Rattlesnake Pasta

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Get ready for a taste explosion with Rattlesnake Pasta! This zesty dish combines creamy sauce, spicy kick, and tender chicken for a meal that’s sure to impress. You can whip up this restaurant-quality pasta in just 50 minutes, with 20 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking time. It’s perfect for feeding a crowd, serving 8 people at about 460 calories per serving.

Your taste buds will thank you as you dig into penne pasta coated in a rich, cheesy sauce with a spicy twist. The mix of bell peppers, jalapeños, and Cajun-seasoned chicken creates a flavor party in every bite. Don’t worry – no actual rattlesnakes were harmed in the making of this dish! The name just hints at its fiery personality.

Exact Ingredients List

Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty rattlesnake pasta:

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 1⁄2 tsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, sliced
• 1⁄2 red onion, sliced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (seeds removed for less heat)
• 4 tbsp butter
• 1⁄4 cup all-purpose flour
• 2 cups milk or half-and-half
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1⁄2 tsp salt
• 1⁄4 tsp black pepper
• 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh parsley

Make sure you have all these ingredients ready before you start cooking. This recipe serves 8 people and takes about 50 minutes to make from start to finish.

Remember, you can adjust the spiciness by changing the amount of jalapeños or Cajun seasoning. Feel free to make it as mild or as spicy as you like!

Instructions

Start by cooking the penne pasta. Fill a large pot with water and add salt. Bring it to a boil and add the pasta. Cook until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.

While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season them with Cajun spice. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Remove and set aside.

Next, slice your veggies. Add another tablespoon of oil to the skillet. Toss in the peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeños. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender-crisp. Remove from the pan.

Now it’s time for the sauce. Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Add flour and whisk for 1-2 minutes. Slowly pour in the milk, whisking constantly to avoid lumps.

Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan, salt, and pepper until smooth.

Finally, add the pasta, chicken, and veggies back to the skillet. Toss everything together until well-coated.

Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve hot. Enjoy your homemade rattlesnake pasta!

Possible Substitutes List

You can easily swap out ingredients in this rattlesnake pasta recipe to suit your taste or what’s in your pantry. Here are some tasty options:

Pasta:

• Fettuccine
• Rigatoni
• Linguine

Protein:

• Shrimp
• Tofu
• Italian sausage

Veggies:

• Zucchini
• Mushrooms
• Spinach

For the sauce, try these swaps:

• Heavy cream instead of milk
• Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese in place of Parmesan
• Gluten-free flour for a wheat-free option

Spice it up by using:

• Sriracha sauce
• Red pepper flakes
• Chipotle peppers

Can’t find Cajun seasoning? Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Adjust the heat to your liking.

No fresh parsley? Use dried parsley or cilantro for a tasty twist.

How To Make It Diabetes-Friendly

To make Rattlesnake Pasta more diabetes-friendly, try these simple swaps:

Use whole wheat penne instead of regular pasta. This adds fiber and slows down carb absorption.

Cut the pasta amount in half and double the veggies. This reduces carbs while adding nutrients.

Replace half-and-half with unsweetened almond milk to lower fat and calories.

Use less Parmesan cheese or try a low-fat version to reduce saturated fat.

Add extra spices like cayenne or red pepper flakes instead of salt for flavor.

Measure your portion size carefully. Stick to about 1 cup of the finished dish per serving.

Try these optional add-ins to boost nutrition:

• Diced tomatoes
• Spinach leaves
• Sliced mushrooms
• Zucchini noodles mixed with the pasta

These changes can help manage blood sugar while still enjoying this tasty meal. Remember to check with your doctor about how pasta fits into your diet plan.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Don’t overcook your pasta! Cook it until it’s just shy of al dente. This way, it won’t turn mushy when mixed with the sauce.

For extra flavor, try marinating the chicken in Cajun seasoning for 30 minutes before cooking. This will make it even tastier.

You can adjust the spice level to your liking. For milder heat, remove the seeds from the jalapeños. For more kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Want to save time? Prep your veggies and chicken the night before. Store them in separate containers in the fridge.

Got leftovers? Cool the pasta completely, then store it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, add a splash of milk to the pasta and warm it gently on the stove. Stir often to prevent sticking.

For a veggie version, swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini or mushrooms. You’ll still get a delicious meal!

Remember to grate your own Parmesan cheese if possible. It melts better than pre-grated and adds more flavor.