Description
Fiery spices dance through this spicy rattlesnake pasta, delivering a bold southwestern culinary adventure with complex layers of heat and flavor. Sizzling protein and zesty sauce promise an unforgettable meal that will make diners crave more.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced
Pasta and Base:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 1 ½ cups (360 milliliters) heavy cream (or half & half for a lighter version)
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Vegetables:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small green bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small jalapeno, thinly sliced (optional, for extra spice)
- 1 tablespoon Cajun seasoning
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot and submerge penne pasta until it reaches a perfectly tender al dente texture. Drain thoroughly and reserve for subsequent stages of preparation.
- Transform chicken slices with a robust blend of Cajun spices, infusing them with garlic powder and cracked black pepper. Sizzle the seasoned protein in a hot skillet with olive oil, developing a golden exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Transfer the expertly seared chicken to a waiting plate.
- Utilize the same skillet’s residual flavors by melting butter and introducing minced garlic, vibrant bell peppers, and fiery jalapeno. Gently sauté the vegetable medley until they soften and release their aromatic essence.
- Elevate the culinary experience by streaming heavy cream into the pan, coaxing it to a delicate simmer. Whisk in Parmesan cheese, additional Cajun seasoning, red pepper flakes, and a careful balance of salt and black pepper. Allow the sauce to harmonize and thicken for a brief moment.
- Reunite the cooked pasta and chicken with the luxurious sauce, ensuring each element is lavishly coated. Embellish the dish with freshly chopped parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan cheese. Present immediately alongside crusty garlic bread or a crisp side salad for a complete gastronomic experience.
Notes
- Swap chicken for tofu or tempeh to create a vegetarian version that maintains the bold, spicy flavor profile.
- Reduce heat intensity by using fewer jalapenos or removing seeds, making the dish more mild and family-friendly.
- Control spice levels by adjusting Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes, allowing personalized heat preferences.
- Ensure pasta remains perfectly al dente by testing frequently during cooking and removing from boiling water just before complete tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 29 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg