If you’re searching for a dinner that’s bold, creamy, and just the right amount of spicy, this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is the answer you didn’t know you needed. Imagine tender chicken, vibrant peppers, and silky fettuccine all tossed in a Cajun-spiced cream sauce that brings a little heat and a lot of comfort to your table. This dish is a show-stopper for weeknights and special occasions alike, and it’s destined to become a new favorite whenever you’re craving something unforgettable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe lies in its straightforward, flavor-packed ingredients. Each item brings its own personality, from the richness of cream to the brightness of peppers, making every bite a celebration of color, texture, and big Cajun flavor.

Fettuccine Pasta: The perfect noodle for soaking up that luscious, spicy cream sauce—don’t skip the al dente bite!
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts: Sliced into strips so every forkful gets that juicy, Cajun-spiced chicken flavor.
Cajun Seasoning: The heart and soul of the dish—adjust the amount for your ideal level of heat and smokiness.
Olive Oil: Helps sear the chicken so it’s golden and flavorful without sticking to the pan.
Butter: Adds a touch of richness to the sautéed vegetables and sauce.
Garlic: Brings a savory, aromatic depth that’s absolutely essential.
Red Bell Pepper: Sliced for sweetness and a pop of vibrant color.
Green Bell Pepper: Adds a little earthiness and crunch to balance the creamy sauce.
Heavy Cream: The magic ingredient for the silky, luxurious texture that makes this pasta irresistible.
Chicken Broth: Helps to thin the sauce just enough while layering in extra savory flavor.
Grated Parmesan Cheese: Melts into the sauce to create that classic, cheesy finish.
Crushed Red Pepper Flakes (optional): For those who like an extra kick—add to taste!
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to perfection so every flavor shines through.
Chopped Parsley: The finishing touch for freshness and a burst of green on top.

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Fettuccine

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—this ensures your noodles can hold up to the creamy Cajun sauce. Once cooked, drain well and set aside. Don’t let the pasta sit in water or it’ll get soggy!

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

While the pasta cooks, toss your chicken strips with Cajun seasoning until every piece is coated in that bold, spicy blend. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then sear the chicken strips until they’re fully cooked and beautifully browned, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it warm—you want it juicy and ready for the sauce.

Step 3: Sauté the Garlic and Peppers

In the same skillet, melt the butter and toss in the minced garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Sauté everything together for about 3 to 4 minutes, just until the peppers are tender and the garlic is fragrant. This step builds layers of flavor that are key to the Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Cajun Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to deglaze the pan and pick up all those tasty browned bits. Let the sauce come to a gentle simmer, cooking for another 3 to 5 minutes until it starts to thicken slightly. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and, if you’re feeling spicy, the red pepper flakes. The sauce should be velvety and packed with flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything and Finish

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, along with the drained fettuccine. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated and the chicken is nestled throughout. Taste and season with a little more Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper if needed. Serve hot, garnished with a generous sprinkle of chopped parsley.

How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh, chopped parsley not only adds a flash of vibrant green but also brings a bit of freshness to balance the rich sauce. For an extra punch, try a dusting of Parmesan or a light sprinkle of additional Cajun seasoning right before serving.

Side Dishes

This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed in a simple vinaigrette. If you want to go all out, serve warm garlic bread on the side—perfect for sopping up every last bit of that creamy, spicy sauce. Roasted vegetables or grilled asparagus also make bright, tasty companions.

Creative Ways to Present

For a stunning presentation, twirl the pasta into individual nests using tongs, then top each portion with slices of chicken and a cascade of sauce. Serve in shallow bowls for that cozy bistro feel, or try garnishing with colorful microgreens for a modern twist. You can even offer lemon wedges to add a zesty finish!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making your lunch or next-day dinner just as crave-worthy as the first round.

Freezing

While the creamy sauce may change texture slightly after freezing, you can freeze cooled portions for up to one month. For best results, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, and be prepared to add a splash of cream or broth to restore the sauce’s original silkiness.

Reheating

Gently reheat the pasta in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a bit of cream or broth to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir frequently until warmed through, and avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from separating. A quick zap in the microwave is fine for single servings—just cover and stir halfway through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine is traditional for this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe, penne, linguine, or even spaghetti work wonderfully. Just choose a pasta shape that will hold onto the creamy sauce.

How can I make this dish less spicy?

Simply use less Cajun seasoning and omit the crushed red pepper flakes. You can always add a little at the table if someone wants more heat!

Is there a way to make it lighter?

For a lighter version, swap half-and-half for the heavy cream and use less butter. You’ll still get a deliciously creamy sauce with fewer calories and less fat.

Can I add other proteins or veggies?

Definitely! Shrimp or andouille sausage are classic Southern swaps for the chicken. Feel free to stir in mushrooms, spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes for extra color and flavor.

What’s the best way to prep this for a dinner party?

You can cook the chicken and slice the peppers ahead of time. When guests arrive, just whip up the sauce and toss everything together for a fresh, fuss-free meal that’s sure to impress.

Final Thoughts

Once you whip up this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe, you’ll understand why it’s always met with empty plates and big smiles. It’s comfort food with a Cajun kick, easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for company. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it finds a permanent spot in your dinner rotation!

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 17 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy Cajun-inspired dish combining tender chicken strips with sautéed bell peppers, garlic, and a luscious Parmesan cream sauce tossed with fettuccine pasta. This flavorful main course offers a perfect balance of heat and richness, ideal for a comforting dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips

Pasta

12 oz fettuccine pasta

Seasonings & Spices

1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning (plus more for sprinkling)
1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste

Vegetables

3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red bell pepper, sliced
1 small green bell pepper, sliced

Dairy & Oils

1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Liquids

1/2 cup chicken broth

Garnish

Chopped parsley

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside for later.
Season Chicken: Sprinkle the chicken strips evenly with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning to coat thoroughly.
Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook until browned and fully cooked through, about 5 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add minced garlic, sliced red and green bell peppers, and sauté until the vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.
Make Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3 to 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Add Cheese & Spices: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes (if using), allowing the cheese to melt into the sauce.
Combine Chicken & Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the cooked fettuccine pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly to coat the pasta and chicken evenly with the creamy sauce.
Season & Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper as desired. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot immediately.

Notes

Adjust the spice level by increasing or reducing the Cajun seasoning and crushed red pepper flakes.
For a smoky kick, add a splash of hot sauce or substitute blackened seasoning for Cajun seasoning.
This dish can be made with shrimp or andouille sausage instead of chicken for variety.
Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free if needed.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun-Inspired