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Rattlesnake Pasta

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Bold, creamy Cajun-style penne with tender chicken, peppers, and a spicy Parmesan cream sauce—quick, restaurant-famous comfort food with a serious kick.

  • Author: Ella
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Cajun / American

Ingredients

Pasta + Chicken

12 oz penne pasta

1 lb chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces

Salt & black pepper, to taste

2 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to heat level)

1 tsp paprika

2 tbsp olive oil

Veggies

1 red bell pepper, sliced

1 green bell pepper, sliced

1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)

2 cloves garlic, minced

Creamy Sauce

2 tbsp butter

1 cup heavy cream

½ cup chicken broth

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese

½ tsp Italian seasoning

Garnish

Extra grated Parmesan

Chopped parsley

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil penne in salted water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Season the chicken: Toss chicken with salt, pepper, Cajun seasoning, and paprika.

Cook the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate.

Sauté the peppers: In the same skillet, melt butter. Add bell peppers and jalapeño and sauté until slightly tender.

Add garlic: Stir in garlic and cook about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Simmer the sauce: Pour in heavy cream and chicken broth. Simmer 3–4 minutes until slightly thickened.

Make it creamy: Stir in Parmesan and Italian seasoning until smooth.

Toss everything together: Add pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss until fully coated.

Finish: Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan, then serve hot.

Notes

Heat control: Use mild Cajun seasoning and skip jalapeño for a gentler version—or keep both for the classic “rattlesnake bite.”

Sauce consistency: If it gets too thick, splash in a bit more broth. If too thin, simmer 1–2 minutes longer.

Best Parmesan tip: Grate your own Parmesan for the smoothest melt (pre-shredded can turn grainy).

Add-ons: Sautéed mushrooms or onions are great here, and a squeeze of lemon brightens the cream sauce.

Find it online: https://elladishes.com/rattlesnake-pasta/