Description
Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful Cajun-American dish featuring tender strips of chicken sautéed with bell peppers, onions, and garlic, all tossed in a creamy, cheesy sauce made with Parmesan and pepper jack. The dish delivers a perfect balance of spicy and creamy, ideal for a comforting yet exciting main course.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 ounces fettuccine or penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into thin strips
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1/2 small red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup shredded pepper jack cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Garnish
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fettuccine or penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 4 to 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the vegetables are softened but still vibrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan and shredded pepper jack cheese, allowing the cheeses to melt and create a smooth sauce. Add crushed red pepper flakes if you want extra heat, stirring to combine.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with the drained pasta. Toss everything gently to coat the pasta and chicken in the creamy sauce. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta for a fresh finish. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For extra heat, increase the Cajun seasoning or add a splash of hot sauce.
- Substitute shrimp or sausage instead of chicken for a different protein variation.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan and pepper jack cheese for the creamiest and smoothest sauce.
- Drain pasta well to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 610
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
