Description
Rattlesnake pasta brings wild southwestern flair to classic comfort cuisine with spicy chicken and creamy sauce. Hearty flavors dance across pasta strands, inviting you to savor each bold, tantalizing bite from first fork twirl to final satisfying mouthful.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta and Main Components:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasonings and Flavoring:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 cup reserved pasta water (as needed)
- Chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Fill a generously sized pot with water, season with salt, and bring to a rolling boil over high heat.
- Add pasta to the bubbling water and cook until tender yet firm, following the recommended time on the package.
- Carefully extract ¼ cup of starchy cooking liquid before straining the pasta in a colander, then set both pasta and reserved water aside.
- While pasta cooks, prepare the vibrant sauce by sautéing proteins and aromatics in a spacious skillet.
- Incorporate cream-based ingredients and spices, stirring continuously to create a smooth, cohesive sauce with layered flavors.
- Introduce the drained pasta into the skillet, gently tossing to ensure each strand is lavishly coated with the rich, spicy sauce.
- If the sauce appears too thick, gradually splash in the reserved pasta water to achieve a silky, clingy consistency.
- Finish the dish by garnishing with fresh herbs or grated cheese, adding a final burst of color and complementary flavor profile.
- Serve immediately while the pasta is steaming hot, allowing diners to experience the full sensory delight of this zesty culinary creation.
Notes
- Swap out regular pasta for whole wheat or gluten-free varieties to accommodate different dietary needs without compromising flavor.
- Consider reducing the spice level by using mild peppers or removing seeds for those with sensitive palates.
- Prep ingredients beforehand to ensure smooth cooking process and minimize kitchen stress during meal preparation.
- Add extra protein like grilled chicken or shrimp to transform this dish into a more substantial main course for hearty appetites.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 657
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 480 mg
- Fat: 32 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 61 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 133 mg