Name: Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Ingredients: 12 oz penne pasta; 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined); 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon butter; 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced; 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning; ½ teaspoon smoked paprika; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste); 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; Salt and black pepper, to taste; ¼ tsp cayenne pepper; Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped; Juice of ½ lime; ½ cup reserved pasta water

Description

Get ready to spice up your dinner routine with this bold and creamy Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta—a mouthwatering fusion of Cajun heat, rich cheese sauce, and tender penne pasta that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or an impressive meal for guests. This easy recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re on the hunt for quick dinner ideas, a weeknight crowd-pleaser, or simply craving some creamy pasta comfort, this dish has you covered. Loaded with flavor, customizable spice levels, and foolproof instructions, it’s the perfect addition to your list of go-to easy recipes.

Ingredients

12 oz penne pasta
1 lb chicken breast or shrimp (sliced or peeled/deveined)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Optional Add-ins:

¼ tsp cayenne pepper
Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
Juice of ½ lime
½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

Cook the Pasta
Boil penne in salted water until al dente (1 minute under package time). Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
Cook the Protein
Season chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and 1 tsp Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet with 1 tbsp oil until cooked through. Set aside.
Sauté the Veggies
In the same skillet, add remaining oil and butter. Sauté sliced bell peppers and garlic for 3–4 minutes until softened.
Build the Sauce
Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Toast spices for 30 seconds, then pour in heavy cream. Simmer and stir in Parmesan until creamy.
Combine Everything
Add pasta and cooked chicken/shrimp to the sauce. Stir to coat. Add pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
Garnish and Serve
Adjust seasoning, garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lime, and serve hot!

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes