Indulge in this restaurant-quality Rattlesnake Pasta! Perfectly cooked penne, tender chicken, and sautéed veggies are tossed in a creamy, spicy Parmesan sauce. A dish that brings the heat and flavor to your dinner table!
Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 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 (remove seeds 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

Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, or until browned and fully cooked. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers, onion, garlic, and jalapeños.
- Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
4. Make the Sauce:
- Melt the butter in the skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, forming a roux.
- Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
- Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper until melted and smooth.
5. Combine and Serve:
- Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently to coat everything evenly.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley. Enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors!
Notes
- Customize the Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding or reducing jalapeños or Cajun seasoning.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with sautéed mushrooms or extra veggies.
- Cheese Substitutes: Swap Parmesan for Pecorino Romano for a sharper flavor.
Nutrition (Per Serving)
- Calories: 460
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
- Sodium: 720mg
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
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