Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta: Creamy Cajun Bliss for Dinner
Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy dish featuring Cajun-seasoned chicken and vibrant veggies, perfect for weeknight dinners.
Equipment
- Pot
- skillet
- Whisk
- measuring cups
- measuring spoons
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces Penne Pasta Cook until al dente.
For the Chicken
- 1 pound Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breast Can be swapped with shrimp.
For Sautéing
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can use any neutral oil.
- 1 medium Red Bell Pepper Can substitute with green bell pepper.
- 1 medium Green Bell Pepper Can substitute with zucchini.
- 1 medium Red Onion Can use yellow onion.
- 3 cloves Garlic Use fresh cloves.
- 2 medium Jalapeños Adjust quantity for spice level.
For the Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Butter Can replace with more olive oil.
- 2 tablespoons All-Purpose Flour Use gluten-free flour if needed.
- 1 cup Milk or Half-and-Half Non-dairy options work for lactose intolerance.
- 1 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Can experiment with other cheeses.
Seasoning and Garnish
- to taste Salt Adjust to taste.
- to taste Pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1 tablespoon Fresh Parsley For garnish.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season and Sauté Chicken: Coat the chicken with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the chicken for 5-7 minutes until golden brown. Transfer to a plate to rest.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and toss in the red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp.
- Make the Sauce: Add butter to the skillet and let it melt. Whisk in the flour, cooking for 1-2 minutes until bubbly. Gradually pour in the milk, stirring until the mixture is smooth.
- Combine Ingredients: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts. Add the cooked pasta and sautéed chicken, tossing until well coated.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley.
Notes
For optimal storage, keep pasta and sauce separate if freezing.