fresh cilantro for garnish (fresh parsley as substitute); Lime wedges for serving

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Introduction

Spicy Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish combining spicy Italian sausage with a rich, creamy sauce. Perfectly cooked pasta coated in a smoky, mildly spicy sauce makes it a comforting meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare. This recipe balances heat and creaminess for a dinner that’s both satisfying and memorable.

This image shows a close-up of a bowl filled with creamy pasta topped with melted, slightly browned cheese and strewn with green herbs. The pasta shapes are small and curved, tossed in a thick white sauce with bits of pinkish-red pieces, likely bacon or ham, mixed in. The top layer has a golden-brown crust where the cheese has been broiled or baked, creating a textured, crispy contrast to the smooth sauce underneath. The herbs sprinkled on top add a pop of fresh green color. The bowl is white and placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 pound penne or rigatoni pasta (substitute: whole wheat pasta for added fiber)
1 pound spicy Italian sausage, casings removed (substitute: chorizo or turkey sausage)
1 large yellow onion, diced (substitute: shallots for milder flavor)
3 fresh jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (substitute: serrano peppers for extra heat)
4 cloves garlic, minced (substitute: 1 tablespoon garlic powder)
1 red bell pepper, julienned (substitute: roasted red peppers from jar)
1 cup heavy cream (substitute: half-and-half for lighter version)
8 oz cream cheese, softened (substitute: Greek yogurt for tang)
1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese (substitute: Pecorino Romano)
½ cup white wine (substitute: chicken broth)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and freshly cracked black pepper
Fresh cilantro for garnish (substitute: fresh parsley)
Lime wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil for the pasta. Meanwhile, dice the onion, mince the garlic, and finely chop the jalapeños. Wearing gloves while handling jalapeños is advised to prevent irritation.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the Italian sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy; avoid stirring too often to develop a golden crust.
Step 3: Add diced onions to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Add the julienned red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in white wine and scrape the browned bits from the bottom of the pan to deglaze and capture rich flavors.
Step 5: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add softened cream cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in heavy cream, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.
Step 6: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water before draining.
Step 7: Add drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches a silky, cohesive consistency. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese.

Tips & Variations

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for heavy cream and use turkey sausage instead of pork.
Try gluten-free pasta and verify sausage ingredients for a gluten-free meal.
For dairy-free options, replace cream cheese with cashew cream and Parmesan with nutritional yeast.
Vegetarian version: swap the sausage for plant-based alternatives or sautéed mushrooms.
Reserve pasta water carefully—it’s essential for binding the sauce and pasta smoothly.
Adjust the amount of jalapeños and cayenne to match your preferred spice level.

Storage

Store any leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often improve after resting overnight. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to restore the sauce’s smooth texture. Avoid reheating in a microwave to prevent sauce separation. Freezing is not recommended because cream-based sauces may curdle.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a bowl filled with creamy macaroni pasta, coated in a smooth, light orange cheese sauce with visible small chunks of red pepper. The pasta is slightly browned on top with golden, crispy spots, creating a toasted look. Fresh green herb leaves are scattered evenly across the cheesy macaroni, adding a pop of color and freshness. The bowl itself is white, and the background shows a white marbled texture blurred out. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make Spicy Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta ahead of time?

You can prepare the sauce components up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately from the pasta. Combine and gently reheat to prevent overcooking the pasta when ready to serve.

How spicy is this rattlesnake pasta recipe?

The heat level is moderate and easily customizable. With jalapeños and cayenne, it offers a pleasant warmth without being overpowering. Adjust pepper amounts to suit your spice tolerance.