Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4 ServingCalories:680kcal
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta – Creamy, Fiery Comfort with a Kick
If you love bold flavors, creamy sauces, and just the right amount of heat, then Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is about to become your new obsession. Despite its wild name, there’s no actual rattlesnake involved—this dish gets its “bite” from spicy seasonings, jalapeños, and peppery heat balanced by a rich, creamy sauce and tender chicken.
This restaurant-style pasta is inspired by popular steakhouse flavors and delivers that luxurious, slightly spicy comfort food experience right at home. It’s indulgent, satisfying, and surprisingly easy to make—perfect for weeknight dinners when you want something exciting but not complicated.
What Is Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta?
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy chicken pasta loaded with peppers, cheese, and Cajun-style spices. The name comes from the heat level—it “bites,” but in a good way. The spice is bold yet balanced, never overpowering the creamy sauce.
At its heart, this dish combines:
-
Tender chicken
-
Creamy cheese-based sauce
-
Jalapeños and spices for heat
-
Perfectly cooked Pasta
The result? A dish that feels indulgent, comforting, and exciting all at once.
Why This Pasta Is So Popular
This pasta hits all the right notes:
-
🌶️ Spicy but creamy
-
🍝 Hearty and filling
-
⏱️ Ready in about 30 minutes
-
🍽️ Restaurant-quality at home
The cream mellows the heat, the cheese adds richness, and the pasta ties everything together into one crave-worthy bowl.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Pasta
-
Penne or fettuccine pasta
-
Chicken breast, sliced or cubed
-
Olive oil
-
Salt and black pepper
For the Spicy Cream Sauce
-
Butter
-
Garlic, minced
-
Jalapeños, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat)
-
Heavy cream
-
Chicken broth
-
Cream cheese
-
Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
-
Cajun seasoning
-
Paprika
-
Red pepper flakes (optional)
Optional Add-Ins
-
Bell peppers
-
Mushrooms
-
Parmesan cheese for topping
-
Fresh parsley
How to Make Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta
-
Cook the pasta
Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain. -
Cook the chicken
Season chicken with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Sauté in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside. -
Build the flavor base
In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic and jalapeños until fragrant. -
Create the sauce
Pour in chicken broth and cream. Bring to a gentle simmer, then stir in cream cheese until smooth. -
Add cheese and spice
Reduce heat and stir in shredded cheese, paprika, and red pepper flakes. Stir until creamy and velvety. -
Combine everything
Return chicken to the pan, add cooked pasta, and toss to coat. Use reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. -
Serve hot
Garnish with parsley or Parmesan and serve immediately.
Heat Level: Totally Customizable
One of the best things about Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is how easy it is to adjust the spice:
-
Mild: Use fewer jalapeños and skip red pepper flakes
-
Medium: Follow the recipe as written
-
Hot: Add extra jalapeños, Cajun seasoning, or a splash of hot sauce
You’re always in control of the “bite.”
Why the Sauce Works So Well
The secret is balance. Cream and cheese soften the heat, while Cajun seasoning and peppers bring boldness. The sauce is thick enough to cling to the pasta but smooth enough to stay silky—not heavy or greasy.
Using freshly shredded cheese helps prevent graininess and keeps the sauce perfectly creamy.
Perfect Pairings
Serve this pasta with:
-
Garlic bread or cheesy breadsticks
-
A crisp green salad with vinaigrette
-
Roasted vegetables like broccoli or asparagus
A cold drink or citrusy salad pairs beautifully with the spice.
Storage and Reheating Tips
-
Refrigerator: Store leftovers up to 3 days
-
Reheat: Gently on the stovetop or microwave with a splash of cream or milk
-
Avoid high heat: Keeps the sauce from separating
This dish is best fresh but reheats well with a little care.
Final Thoughts
Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta is the perfect recipe when you’re craving something creamy, bold, and exciting. It brings together comfort food richness with a spicy edge that keeps every bite interesting. Easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests—this pasta truly does it all.
If you love creamy pasta with attitude, this one deserves a permanent spot in your dinner rotation 🌶️🍝🔥
Description
This Tex-Mex inspired pasta dish features tender chicken in a rich, creamy Alfredo sauce kicked up with fresh jalapenos, Cajun seasoning, and colorful peppers. The perfect balance of heat and creaminess makes this restaurant-quality meal irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs For the Chicken: boneless skinless chicken breast (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil; For the Pasta and Sauce: 12 oz penne pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 4 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2-3 fresh jalapenos (seeds removed and diced)
- 1 red bell pepper (diced)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 2 cups heavy cream
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
- 1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh cilantro (chopped for garnish)
- Lime wedges for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1 Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining. Set pasta aside.
- 2
Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Toss to coat evenly.- 3
Heat olive oil in a large deep skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook for 6-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.- 4
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add diced onion and red bell pepper. Saute for 3-4 minutes until they start to soften.- 5
Add minced garlic and diced jalapenos to the skillet. Cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.- 6
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the cream starts to thicken slightly.- 7
Reduce heat to low. Add the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir to combine.- 8
Gradually add the Parmesan cheese and Monterey Jack cheese, stirring continuously until all the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. This should take about 3-4 minutes.- 9
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet along with any juices that accumulated on the plate. Stir to coat the chicken in the sauce.- 10
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your desired consistency.- 11
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. The Cajun seasoning and cheese are salty, so you may not need much additional salt.- 12
Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro and serve immediately with lime wedges on the side if desired. The lime juice adds a nice brightness that balances the richness!.NoteControl the heat level by adjusting the number of jalapenos and whether you include the seeds. For mild heat, use 1-2 jalapenos with seeds removed. For maximum heat, use 3-4 jalapenos with seeds included. You can also substitute poblano peppers for a milder version. The sauce will thicken as it sits, so add pasta water or cream when reheating. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but reheats well on the stovetop over low heat.
rattlesnake pasta, spicy chicken pasta, cajun alfredo, spicy creamy pasta, tex mex pasta, jalapeno chicken pasta, southwestern pasta, restaurant copycat - 2