Rattlesnake Pasta

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Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this bold and creamy Rattlesnake Pasta! This dish combines tender chicken, penne pasta, and a luscious cheesy sauce, all with a kick of jalapeño heat. It’s the perfect blend of comfort food and excitement on a plate, sure to satisfy those who love a little extra flavor.

Rattlesnake Pasta isn’t just about heat—it’s about balance. The richness of the cream sauce cools down the spice, while the juicy chicken and al dente pasta provide a hearty base. Whether you’re making it for a casual weeknight or to impress friends at a dinner party, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds.

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What Kind of Chicken Should I Use?

For the best texture and flavor, use boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Chicken breasts are lean and cook up quickly, while thighs offer a bit more richness. Slice them into thin strips to ensure they cook evenly and soak up all that spicy, creamy goodness.

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Ingredients for the Rattlesnake Pasta

• Penne Pasta — Its tubular shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly and gives a satisfying bite.
• Chicken Breasts or Thighs — Adds protein and heartiness to the dish.
• Heavy Cream — Provides the luxurious base of the sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese — For savory, nutty depth and creaminess.
• Jalapeños — Brings the signature heat and fresh peppery taste.
• Garlic — Enhances the sauce with warm, aromatic notes.
• Butter — Adds silkiness and richness to the sauce.
• Salt & Pepper — Essential for balancing and amplifying all the flavors.
• Diced Tomatoes (optional) — For a pop of color and slight tang to cut through the richness.

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How To Make the Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, following the package instructions. Drain and set aside, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, melt butter over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken and season with salt and pepper. Sauté until golden and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, add a bit more butter if needed, then sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually whisk in grated Parmesan cheese until smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Add the Heat

Slice jalapeños thinly and stir them into the sauce. Adjust the amount to your heat preference—more for bold spice lovers, less for mild palates. Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and top with extra jalapeño slices, grated Parmesan, and freshly cracked black pepper. Optional: sprinkle on diced tomatoes for added freshness and color.

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Serving and Storing Rattlesnake Pasta

Serve Rattlesnake Pasta hot, right off the stove, to enjoy its full creamy, spicy glory. It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad or garlic bread to soak up any leftover sauce. For extra flair, top it with a drizzle of chili oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely, then transfer to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is Rattlesnake Pasta?

The heat level depends on how many jalapeños you use. For a milder version, remove the seeds and membranes or use fewer slices.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted veggies for a satisfying vegetarian twist.

What pasta shape works best?

Penne is a classic, but rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle also hold the sauce well and offer great texture.

Can I make it ahead?

You can prepare the sauce and chicken a day in advance. Reheat them and toss with freshly cooked pasta for best texture.

How do I store leftovers?

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to revive the sauce.

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Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you’re hooked on this spicy Rattlesnake Pasta, you’ll love these other pasta creations from Life with Nina:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta — for a rich, garlicky delight.
• Bowtie Pasta with Creamy Velveeta Beef Sauce — ultra comforting and cheesy.
• Creamy Cajun Shrimp Pasta — if you’re craving shrimp with a spicy kick.
• One-Pot Chicken Parmesan Mac & Cheese — the ultimate cheesy mashup.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine — buttery and bold with a cowboy twist.

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Save This Pin + Share Your Results

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you amp up the jalapeños or keep it mild? Maybe you added your own twist with extra veggies or a different cheese?

I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Feel free to drop questions too—let’s help each other cook smarter!

For even more dinner inspiration, check out my Pinterest page: Life with Nina on Pinterest.

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