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Spicy Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 116 reviews

Spicy Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and comforting southwestern-inspired dish combining spicy Italian sausage, jalapeños, and a rich, creamy sauce with perfectly cooked penne or rigatoni pasta. This recipe balances heat and creaminess through layers of flavor from smoked paprika, cayenne, fresh vegetables, and a luscious cheese-based sauce. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it delivers restaurant-quality taste with straightforward steps.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Components:

  • 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)

Creamy Sauce Base:

  • 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

Seasonings & Garnish:

  • 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

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Mise en Place: 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 is recommended when handling jalapeños to avoid irritation from capsaicin. Having all ingredients prepped ensures seamless cooking.
  2. Cook the Spicy Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sausage, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and crispy, allowing it to develop a golden crust which adds depth to the flavor.
  3. Build the Aromatic Base: Add diced onion to the skillet with the sausage. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened and translucent. Stir in minced garlic and chopped jalapeños, cooking for another minute until fragrant.
  4. Add Bell Peppers and Deglaze: Mix in the julienned red bell pepper and cook for 2 minutes. Pour in the white wine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to capture caramelized flavors.
  5. Create the Creamy Foundation: Reduce heat to medium-low. Add the softened cream cheese to the skillet, stirring until melted and smooth. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream to avoid lumps. Season with smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, and black pepper.
  6. Perfect the Pasta: While making the sauce, cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining, which will help bind the sauce to the pasta later.
  7. Combine and Finish: Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water gradually until a silky, cohesive texture is achieved. Remove from heat and fold in grated Parmesan cheese. Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve with lime wedges.

Notes

  • Wear gloves when handling jalapeños as capsaicin oils can irritate skin and eyes.
  • Don’t move the sausage too frequently to allow it to form a flavorful crust.
  • Reduce heat before adding cream to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.
  • Reserve pasta water as its starch helps achieve a creamy sauce consistency.
  • Cook pasta slightly less than recommended so it doesn’t overcook when combined with sauce.
  • Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; avoid freezing to preserve sauce quality.
  • Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk if needed.

Keywords: Spicy Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Italian Sausage Pasta, Jalapeño Pasta, Southwestern Pasta Recipe, Comfort Food, Cream Cheese Sauce, Spicy Creamy Pasta

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