Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, creamy pasta dish that delivers just the right balance of heat and comfort. Tender penne pasta is coated in a rich Cajun-inspired cream sauce, paired with juicy chicken or shrimp and colorful bell peppers. Despite its wild name, this dish is all about layered flavor, smooth texture, and an irresistible spicy kick. It’s a restaurant-style meal you can easily recreate at home in under 30 minutes.
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Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled and deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions for Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta
1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne one minute shy of package instructions for al dente texture. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
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2. Cook the Protein
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables
Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Sauté bell peppers and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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4. Make the Creamy Sauce
Reduce heat to medium. Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast briefly, then pour in the heavy cream. Simmer gently and stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
5. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta and protein to the sauce. Toss well to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
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6. Garnish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot.
Pro Tips
- Slightly undercook the pasta so it finishes perfectly in the sauce
- Toast spices briefly to deepen flavor
- Add pasta water gradually to maintain a silky sauce
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting
Why This Recipe Works
- Creamy sauce balances spicy Cajun seasoning
- One-pan method enhances flavor and saves cleanup
- Customizable heat level suits all spice preferences
- Simple ingredients create a restaurant-quality dish
Substitutions & Variations
- Protein: Swap chicken or shrimp for sausage, tofu, or mushrooms
- Dairy-Light: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream
- Extra Veggies: Add spinach, zucchini, or mushrooms
- Cheese: Try Monterey Jack or mozzarella for a different finish
Make-Ahead, Storage & Reheating Guide
Make-Ahead
Prepare the sauce and protein in advance. Cook pasta fresh for best texture.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to restore creaminess.
Serving Ideas for Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta
- Garlic bread or Texas toast
- Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables
- Cornbread muffins
- Lemon iced tea or sparkling water
Nutrition (Per Serving Estimate)
- Calories: ~620
- Protein: 30–35g
- Fat: 32–36g
- Carbohydrates: 55–60g
- Fiber: 3–4g
- Sodium: ~800mg
Values may vary based on ingredients used.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there rattlesnake meat in this recipe?
No. The name refers to the spicy “bite” of the dish, not the ingredients.
Can I make this less spicy?
Yes. Reduce red pepper flakes and use a mild Cajun seasoning.
What pasta works best?
Penne is ideal, but rigatoni, rotini, or fettuccine also work well.
Can I make it vegetarian?
Absolutely. Replace the protein with vegetables or plant-based alternatives.
How do I prevent sauce separation?
Keep the heat low and avoid boiling once cream is added.
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is the ultimate comfort meal with a fiery twist. Creamy, bold, and endlessly customizable, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressive dinners at home. Once you try it, this flavorful pasta will quickly become a repeat favorite.
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta
Equipment
- large pot
- large skillet
- wooden spoon
- colander
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup reserved pasta water (optional)
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (optional)
- 1/2 lime, juiced (optional)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne one minute shy of package instructions for al dente texture. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, then drain.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Cook until golden and fully cooked, then remove and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil and butter to the same skillet. Sauté the bell peppers and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Reduce heat to medium. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast briefly, then pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add cooked pasta and protein, tossing to coat. Use reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
- Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
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