Kick your regular pasta up a notch with this delightful dish called Rattlesnake Pasta! This is a creamy, spicy, and savory meal that combines juicy chicken, sautéed peppers, and tender pasta all enveloped in a rich and creamy Alfredo-style sauce with a hint of heat.
It gets its unique name from the bite of heat that sneaks up on you, just like a rattlesnake. Perfect for those who love a bit of excitement in their meal, this dish is sure to impress at your next dinner. Now, let's dive into the recipe!
Why This Recipe Works
The brilliance of Rattlesnake Pasta lies in its harmonious balance of flavors. Creamy, spicy, and hearty, it's a meal that's satisfying yet still exciting, ideal for those nights when you're feeling a little adventurous. What's more, it's incredibly versatile. While chicken is traditionally used, you could easily swap it for shrimp or even leave out the meat altogether for a vegetarian version. Similarly, you can adjust the heat to your liking.
Another reason why this recipe is a winner is because of its simplicity and quick cooking time. Even if you're not particularly skilled in the kitchen, this recipe is straightforward enough to ensure a great result. And with a total prep and cook time of around 30 minutes, it's fast food without the guilt. Moreover, Rattlesnake Pasta is a fantastic make-ahead meal. The flavors meld and deepen if you leave it in the fridge overnight, making it an excellent choice for meal prepping or for those busy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Fettuccine Pasta - This is the main component of the dish. You could also use penne or spaghetti if you prefer.
Chicken Breasts - This will be the protein in your dish. You can substitute this with tofu or shrimp, based on dietary preference.
Alfredo Sauce - This forms the creamy base of the pasta. You can either use store-bought or homemade sauce.
Jalapeno Peppers - This is where the "rattlesnake" comes in. If you like less heat, you can deseed the peppers or use a less spicy pepper like Anaheim or Poblano.
Monterey Jack Cheese - This will provide a nice, melty finish to your pasta. Alternatively, you could use mozzarella or cheddar.
Tips
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your heat tolerance.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a splash of the pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick.
- Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after combining with the sauce before serving. It allows the flavors to meld together.
How to Serve
Rattlesnake pasta is a crowd-pleasing dish, perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. It pairs well with a crisp, green salad and garlic bread. Here are three specific ways to serve:
- For a complete meal, serve this pasta alongside a citrusy, bright salad with a light vinaigrette to counter the creamy, spicy pasta.
- For a cozy winter dinner, pair this with warm garlic bread and a glass of full-bodied red wine.
- For a potluck or casual party, serve this pasta in a large dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra bowl of grated cheese on the side.
Similar Recipes
Rattlesnake Pasta
Ingredients
- 16 ounces fettuccine pasta
- 1 pound chicken breasts
- 2 cups alfredo sauce
- 2 jalapeno peppers
- 2 cups Monterey Jack cheese
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving some of the pasta water.
- While the pasta cooks, season the chicken with salt and pepper and cook in a large skillet over medium heat until done. Remove and slice into strips.
- In the same skillet, add the sliced jalapeno peppers and sauté until softened.
- Add the Alfredo sauce to the skillet and heat through.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Stir in the cooked pasta and the cheese until everything is well combined and the cheese is melted.
- If needed, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce.
- Serve hot, garnished with extra cheese if desired.
Nutrition
Notes
- Be sure to cook the pasta al dente. It will continue to cook a bit in the sauce.
- Adjust the amount of jalapeno according to your heat tolerance.
- Use freshly grated cheese for the best melt and flavor.
- Add a splash of the pasta water to the sauce if it seems too thick.
- Let the pasta rest for a few minutes after combining with the sauce before serving. It allows the flavors to meld together.