If you love creamy pasta with a spicy kick, you need to try this Rattlesnake Pasta! This dish is loaded with tender chicken, spicy Cajun seasoning, and a rich, garlicky Alfredo sauce, all tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. It’s bold, creamy, and just the right amount of heat, making it a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Despite its fierce name, there’s no actual rattlesnake in this dish—just a perfect blend of Cajun flavors and creamy goodness that’ll keep you coming back for more.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Spicy & Creamy Perfection – The Cajun seasoning adds heat, balanced by the rich Alfredo sauce.
- Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes, perfect for weeknights.
- Restaurant-Worthy – Feels fancy but is super simple to make at home.
- Easily Customizable – Adjust the spice level or add veggies for your own twist.
Ingredients
You’ll find the full ingredient list in the recipe card below, but here’s what you’ll need:
- Pasta – Penne or fettuccine works best for holding the creamy sauce.
- Chicken breast – Sliced into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- Cajun seasoning – Adds that signature heat and bold flavor.
- Butter & Olive Oil – For searing the chicken to golden perfection.
- Garlic – Because everything’s better with garlic!
- Heavy Cream & Parmesan – The key to a luxurious Alfredo-style sauce.
- Chicken Broth – Helps create a silky-smooth sauce.
- Jalapeños (optional) – For an extra spicy kick!
- Fresh Parsley – A pop of freshness to balance the richness.
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne or fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Step 2: Season & Sear the Chicken
Toss the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. In a large skillet, heat butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through (about 5-6 minutes per side). Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Cajun Sauce
In the same skillet, melt a bit more butter, then sauté garlic until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a little more Cajun seasoning. Simmer until thick and creamy (about 3-5 minutes).
Step 4: Toss Everything Together
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet, tossing everything to coat in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
Step 5: Garnish & Serve!
Top with fresh parsley, extra Parmesan, and sliced jalapeños if you want even more heat. Serve immediately!
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Want it spicier? Add more Cajun seasoning or a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Make it even creamier by stirring in a spoonful of cream cheese.
- Don’t overcook the chicken—you want it juicy and tender!
- Use fresh Parmesan for the smoothest, most flavorful sauce.
Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Swap the Protein – Try shrimp or andouille sausage instead of chicken.
- Go Low-Carb – Serve over zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
- Make It Lighter – Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
- Add Veggies – Bell peppers, mushrooms, or spinach would be great additions.
Serving & Pairing Suggestions
- Garlic Bread – Because you’ll want something to soak up that amazing sauce.
- Simple Side Salad – A crisp green salad balances the richness.
- A Glass of Chardonnay – Pairs perfectly with the creamy, spicy flavors.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store: Keep leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or cream.
- Freeze? Not recommended, as the creamy sauce may separate.
FAQs
1. Is Rattlesnake Pasta really made with rattlesnake?
Nope! The name comes from its bold, spicy “bite”, not the ingredients.
2. Can I make this without dairy?
Yes! Swap the heavy cream for coconut milk or a dairy-free alternative, and use a dairy-free Parmesan substitute.
3. What’s the best Cajun seasoning to use?
Any store-bought Cajun seasoning works, or you can mix your own with paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, oregano, and thyme.
4. Can I make this ahead of time?
It’s best served fresh, but you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook the pasta and toss everything together when you’re ready to eat.
In Conclusion
This Rattlesnake Pasta is the perfect balance of spicy, creamy, and comforting—a dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet fancy enough to impress guests. If you love Cajun flavors and creamy pasta, this one’s a must-try!
Are you making this tonight? Let me know how it turns out!
Print
Rattlesnake Pasta – A Spicy, Creamy, and Boldly Flavorful Dish
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings (normal) 1x
- Category: Pasta, Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun-Inspired, Italian-American
Description
This Rattlesnake Pasta is the perfect mix of bold spices, creamy sauce, and tender chicken, all tossed with al dente pasta for a dish that packs a kick! With a creamy Cajun-spiced Alfredo sauce, juicy chicken, and just the right amount of heat, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal that’s easy to make at home. Whether you love spicy food or just want to switch up pasta night, this recipe will leave you craving more!
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz fettuccine (or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 1/4 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup diced roasted red peppers (optional)
- 1/2 cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast (or thighs), sliced into strips
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 ½ tsp Cajun seasoning
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
For the Pasta & Sauce
- 12 oz fettuccine (or penne)
- 2 tbsp butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 ¼ cups Parmesan cheese, grated
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ cup diced roasted red peppers (optional)
- ½ cup sliced jalapeños (optional, for extra spice)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Notes
- Adjust the Heat: For a milder version, use less Cajun seasoning and skip the red pepper flakes. For extra spice, add hot sauce or cayenne pepper.
- Cheese Swap: Try a mix of Parmesan and Asiago or Pecorino Romano for extra depth of flavor.
- Protein Variations: Swap chicken for shrimp, sausage, or even steak for a delicious twist.
- Storage & Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on low heat with a splash of cream or milk to bring back the sauce’s consistency.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 Plate
- Calories: 510
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg