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Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.1 from 47 reviews

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a vibrant, creamy Cajun-inspired dish featuring tender chicken or shrimp, colorful bell peppers, and a spicy, cheesy sauce. Ready in just 30 minutes, this flavorful pasta combines bold spices like cayenne, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes with rich heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, topped off with fresh herbs and lime juice for a zesty finish.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Protein

  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)

Vegetables

  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

Dairy & Oils

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Others

  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Boil penne pasta in salted water until just under al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Cook the Protein: Season the chicken breast or shrimp with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the protein until fully cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and butter. Add the thinly sliced red and green bell peppers along with minced garlic. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until the peppers are softened and fragrant.
  4. Build the Sauce: Stir in the remaining teaspoon of Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper to the skillet, toasting the spices for about 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
  5. Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta and protein back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together to evenly coat the pasta and protein with the creamy sauce. Add the reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce to desired consistency.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Remove from heat, garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and squeeze the juice of half a lime over the top. Serve hot for a spicy, creamy pasta experience.

Notes

  • Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper according to your spice preference.
  • You can substitute chicken with shrimp or even a combination of both for variety.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for best flavor and creaminess in the sauce.
  • Reserve pasta water helps to loosen the sauce and bind it better to the pasta.
  • Garnishing with lime juice adds a fresh, tangy contrast to the creamy spice.

Keywords: Spicy Pasta, Cajun Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Shrimp Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Rattlesnake Pasta, Spicy Cajun Sauce

Find it online: https://epicrecipebox.com/spicy-rattlesnake-pasta-recipe/