Best Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold, flavorful dish that brings a touch of Southwestern heat to your dinner table. This elevated chicken Alfredo swaps traditional heavy cream for a silky, roux-based milk sauce infused with zesty Cajun seasoning and a spicy kick from fresh jalapeños. Perfect for a busy weeknight, this 30-minute meal balances hearty chicken, vibrant peppers, and creamy parmesan for a satisfying comfort food experience that the whole family can enjoy.
1 pound penne pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into 1-inch cubes)
4 tablespoons butter
1 onion (finely minced)
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1/3 cup all-purpose flour
4 cups whole milk
3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
1 green bell pepper (chopped)
1 red bell pepper (chopped)
3 jalapeños (sliced)
1.5 cups parmesan cheese
1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)
Cook the penne pasta in well-salted boiling water according to package directions.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and sauté chicken cubes until golden and cooked through (165°F); set chicken aside.
In the same pan, melt butter and cook onions and garlic until fragrant.
Whisk in flour to the butter mixture to create a roux, cooking for about 1 minute.
Slowly pour in the milk while whisking constantly to prevent lumps, heating until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and jalapeños, cooking until the peppers are tender-crisp.
Add the parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, fold in the cooked pasta, and toss to coat thoroughly before serving.
Adjust the spice level by removing seeds from the jalapeños or adjusting the amount of Cajun seasoning. You can add extra vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms for more texture.
Find it online: https://paulakitchen.com/best-rattlesnake-pasta/