Spicy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta

Get ready to whip up a truly irresistible dish: our spicy, creamy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta! This recipe is a fantastic copycat of J. Alexander’s famous dish, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. We’ve simplified the process to make it quick, easy, and absolutely delicious, perfect for any night of the week. Prepare to be amazed by this flavorful homemade spicy chicken pasta.

Why You’ll Love This Rattlesnake Pasta

This isn’t just any pasta; it’s a dish designed for maximum flavor and minimum fuss.

• Achieve Authentic Copycat Flavor: Recreate the beloved J. Alexander’s spicy chicken pasta from your own home.
• Enjoy a Lighter, Yet Creamy Sauce: Our version offers rich creaminess without being overly heavy, making it satisfying.
• Perfect for a Quick Weeknight Meal: You can have this delicious Rattlesnake Pasta on the table in under 45 minutes.
• Customize Spice Level Easily: Adjust the heat by modifying the jalapeños to suit everyone’s preference.
• Excellent for Meal Prep: This pasta reheats beautifully, making it ideal for lunches throughout the week.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable Rattlesnake Pasta:

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 onion, finely minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic (or 4 cloves fresh, finely chopped)
• ⅓ cup flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3 teaspoons Cajun seasoning (Please see Notes below!!)
• 1 green bell pepper, chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 3 jalapeños, sliced (we leave our seeds in; for less spicy remove all or part of the seeds)
• 1 ½ cups Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe with a few simple tweaks. Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture. Any neutral oil like vegetable or avocado oil works perfectly if you don’t have olive oil. Freshly minced garlic offers the best flavor, but jarred minced garlic is a convenient shortcut. Whole milk creates the richest, most decadent sauce, but 2% milk can also be used if preferred. Be mindful of the salt content in your Cajun seasoning, as it varies; taste and adjust as you go. For less heat, remove all or some of the jalapeño seeds.

Equipment

You won’t need many special tools to create this fantastic spicy chicken pasta. Just grab these essential kitchen items. You need one large skillet or a deep fry pan for the sauce and chicken. A separate pot for cooking the pasta simultaneously helps speed up the process.

Instructions

Follow these easy steps to prepare your spicy chicken Rattlesnake Pasta. Remember, precision in cooking ensures the best result.

1. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions while you complete the other steps. Drain it well and set aside.
2. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or fry pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until it is cooked through and lightly browned, stirring occasionally. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F. Transfer the cooked chicken to a bowl and set it aside.
3. Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add the finely minced onion and garlic, then cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant. While this cooks, chop the bell peppers and slice the jalapeños. Leave the seeds in your jalapeños for a spicier kick, or scrape them out for a milder dish.
4. Sprinkle the flour into the onion and garlic mixture. Stir constantly for 1-2 minutes to combine thoroughly, forming a thick paste or roux. It might look a little clumpy, but this is normal.
5. Gradually add 1 cup of the whole milk to the roux, stirring continuously with a whisk or spoon until fully combined and smooth. It will seem thick at first.
6. Repeat this process three more times, adding 1 cup of milk at a time, stirring well after each addition until the sauce is smooth, with no lumps from the flour.
7. Stir in the Cajun seasoning and the optional red chili pepper flakes. Add the chopped bell peppers and sliced jalapeños. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it begins to thicken slightly.
8. Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until it melts completely into the creamy sauce.
9. Add the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the spicy, creamy sauce.
10. Serve your delicious homemade Rattlesnake Pasta immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

Achieving perfect creamy, spicy chicken pasta is simple with these pointers.

Common Mistakes

Avoid using low-fat milk, as it can cause the sauce to separate or become watery. Be careful not to over-salt your dish, especially if your Cajun seasoning contains salt; taste before adding more. Do not rush the roux development; cooking the flour thoroughly prevents a raw flour taste.

To make a smooth, lump-free roux, whisk continuously as you add the milk. Control the spice level precisely by removing all or some of the jalapeño seeds, or by adjusting the amount of chili flakes. Prevent the sauce from scorching by stirring frequently, especially at the bottom of the pan. If reheating this spicy pasta dish, add a splash of milk to bring back its creamy texture.

Serving, Storage & Variations

This versatile Rattlesnake Pasta adapts well to your preferences and schedule.

How to Serve

Serve this hearty dish with warm garlic bread or corn bread for soaking up every bit of sauce. A crisp, fresh green salad makes a wonderful contrasting side, adding a refreshing element. You can also add grilled or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli for extra nutrients and texture.

Storage

According to the USDA, chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F to ensure it is safely cooked. Store any leftover spicy chicken pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. When reheating from the refrigerator or freezer, add a tablespoon or two of milk to restore its luscious creaminess and prevent it from drying out.

Variations

Adjust the spiciness to your preference by adding more or fewer jalapeños, or by leaving the seeds in or removing them entirely. Incorporate extra vegetables like spinach, mushrooms, or corn for added flavor and nutrients. Feel free to substitute the chicken with shrimp, sausage, or even plant-based protein for a different twist on this flavorful creamy chicken pasta.

Nutrition

Our Spicy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Each generous serving provides a substantial amount of protein, making it a hearty dish. You’ll also find a good balance of carbohydrates and healthy fats. This information provides a general overview for your planning.

Disclaimer: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.

Spicy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta

This fiery pasta dish combines tender cubes of chicken with penne pasta in a rich, creamy sauce infused with Cajun seasoning, bell peppers, and spicy jalapeños. Perfect for those who enjoy a kick, this recipe offers a flavorful and satisfying meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 50 minutes mins

Servings: 6 people

Calories: 700

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1 pound penne pasta
• 1 Tablespoon olive oil
• 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into 1 inch cubes
• 4 Tablespoons butter
• 1 onion finely minced
• 2 teaspoons minced garlic or 4 cloves fresh, finely chopped
• ⅓ cup flour
• 4 cups whole milk
• 3 teaspoons cajun seasoning
• 1 green bell pepper chopped
• 1 red bell pepper chopped
• 3 jalapeños sliced; remove seeds for less spicy
• 1.5 cups parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon red chili pepper flakes optional

Equipment

• Large pot
• Large fry pan/skillet
• Bowl
• Knife

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cook penne pasta according to package directions; drain and set aside.
2. Cut chicken breasts into 1-inch cubes. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add chicken, and cook until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached. Remove chicken to a bowl and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced onions and garlic, cooking for 5 minutes until fragrant, stirring occasionally.
4. Stir flour into the onion mixture until combined, creating a thick paste.
5. Gradually add 1 cup of whole milk at a time, stirring well after each addition until fully incorporated and the sauce begins to smooth. Repeat until all 4 cups of milk are added.
6. Add Cajun seasoning and optional red chili pepper flakes, then stir in chopped bell peppers and sliced jalapeños. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
7. Stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted, then add the cooked chicken and pasta, tossing to combine thoroughly.
8. Serve the Spicy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta immediately and enjoy.

Notes

Adjust the amount of jalapeño seeds and red chili pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference. The original recipe suggests leaving seeds in for maximum heat.

FAQ

Got questions about this delicious spicy chicken pasta? We have answers!

What is Rattlesnake Pasta exactly?
Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy chicken pasta dish inspired by J. Alexander’s restaurant. It features tender chicken, bell peppers, and jalapeños in a rich, cheesy sauce.

Why is it named Rattlesnake Pasta?
The name comes from the spicy kick provided by the jalapeños and chili flakes, reminiscent of a “rattle” or bite. It’s a playful nod to the heat in the dish.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Omit the chicken and add extra vegetables like mushrooms or chickpeas for a delicious vegetarian version of this spicy pasta dish.

What type of pasta works best?
Penne pasta is traditionally used and holds the creamy sauce wonderfully. However, you can use other sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or rigatoni too.

Is it possible to prepare this dish ahead?
You can cook the chicken and prepare the sauce ahead of time, then combine everything with freshly cooked pasta just before serving. This makes mealtime easier.

Conclusion

This homemade spicy Chicken Rattlesnake Pasta brings incredible restaurant flavors right into your kitchen with minimal effort. It’s a wonderfully creamy, spicy, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for busy weeknights or entertaining guests. You’ll love how simple it is to achieve such a rich, authentic taste at home. Don’t wait—try this delightful and easy-to-make spicy chicken pasta tonight!