Description
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and creamy dish featuring penne pasta tossed with seasoned chicken or shrimp, bell peppers, and a rich, spicy cream sauce made with Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and Parmesan cheese. This easy-to-make recipe delivers a perfect balance of heat and flavor, ideal for a satisfying weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-ins
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
- Juice of ½ lime
- ½ cup reserved pasta water
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to a boil and cook penne pasta until al dente, approximately 1 minute less than package instructions indicate. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining the pasta.
- Cook Protein: Season chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the protein until fully cooked (chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F, shrimp should turn opaque and pink). Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil and butter. Sauté the sliced red and green bell peppers along with minced garlic for 3 to 4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Add Spices and Cream: Stir in the remaining Cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast the spices for about 30 seconds to release their aroma, then pour in the heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and stir in the grated Parmesan until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the cooked penne pasta and seared chicken or shrimp back into the skillet with the cream sauce. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Add reserved pasta water gradually as needed to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
- Adjust and Serve: Taste the pasta and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley or cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice for brightness. Serve the dish hot for the best flavor.
Notes
- Use shrimp or chicken according to preference or availability.
- Adjust red pepper flakes and cayenne pepper for desired spice level.
- Reserve pasta water to help achieve a smooth, creamy sauce texture.
- Fresh lime juice adds a nice brightness to balance the creaminess and spice.
- Can be garnished with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro for added flavor and color.
