Rattlesnake Pasta

Looking for a dinner recipe that's easy, quick, and a hit with everyone? Try Rattlesnake Pasta. It's creamy, a bit spicy, and totally delicious. Perfect for any night, it'll be on your table in no time, making everyone happy without too much work.

This dish combines tender pasta with a creamy, garlic-infused sauce, kicked up a notch with just the right amount of spice. Plus, it's versatile enough to add your favorite proteins or veggies, making it a customizable meal that caters to everyone's tastes.

Recipe Video

Why This Recipe Works

This recipe works because it is loaded with flavor. From the aromatics to the peppers and even the cherry tomatoes, every bite of this spicy rattlesnake pasta dish is bursting with flavor.

Additionally, if you don't love the spice level, or have an aversion to green bell peppers, this recipe is incredibly adaptable. Make it celiac-friendly, vegan, or dairy-free. It's such an easy meal to make that you can just about switch up every ingredient and still make a delicious rattlesnake pasta meal.

Ingredients

Chicken:

That's right, this rattlesnake pasta recipe contains chicken, not rattlesnake. While chicken breasts are used, you can also use boneless skinless thighs if that's what you prefer. Or you can swap the chicken from another protein completely. Chorizo sausage, grilled cajun shrimp, and spicy tofu all make excellent additions to your rattlesnake pasta.

Flour:

Flour is used as a thickening agent for the sauce but you can use any flour you like here, it doesn't have to be all-purpose. Even cornstarch will help thicken your sauce; however, you will need to adjust the amount used as you will likely only need a tablespoon or two to do the job.

Milk and Butter:

Milk and butter give the rattlesnake pasta sauce its creamy element. However, you can swap for your favorite vegan or dairy-free alternatives to accommodate any taste preferences or dietary requirements.

Cheese:

Explore with your favorite cheeses to find the perfect combination that enhances the creamy and cheesy goodness of the dish. You can also use your favorite vegan or dairy-free substitute that will recreate that gooey texture.

Garlic and Onion:

The savory garlic and onion add aromatics to the dish and while fresh onion and garlic are best, you can use onion and garlic powders in a pinch. Simply let them roast in the pan for no longer than 30 seconds to get them to open up, and then create your roux.

Spices:

This recipe for rattlesnake pasta gets its spicy bite and its Southwestern flavors from the jalapenos and crushed red peppers. However, if you are looking to add more kick, you can get as crazy as you want. Add some adobo or chipotle peppers to the sauce, or season your protein with some paprika, chili powder, or cayenne powder.

Penne Pasta:

While penne is the choice used in this recipe for rattlesnake pasta, you can also use rigatoni, farfalle, fusilli, and rotini. If you want to make this recipe gluten-free, simply use your favorite brand of gluten-free pasta.

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta

Step One: 

Add oil to a pot over medium heat-high heat.

Step Two: 

Add the chicken, and once it starts to brown, add salt and pepper to taste. Remove from the pot once fully cooked and set aside.

Step Three: 

Reduce your heat to medium, add your onions, and cook until they are slightly opaque, then add the garlic and cook until aromatic.

Step Four:

Create a roux by slowly incorporating the flour until you have a paste.

Step Five: 

Stir in the milk until fully incorporated, then mix in salt, pepper, and crushed red pepper.

Step Six: 

Add bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, jalapenos, and cheese. Stir to incorporate and bring to a simmer.

Step Seven: 

Add the cooked chicken back into the mix and your cooked penne pasta. Stir and allow to simmer for a few minutes.

Step Eight: 

Transfer to a serving dish, top with more parmesan, serve, and enjoy!

Tips

• Marinate your chicken in a zesty marinade for an extra bite of spice in your rattlesnake pasta. The resulting chicken will be tender and flavorful. Add 2 tablespoons of lime juice, 2 cloves of minced garlic, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of chili powder, Salt and black pepper to taste, and 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh cilantro to a bowl and mix to combine. Pour it over your cubed chicken, cover it with plastic wrap, or store it in an airtight container, and place it in the fridge for 20 minutes up to overnight if possible.
• Ensure you taste your sauce as you go, especially if you are concerned with the spice level. This spicy rattlesnake pasta can be too much for some, so ensure you add spicy ingredients sparingly until you can taste it and adjust to your preferences.

What to Serve With Rattlesnake Pasta

When serving this spicy rattlesnake pasta, consider complementing its bold flavors with carefully chosen accompaniments. A crisp and refreshing garden salad featuring mixed greens and cherry tomatoes can provide a delightful contrast to the heat of the dish. A classic Caesar salad with its cool and creamy dressing also pairs well with the spiciness of the pasta. Additionally, a side of garlic bread or a loaf of warm focaccia can be perfect for mopping up any remaining sauce, adding a comforting element to the meal.

FAQs

Does this recipe have rattlesnake meat in it?

No, it absolutely does not. This rattlesnake pasta recipe used chicken, it is simply named for it's spicy snake-like bite. However, if you happen to have some rattlesnake meat handy that you want to substitute the chicken for you can go ahead and do that. Just make sure you adjust your cooking times accordingly.

How long can leftover rattlesnake pasta be kept fresh?

Leftovers of this spicy chicken pasta can typically be stored in the refrigerator for about 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. For longer-term storage, you can keep your leftover rattlesnake pasta in the freezer for up to 2 months. However, this could affect the textures in the dish.

What's the best way to reheat leftover rattlesnake pasta?

If your rattlesnake pasta leftovers have been frozen, ensure you thaw before cooking. The best way to reheat is on the stove top ensuring the chicken is reheated to an internal temperature of 163F, however the oven or microwave can also be used. Add more milk or water to pasta that is too dry.

More Pasta Recipes

Looking to take your pasta dishes up a notch? Check out this exclusive list of handcrafted recipes that will take you on a culinary journey across Italy.

Feta Pasta

Salmon Pasta

Pasta Pomodoro

Cheeseburger Macaroni