Get ready to spice up pasta night—Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, creamy, and irresistible dish where tender strips of Cajun-seasoned chicken mingle with fettuccine and a zesty, pepper-flecked cream sauce. This colorful meal delivers just the right kick, with sautéed bell peppers and onions adding crunch and sweetness while that signature Cajun flair ties everything together. If you’re after a satisfying plate that’s both comforting and adventurous, Rattlesnake Pasta is the flavor-packed showstopper your kitchen has been craving!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Rattlesnake Pasta lies in its approachable ingredients—each one plays a special part, creating a balance of creamy richness, spicy depth, and vibrant color. Keep these essentials on hand, and you’ll always be ready to whip up this knockout pasta.

Fettuccine Pasta: Classic, wide noodles that stand up to the rich sauce and hearty toppings.
Olive Oil: Adds a velvety finish and helps brown the chicken and veggies just right.
Chicken Breast: Lean, tender protein that soaks up all those spicy seasonings.
Cajun Seasoning: The secret weapon for smoky, spicy, and slightly herbal notes.
Salt: Brings out and balances all the flavors in every bite.
Black Pepper: A warm, subtle heat that rounds out the kick from Cajun spices.
Red Bell Pepper: Sweet, crisp, and colorful—this brightens up the whole dish.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers a peppery freshness and adds contrast to the sauce.
Red Onion: Lends a mild zing and a splash of rich color.
Garlic: Essential for aromatic depth and a savory backbone to the sauce.
Heavy Cream: The luxurious base that gives this pasta its signature silky texture.
Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce for salty, nutty flavor and extra body.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Boosts the heat—add more or less as you like.
Smoked Paprika: Elevates everything with smoky warmth and gorgeous color.
Fresh Parsley: Optional, but brightens and freshens the finished dish with a pop of green.
Additional Parmesan: For that irresistible finishing touch on top.

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your fettuccine and cook until it’s just al dente—tender, with a hint of bite. This texture helps the pasta hold up after mixing with the rich sauce. Once it’s done, drain the pasta and set it aside, saving a splash of pasta water if you want a looser sauce later.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season your sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper, tossing gently to coat every strip. Carefully add the chicken to the hot skillet and sear for about 5 to 6 minutes. Watch for the gorgeous golden edges—once the chicken is cooked through and slightly browned, transfer it to a plate and keep it handy.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Don’t wipe out the skillet! Those browned bits add flavor. Toss in your sliced red and green bell peppers, diced red onion, and minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes, stirring often, until the peppers soften and onions become fragrant and slightly translucent. This step builds the sweet and aromatic foundation of your Rattlesnake Pasta.

Step 4: Prepare the Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and pour in the heavy cream, stirring to deglaze the pan and soak up all those lovely flavors. Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, whisking as it melts. Sprinkle in the crushed red pepper flakes and smoked paprika, and let the sauce simmer for 2 to 3 minutes. It’ll start to thicken and transform into a dreamy, slightly spicy blanket for your pasta.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Now return the cooked chicken to the skillet, stirring to coat every piece with that creamy sauce. Add the drained fettuccine, tossing everything together until the pasta is glossy and evenly coated. If the sauce seems too thick, a little reserved pasta water does wonders. Give it a final minute on the heat to marry all the flavors.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Remove from the heat and shower your masterpiece with chopped fresh parsley and a flourish of extra Parmesan for good measure. Serve this Rattlesnake Pasta piping hot and watch those forks fly!

How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta

Garnishes

Garnishing Rattlesnake Pasta isn’t just about looks—it’s about adding a final layer of flavor and freshness. Sprinkle on a handful of chopped fresh parsley for color and a subtle crispness. Don’t be shy with extra Parmesan cheese; it melts beautifully over the warm pasta and adds a salty, nutty hit that ties the whole dish together.

Side Dishes

You can keep things simple with warm, crusty garlic bread to mop up the creamy sauce, or add a crisp green salad dressed with a bright vinaigrette to cut through the richness of the pasta. A side of roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans also pairs deliciously if you’re in the mood for more veg.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little drama, serve Rattlesnake Pasta in wide, shallow bowls twirled high with tongs, topped with a generous spoonful of sauce. Family-style presentations on a big platter are great for gatherings, inviting everyone to dig in. Or portion individual ramekins for a dinner party moment—just sprinkle each with extra cheese and pop under the broiler for a minute to form a golden crust.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rattlesnake Pasta stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. The flavors deepen as they meld together, making your leftovers just as comforting as the day you made it.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce can separate a bit after freezing, you can still freeze Rattlesnake Pasta in a sealed container for up to a month. For best results, let it cool completely before freezing and try not to overcook the pasta beforehand, so it holds up when reheated.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back together. The microwave works for individual portions—just cover loosely and stir halfway through for even heating. Add a touch more Parmesan and parsley as a finishing touch before serving.

FAQs

Is it really spicy?

Rattlesnake Pasta has a noticeable kick, thanks to Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, but you control the heat! If you prefer things milder, simply reduce the amount of crushed red pepper, or dial up the spice if you’re craving more fire.

Can I substitute the chicken?

Absolutely! Shrimp is a fantastic swap for chicken—just cook the shrimp until they curl and turn pink, then proceed as directed. Or, for a vegetarian twist, sauté mushrooms instead, which soak up the smoky, spicy flavors beautifully.

What kind of pasta works best?

Fettuccine is classic for Rattlesnake Pasta because its flat, wide noodles hold the creamy sauce perfectly. However, linguine, penne, or even spaghetti will work if that’s what’s in your pantry—just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

How can I make it lighter?

For a lighter version, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be a bit less thick and rich. You can also use less cheese or add more sautéed vegetables to bulk it up while reducing calories.

Can I make Rattlesnake Pasta ahead of time?

You can prep all your components—cook the pasta, chicken, and veggies in advance—store them separately, then assemble and reheat with the cream sauce just before serving. This keeps the dish fresh and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a dinner with a little heat, big flavors, and that cozy, creamy touch, you truly can’t go wrong with Rattlesnake Pasta. It’s a dish guaranteed to impress—and just as comforting to enjoy solo on a weeknight as it is to share at your next dinner with friends. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new signature pasta!

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 21 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Rattlesnake Pasta is a delicious and creamy Cajun-inspired pasta dish that features tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a flavorful Parmesan cream sauce. This easy-to-make recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

8 oz fettuccine pasta

Chicken:

1 tablespoon olive oil
1 boneless skinless chicken breast (sliced into thin strips)
1/2 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Veggies:

1/2 red bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 green bell pepper (sliced)
1/4 cup diced red onion
2 cloves garlic (minced)

Sauce:

1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Additional Parmesan for garnish

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Sear the Chicken: Season chicken strips with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Sear in a skillet until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Veggies: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers, onion, and garlic until tender.
Make the Sauce: Add cream, Parmesan, red pepper flakes, and paprika to the skillet. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine Everything: Return chicken to the skillet. Add cooked pasta and toss to combine. Warm through.
Garnish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and Parmesan. Serve hot.