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
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
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 16g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 130mg
