Looking to spice up your weeknight dinner routine? Easy Rattlesnake Pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, spicy, and savory. With tender pasta coated in a creamy sauce made from cream cheese, jalapeños, and a mix of savory spices, this dish brings a bit of heat to the table while remaining comforting and satisfying. It’s a fantastic choice for anyone who loves bold flavors and creamy pasta dishes.

I first made this recipe when I was craving something with a little more heat than my usual pasta dishes. After browsing through a few recipes, I decided to throw together my own version using jalapeños, cream cheese, and some classic pasta ingredients. The result was nothing short of delicious! The creamy sauce paired perfectly with the subtle spice from the jalapeños, creating a dish that’s both indulgent and exciting. Since then, Easy Rattlesnake Pasta has become a favorite in my household, especially when I’m looking to impress guests with something flavorful and different.

The first time I made this dish, I served it at a casual dinner with friends. I was a little worried about the level of heat, but I kept it mild, knowing that I could always adjust the spice if necessary. As soon as they tasted the pasta, everyone started raving about the creamy sauce and the perfect balance of heat and flavor. “This is amazing! What’s the secret?” one friend asked. I smiled and told them it was a simple combo of cream cheese and jalapeños. It became a go-to dish for entertaining, and it’s one I always get asked to make again.

Why This Easy Rattlesnake Pasta?

Selling Points:

• Simple to Make: With just a few ingredients, this pasta comes together in no time, making it perfect for busy nights.
• Creamy and Spicy: The creamy sauce with a kick from jalapeños creates a flavor-packed dish that’s comforting yet exciting.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level to suit your tastes. Add more jalapeños for extra heat or tone it down if you prefer a milder flavor.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you’re having a cozy family dinner or hosting a gathering, this pasta is sure to be a hit.

What You Need for Easy Rattlesnake Pasta

Ingredients:

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb chicken breast, diced (optional, for added protein)
• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (adjust based on your spice preference)
• 8 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon onion powder
• 1 teaspoon chili powder
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

How to Make Easy Rattlesnake Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
2. Cook the Chicken: If using chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
4. Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If you reserved chicken, add it back to the skillet now.
6. Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
7. Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Tips for Perfect Rattlesnake Pasta

• Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier dish, add extra jalapeños or even a dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds.
• Cream Cheese Substitution: If you don’t have cream cheese, you can substitute with ricotta cheese for a slightly different texture.
• Add Veggies: You can include other vegetables like bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms for added texture and flavor.
• Use Leftover Chicken: This is a great dish to make if you have leftover chicken from a previous meal. Simply add it into the sauce for an easy and quick dinner.

Substitutions and Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Omit the chicken and add beans or extra vegetables to make it a vegetarian dish.
• Spicy Kick: If you like extra spice, try adding a chopped serrano or poblano pepper along with the jalapeños.
• Cheese Variations: Swap the cheddar cheese for Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for an extra spicy twist.

Make a Healthier Version

• Use Light Cream Cheese: For a lighter version, use reduced-fat or light cream cheese.
• Whole Wheat Pasta: Choose whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
• Lower Fat Options: Substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or use a combination of Greek yogurt and chicken broth for a healthier creamy texture.

Closing for Easy Rattlesnake Pasta

Easy Rattlesnake Pasta is a must-try dish for anyone who enjoys creamy pasta with a little heat. It’s simple to make, full of bold flavors, and can be customized to your liking. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is guaranteed to impress. Don’t forget to share your results and check out more of our flavorful pasta recipes for your next meal! Enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions  for Easy Rattlesnake Pasta

1. Can I make this pasta ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the sauce and pasta ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Just reheat the sauce and pasta when you’re ready to serve.
   
2. Can I freeze Rattlesnake Pasta? Yes, you can freeze the cooked pasta and sauce in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a little cream or chicken broth to thin the sauce if needed.
   
3. Can I use a different protein instead of chicken? Absolutely! You can use shrimp, ground turkey, or even sausage for a different twist.
   
4. How do I store leftovers? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or on the stovetop.
   
5. Can I make this dish vegetarian? Yes! Omit the chicken and add more vegetables, like mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini, to make it a vegetarian-friendly dish.
   
6. Can I make this pasta less spicy? Yes, reduce the amount of jalapeños or remove the seeds to make it milder. You can also use bell peppers instead for flavor without the heat.
   
7. Can I add extra cheese to this recipe? Definitely! Feel free to add more cheese or experiment with different types of cheese for a richer flavor.
   
8. What’s the best pasta to use for this recipe? Penne, fettuccine, or rigatoni work great, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
   
9. Can I use low-fat cream cheese? Yes, using low-fat cream cheese is a great way to lighten up the dish without sacrificing too much flavor.
   
10. What can I serve with Rattlesnake Pasta? A fresh green salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables would make great sides to accompany this pasta.
    

Easy Rattlesnake Pasta is the perfect way to turn up the heat in your dinner routine. With its creamy texture and spicy kick, it’s sure to become a household favorite!

Easy Rattlesnake Pasta

Recipe by Alexandra SaricolCourse: All Recipes

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Calories

300

kcal

Ingredients

• 12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or your favorite pasta shape)

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 lb chicken breast, diced (optional, for added protein)

• 1/2 cup diced jalapeños (adjust based on your spice preference)

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 1 cup heavy cream

• 1/2 cup chicken broth

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon chili powder

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• Fresh cilantro for garnish (optional)

Directions

• Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta according to the package directions. Once done, drain and set aside.
• Cook the Chicken: If using chicken, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
• Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the diced jalapeños and cook for 2-3 minutes until they soften. Add the softened cream cheese and stir until melted. Slowly pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine.
• Season the Sauce: Add the garlic powder, onion powder, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
• Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, stirring to coat the pasta evenly. If you reserved chicken, add it back to the skillet now.
• Add the Cheese: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Parmesan cheese, stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is creamy.
• Serve: Divide the pasta into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy!