Description
This decadent Cajun rattlesnake pasta transforms ordinary penne into a spice-laden masterpiece that dances on the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
- 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
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Season the chicken pieces with 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-6 minutes.
- Remove the chicken to a plate and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Sauté the red and green bell peppers, red onion, and jalapeño peppers for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness.
- Add the minced garlic and remaining ½ teaspoon of Cajun seasoning to the vegetables. Cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Push the vegetables to the side of the pan and add the butter. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour and whisk constantly for 1-2 minutes to create a smooth roux.
- Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese until completely melted. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Return the chicken to the skillet along with the cooked pasta, tossing gently to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving.
Notes
- Working in batches helps achieve better browning of the chicken.
- Adjust jalapeño peppers for desired heat level.
- Use pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Cajun Pasta, Rattlesnake Pasta, Creamy Pasta, Chicken Pasta