If you love bold flavors with a creamy, comforting touch, then this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is about to become your new favorite dish. Don’t let the name fool you—there’s no rattlesnake here, just tender chicken strips, vibrant bell peppers, and perfectly cooked fettuccine all tossed together in a luscious Parmesan cream sauce with a kick of Cajun spice. It’s a fiery, satisfying meal that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it delivers that perfect balance of heat, richness, and freshness that will have you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients. Each one plays a crucial role in creating those layers of flavor and texture—from the tender chicken and crunchy peppers to the creamy, cheesy sauce that ties everything together.
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta: The perfect pasta choice to hold on to that creamy sauce and offer a satisfying bite.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Sliced into strips, these bring protein and soak up all that Cajun flavor beautifully.
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning: Adds that iconic spicy, smoky zest that defines the dish.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For searing the chicken to a gorgeous golden brown and sautéing veggies.
- 1 red bell pepper: Sliced for a sweet crunch and gorgeous color contrast.
- 1 green bell pepper: Brings a slightly tangy freshness and textural pop.
- 3 cloves garlic: Minced finely to infuse the sauce with fragrant depth.
- 1½ cups heavy cream: The luxurious base that makes the sauce irresistibly smooth and rich.
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the cream to add savory umami and a velvety finish.
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For an extra spark of heat if you dare to go hotter.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to balance the bold flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a bright, herbal note to brighten up the dish.
- Optional sliced jalapeños or extra Parmesan for garnish: Elevate presentation and spice if you want.
How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling the fettuccine according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente—tender but with a slight bite. This texture helps the noodles hold onto the creamy sauce without becoming mushy. Once cooked, drain well and set aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken
Give those chicken strips a generous sprinkle of Cajun seasoning, making sure each piece is evenly coated. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Sear the strips for about 5 to 6 minutes, letting them brown beautifully and cook through. Once done, remove them from the skillet and set them aside to rest.
Step 3: Sauté the Bell Peppers and Garlic
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed and toss in the sliced red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they’re tender yet still crunchy enough to bring texture. Next, add the minced garlic and cook just 30 seconds—this quick sauté releases its aromatic flavor without burning it.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir frequently to keep the cream smooth as it warms. Then, mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and optional crushed red pepper flakes for that extra fiery touch. Season with salt and black pepper according to your taste. You’re building a luxurious, cheesy sauce that’s packed with spice and richness.
Step 5: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce
Return the golden chicken strips to the skillet, followed by the cooked fettuccine. Toss everything together well, making sure every strand of pasta and piece of chicken is lovingly coated in that creamy, spicy sauce. Let it heat through for a minute or two so all the flavors meld into pure deliciousness.
How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley brightens the dish visually and adds a fresh herbal note that balances the creamy, spicy sauce. Feel free to also add extra Parmesan for a cheesy finish or sliced jalapeños if you want to dial up the heat and add some crunch.
Side Dishes
This dish stands well on its own, but pairing it with a crisp green salad or some garlic bread makes it even better. The crispness of the salad provides refreshing contrast, while the garlic bread invites you to scoop up every last bit of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe in individual bowls garnished with a jalapeño slice and a sprig of parsley. You can also sprinkle some crushed red pepper flakes on top for a pretty pop of red. Setting the table with rustic wooden chargers or vibrant Cajun-inspired linens will make the meal feel special and festive.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover Rattlesnake Pasta in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after resting, making leftovers a delightful meal all on their own.
Freezing
This pasta can be frozen, but the texture of the cream sauce might change slightly upon thawing. If you freeze it, separate into portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, stirring frequently and adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwave reheating at high heat to prevent the sauce from separating.
FAQs
Is there any rattlesnake in the Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe?
No rattlesnake here! The dish gets its name from the bold, spicy flavors inspired by Cajun cuisine, not the ingredients.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Absolutely! Shrimp or andouille sausage are fantastic alternatives that pair perfectly with the sauce and spices in this recipe.
How spicy is this pasta dish?
The heat can be adjusted to your liking. The Cajun seasoning and chili flakes add warmth, and you can increase or reduce the crushed red pepper flakes and add jalapeños if you want it more or less fiery.
Can I make this recipe lighter?
Yes, swapping the heavy cream for half-and-half cuts down on richness and calories but expect a thinner sauce texture. You can also reduce the amount of cheese for less fat.
What’s the best pasta to use for Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe?
Fettuccine is ideal because its flat ribbons carry the creamy sauce well, but you could also use linguine or even penne if desired.
Final Thoughts
This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate—bold, creamy, and packed with flavor. It’s perfect for when you want something indulgent yet simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. I can’t recommend giving it a try enough; once you do, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular recipe rotation for those times when only a little Cajun kick will do.
Print
Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired
Description
Rattlesnake pasta is a bold and creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender sliced chicken, spicy bell peppers, and fettuccine tossed in a rich Parmesan cream sauce with a kick. Perfect for spice lovers looking for a hearty and satisfying meal, this dish combines vibrant flavors and a smooth, creamy texture without any actual rattlesnake meat.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 12 oz fettuccine pasta
Protein
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
Seasonings & Spices
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Optional: sliced jalapeños for garnish
Dairy
- 1½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Oils & Herbs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: additional Parmesan for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside to keep warm.
- Season Chicken: Season the sliced chicken breasts evenly with Cajun seasoning to infuse bold, spicy flavor.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the seasoned chicken strips for 5–6 minutes, or until they are browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil if needed. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers for 3–4 minutes until tender but still crisp. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), then season with salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Ingredients: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained fettuccine pasta and toss everything together thoroughly until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce and heated through.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and garnish with sliced jalapeños or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes or add fresh jalapeños.
- Substitute shrimp or andouille sausage if you prefer a different protein.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce, but it will be thinner and less rich.
