Get ready to explore the culinary wilds with a pasta dish that will certainly rattle your taste buds! I’m incredibly excited to share with you a flavorful dish that has been a hit in my house – a zesty, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy Rattlesnake Pasta recipe. But don’t be alarmed; no reptile is on the menu; the name merely suggests its feisty bite from the spices.
What is Rattlesnake Pasta?
Rattlesnake Pasta is a popular and flavorful pasta dish that combines creamy Alfredo sauce, spicy jalapeños, and tender chicken. The dish offers a delightful balance between creamy, spicy, and savory flavors.
2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How to make rattlesnake pasta
Prepare the Chicken:
Add a dash of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the chicken breasts.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing into thin strips.
Cook the Pasta:
Follow the instructions on the package to cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Add a bit more olive oil if needed in the same skillet used for the chicken. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and red onion.
Pour the prepared Alfredo sauce over the chicken, pasta, and vegetables.
Gently toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
Serve:
Divide the Rattlesnake Pasta among serving plates.
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
Tips:
Adjust the spiciness level by controlling the amount of jalapeño peppers and Cajun seasoning you use.
If you prefer a thinner sauce, you can add a bit of chicken or vegetable broth to the Alfredo sauce.
For extra flavor and nutrition, feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes, mushrooms, or spinach.
Be cautious while handling jalapeño peppers. Consider wearing gloves or thoroughly washing your hands after touching them, as their oils can cause irritation.
For a creamier sauce, you can stir in a touch of cream cheese or sour cream at the end.
Serve the pasta immediately to enjoy it at its best texture and flavor.
What to serve with
Rattlesnake Pasta is a flavorful and indulgent dish on its own, but you can enhance the overall dining experience by pairing it with complementary side dishes and accompaniments. Here are some ideas for what to serve with Rattlesnake Pasta:
Garlic Bread or Breadsticks:Â Serve slices of garlic bread or crispy breadsticks on the side. The buttery, garlicky flavors will complement the creamy Alfredo sauce and create a satisfying crunch.
Salad:Â A refreshing salad can balance out the richness of the pasta. Consider a crisp Caesar salad, a mixed greens salad with balsamic vinaigrette, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad. The contrast of textures and flavors will create a harmonious meal.
Grilled Vegetables:Â Grilled vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or even corn on the cob can be a great accompaniment. The charred and smoky flavors of the grilled veggies will contrast well with the creamy pasta.
Coleslaw:Â A creamy coleslaw can add a touch of freshness and crunch to your meal. The creaminess of the coleslaw can also complement the richness of the Alfredo sauce.
Roasted Potatoes:Â Roasted or mashed potatoes provide a hearty and comforting side dish. Combining creamy pasta and tender potatoes can create a satisfying and well-rounded meal.
Steamed Broccoli:Â Steamed broccoli is a nutritious and simple side that pairs well with the pasta. Its slightly bitter flavor can help balance the richness of the dish.
Crispy Onion Rings:Â Crispy onion rings can add a delightful crunch and a hint of sweetness to your meal. They can be a fun and unexpected addition to the plate.
Grilled Chicken or Shrimp Skewers:Â If you want to add more protein to your meal, consider serving it with grilled chicken or shrimp skewers. The grilled flavors will complement the overall taste of the dish.
Fruit Salad:Â For a refreshing and light contrast, a fruit salad with a mix of sweet and tangy fruits can be an excellent choice. The fruity flavors can provide a pleasant break from the richness of the pasta.
Wine or Beverage:Â Pair your Rattlesnake Pasta with a wine that complements its flavors. A crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc can work well. Alternatively, you can serve sparkling water with a splash of citrus for a refreshing, non-alcoholic option.
FAQ
How do you boil penne pasta?
It’s easy to boil penne pasta. First, you’ll need to fill a large pot with water. Ensure the pot is large enough to hold all the pasta you want to cook. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the pasta and stir it around with a fork or spoon for about 10 seconds so that the water gets between the noodles. After 10 seconds, cover the pot and let it come back up to a boil again. Once it reaches that point, turn off the heat and let your penne sit in its hot bath for another 5 minutes before draining it out into a colander.
Final Thoughts
There are a lot of rattlesnake pasta recipes out there in the world, but we’ve found that this one is a good starting point. It’s relatively simple, and it always works.
2 jalapeño peppers, thinly sliced (adjust to your spice preference)
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
Add a dash of salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and garlic powder to the chicken breasts.
In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side or until fully cooked. Remove from the skillet and let them rest before slicing into thin strips.
Cook the Pasta:
Follow the instructions on the package to cook the pasta until it is al dente. Drain and toss with a tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
Add a bit more olive oil if needed in the same skillet used for the chicken. Add the sliced red and green bell peppers, jalapeño peppers, and red onion.
