Spicy Cajun Rattlesnake Pasta (Printable Recipe)

Spicy Cajun pasta with chicken, bell peppers, and creamy Parmesan sauce for a satisfying weeknight meal.

# Ingredients You'll Need:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb penne pasta
02 - 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 - 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
04 - 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
05 - 1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 - 1 green bell pepper, sliced
07 - 1/2 red onion, sliced
08 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
09 - 2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)

→ Sauce

10 - 4 tbsp butter
11 - 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 - 2 cups milk or half-and-half
13 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 - 1/2 tsp salt
15 - 1/4 tsp black pepper
16 - 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley

# Steps to Follow:

01 - Boil penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 - Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning and cook until golden brown on all sides. Remove from pan and set aside.
03 - In the same pan, add remaining olive oil and sauté bell peppers, red onion, garlic, and jalapeños until vegetables are tender and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes.
04 - In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Whisk in flour to create a smooth roux, cooking for 1-2 minutes to eliminate raw flour taste.
05 - Gradually whisk milk into the roux, stirring constantly to prevent lumps. Cook until sauce thickens, then stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Season with salt, pepper, and fresh parsley.
06 - Add cooked chicken and sautéed vegetables to the cream sauce. Toss with cooked pasta until well coated. Serve immediately garnished with additional parsley.

# Extra Tips:

01 - Cook pasta al dente to prevent mushiness when combined with the creamy sauce
02 - Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for optimal flavor and melting properties
03 - Adjust spice level by varying the amount of jalapeños and removing seeds for milder heat
04 - Substitute shrimp or andouille sausage for chicken to create different flavor profiles

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