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Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta

Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta

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Spice up your dinner routine with Spicy Rattlesnake Pasta, a delightful fusion of bold Cajun flavors and creamy cheese sauce, all enveloping tender penne pasta. This dish is not only quick to prepare—taking just 30 minutes—but also offers customizable spice levels, making it perfect for both cozy family dinners and impressive gatherings. With its vibrant blend of colors from bell peppers and fresh herbs, it’s as visually appealing as it is delicious. Whether you prefer chicken or shrimp, this versatile recipe provides endless possibilities for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 1 lb chicken breast or shrimp
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 teaspoons Cajun seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • 1 ½ cups heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro, chopped
  • Juice of ½ lime
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water

Instructions

  1. Cook penne in salted water until al dente; reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
  2. Season chicken or shrimp with salt, pepper, and Cajun seasoning. Sear in a skillet until cooked through; set aside.
  3. In the same skillet, sauté sliced bell peppers and garlic until softened.
  4. Stir in remaining Cajun seasoning and heavy cream; simmer while mixing in Parmesan cheese until creamy.
  5. Combine cooked pasta and protein with the sauce; adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
  6. Garnish with fresh herbs and lime juice before serving.

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