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Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 74 reviews

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, creamy dish combining tender penne pasta with a rich Cajun-spiced cream sauce, sautéed bell peppers, and your choice of seared chicken or shrimp. This flavorful recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and richness, ready in 30 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal or impressive dinner for guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 12 oz penne pasta – Cooked al dente for the perfect bite.
  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp – Thinly sliced or deveined, peeled shrimp for fast cooking.
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil – For searing your protein and enhancing the Cajun flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon butter – Adds richness and a silky finish to the sauce.
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced – Brings sweetness and color to the dish.
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced – Offers freshness and crunch.
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced – Provides depth and aroma.
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning – The key spice blend that defines the dish.
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds warmth and subtle smokiness.
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste) – For that signature spicy kick.
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream – Creates the rich, luxurious base of the sauce.
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese – For creaminess and salty umami flavor.
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins

  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper – If you like it extra spicy.
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped – A pop of freshness on top.
  • Juice of ½ lime – Adds brightness and cuts through the richness.
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water – Helps adjust the sauce consistency if needed.

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook 1 minute less than the package directions to achieve an al dente texture. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sear the Chicken or Shrimp: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. For chicken, cook about 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. For shrimp, cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon butter. Toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers along with minced garlic. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Build the Creamy Spicy Sauce: Lower the heat to medium. Sprinkle in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir for 30 seconds to toast the spices. Pour in the heavy cream and stir gently, bringing it to a soft simmer without boiling. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted into a silky sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta & Protein: Add the cooked penne pasta into the sauce and gently toss to coat. Return the cooked chicken or shrimp to the skillet. If needed, stir in reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or spice level as desired. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Customize the spice level by adjusting red pepper flakes and Cajun seasoning according to preference.
  • For extra creaminess, mix Parmesan with mozzarella or cream cheese.
  • Protein alternatives include Italian sausage, grilled tofu, or extra vegetables for a vegetarian option.
  • To lighten the sauce, substitute half-and-half or evaporated milk for heavy cream, though sauce may be thinner.
  • Add extra vegetables like mushrooms, spinach, zucchini, or sun-dried tomatoes for more nutrition and flavor.
  • Stop pasta cooking just shy of full doneness to avoid overcooking after combining with sauce.
  • Keep cream at a gentle simmer to prevent sauce separation and graininess.
  • Season protein and sauce layers separately to avoid a flat-tasting dish.
  • Cook protein in batches if needed to avoid steaming instead of searing.
  • Add cheese only when sauce is warm and smooth to prevent clumping.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency if it thickens too much.
  • Taste and adjust salt carefully since Cajun seasoning can be salt-heavy.

Keywords: Spicy pasta, Creamy pasta, Cajun pasta, Chicken pasta, Shrimp pasta, Penne recipe, Easy dinner, Spicy creamy sauce

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