Get ready for a serious flavor adventure with this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe—a creamy, spicy, and absolutely irresistible meal. Juicy Cajun-spiced chicken, colorful sweet peppers, and luscious Alfredo-style sauce come together with tender fettuccine for a main course that never fails to wow. Whether you’re hosting friends or jazzing up your weeknight dinner, this is one dish guaranteed to earn a spot in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything in this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe pulls its weight—each ingredient has a job to do, bringing something special to the table. From the heat and tang of Cajun seasoning to the silken cream cheese, you’ll want to gather these essentials before you dive in.

Fettuccine pasta: The classic choice for soaking up the creamy, spicy sauce and providing a hearty base.
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Tender and protein-rich, the perfect canvas for all those Cajun flavors.
Olive oil: Keeps everything juicy and adds a hint of fruity richness when cooking the chicken and veggies.
Cajun seasoning (divided): The star of the show, giving your dish its signature kick—use a favorite store brand or a homemade blend.
Red bell pepper: Adds sweetness, crunch, and a pop of color to every bite.
Green bell pepper: Balances out the sweetness with slightly earthy notes and another burst of vibrancy.
Garlic: One of the essential aromatics—brings warmth and depth to your sauce.
Heavy cream: The secret to that decadent, velvety sauce.
Chicken broth: Lightens the sauce and infuses every bite with subtle savory flavor.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a sharp, nutty finish that’s totally addictive.
Cream cheese: Creates a wonderfully creamy texture and just the tiniest hint of tang.
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like it extra spicy—just a pinch will do!
Salt and black pepper: Fine-tune the seasoning at the end so every layer of flavor shines through.
Chopped fresh parsley: The perfect finishing touch for color and a whisper of herbal freshness.

How to Make Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by boiling a big pot of salted water and cooking the fettuccine until it’s just al dente—firm but not hard—so it can soak up all that glorious sauce later. Drain and set aside so it’s ready to join the party.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken

Toss your chicken strips with half the Cajun seasoning for maximum flavor. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high, then cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes until it’s golden, juicy, and cooked all the way through. Remove the chicken and set aside—don’t worry, you’ll bring it back!

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic

In the same skillet (no need to wipe it out—you want those tasty bits!), add the sliced bell peppers and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Stir in the garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, then add the Parmesan, cream cheese, the rest of the Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes if you want extra heat. Stir gently and simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the cream cheese melts and your sauce thickens beautifully.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return the chicken to the skillet, add the cooked pasta, and toss everything together until every strand is coated in rich, spicy sauce. Taste and season with a little salt and black pepper as needed. Finish with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley right before serving.

How to Serve Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is gorgeous all on its own, but a generous scatter of chopped fresh parsley adds color and freshness. For extra flair, try shaving a bit more Parmesan over the top or even a sprinkle of extra Cajun seasoning for that signature spicy aroma.

Side Dishes

You truly can’t go wrong with a side of buttery garlic bread—perfect for sopping up every creamy drop. A crisp green salad dressed with vinaigrette balances the richness of the pasta and adds a fresh, bright contrast.

Creative Ways to Present

Take things up a notch by serving this dish family-style in a big, shallow platter, or twirl heapfuls of pasta into individual bowls for an elegant touch. Want to switch it up? Try swapping the chicken for shrimp for a seafood twist, or add sautéed mushrooms for a fun earthy accent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers of this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe keep surprisingly well! Let everything cool completely, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, giving you an even tastier next-day meal.

Freezing

If you want to freeze, let the pasta cool first, then package it in freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags. It’ll keep well for up to a month—just note that creamy sauces can sometimes separate a bit after thawing and reheating, but a gentle stir usually brings things back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or chicken broth if needed to loosen up the sauce. Stir thoroughly and heat just until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and the sauce creamy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While fettuccine really shines in this Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe, penne or linguine work well for holding onto all that creamy sauce. Just maintain the same cooking instructions for best results.

How spicy is the Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe?

It has a pleasant but moderate kick, thanks to the Cajun seasoning and optional red pepper flakes. Feel free to dial the heat up or down—add more seasoning for spice lovers or use less for a milder dish.

Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?

Definitely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms, sliced zucchini, or even seasoned tofu. Just be sure to still use the Cajun spices and follow the same sauce steps for that signature flavor profile.

Can I make this dish ahead of time for a party?

Yes—Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is perfect for make-ahead entertaining. Prepare everything, then keep it covered in the fridge. Reheat gently before your guests arrive and finish with parsley for a fresh look.

What’s the best way to add more vegetables?

Feel free to toss in extra bell peppers, some baby spinach, or even sun-dried tomatoes during the sauté step. They’ll blend right in and add more color, flavor, and nutrients to your bowl!

Final Thoughts

This Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is pure weeknight magic—it’s spicy, creamy, and totally comforting. Treat yourself or surprise your family with this lively meal, and don’t be surprised when you start craving it again before the dishes are even done. Give it a try and let your kitchen become the hottest spot in town!

Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in this flavorful and creamy Rattlesnake Pasta recipe that combines tender chicken strips, colorful bell peppers, and a rich Cajun-seasoned sauce served over fettuccine. This dish is a perfect blend of spice and creaminess that will leave your taste buds craving for more.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces fettuccine pasta

Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into strips

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning (divided)
1 red bell pepper, sliced
1 green bell pepper, sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
4 ounces cream cheese, cubed
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt and black pepper to taste
Chopped fresh parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Boil pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Season Chicken: Coat chicken with 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning.
Cook Chicken: In a skillet, cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Peppers: In the same skillet, sauté bell peppers until softened. Add garlic and cook briefly.
Make Sauce: Stir in cream, broth, Parmesan, cream cheese, remaining Cajun seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss to coat. Season with salt and pepper.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.