Description
Rattlesnake Pasta is a spicy and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken, creamy Alfredo sauce, and a kick of heat from Cajun seasoning and jalapeños. Served with pasta and topped with melted cheese, this dish is a delicious balance of creamy, spicy, and savory flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meals!
Ingredients
Units
Scale
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons chopped pickled jalapeños, plus extra slices for serving
- 1 large clove garlic, finely chopped
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 ounces dried penne pasta
- 4 cups unsalted chicken stock
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped (about 1 1/2 cups)
- 1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
- 1 1/4 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 1 1/2 cups (6 ounces) grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for serving
- 1/2 cup (2 ounces) shredded cheddar cheese, divided
- Hot sauce, optional (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the jalapeños and garlic:
- Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the jalapeños and garlic and cook, stirring constantly, until fragrant, 30 seconds to 1 minute.
- Cook the chicken and pasta:
- Stir in the chicken, pasta, and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and cook, uncovered and stirring occasionally, for 4 minutes.
- Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover, and simmer, stirring often, until the pasta is al dente with a bit of liquid left at the bottom of the Dutch oven, 10 to 12 minutes.
- Make the sauce:
- Uncover and stir in the bell pepper, cream, and salt until combined.
- Remove the pot from the heat. Gradually add the Parmesan in 2 or 3 additions, stirring until smooth before adding more cheese. Add 1/4 cup of the cheddar cheese and stir until smooth. Season to taste with additional salt.
- Garnish and serve:
- Divide the pasta among 4 shallow serving bowls and top evenly with the remaining 1/4 cup cheddar cheese. Drizzle with hot sauce, if desired, and top with more Parmesan and jalapeños. Serve immediately.
Notes
- For extra spice, add more jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
- You can substitute the Monterey Jack cheese with Pepper Jack for an even spicier kick.
- For a more indulgent version, add a handful of bacon bits or sautéed shrimp.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 666
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 960mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 49g
- Cholesterol: 100mg