Rattlesnake Pasta
This bold and creamy Rattlesnake Pasta features tender chicken, jalapeños, and penne in a rich cheese sauce. A spicy, satisfying meal that's ready in just 30 minutes—perfect for any night of the week.
6 Servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ½ tablespoon Italian seasoning
For the Pasta:
- 1 lb penne pasta
For the Sauce:
- 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 garlic cloves minced
- ¼ cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon white pepper
- 2 cups whole milk
- 1 cup half-and-half
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz grated Colby cheese
- 3 fresh jalapeño peppers thinly sliced
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken:
- In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Add the minced garlic and Italian seasoning, stirring for approximately one minute until aromatic. Add the cubed chicken and cook thoroughly until it is golden on the outside and no longer pink inside. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- In a separate pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions, removing it just before reaching al dente texture. Drain and set aside.
Begin the Sauce Base:
- Using the same skillet in which the chicken was cooked, melt 4 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds, being careful not to brown it. Add the flour, salt, and white pepper simultaneously. Stir continuously to form a roux, and cook for approximately 2 minutes.
Incorporate Dairy:
- Slowly pour in the milk and half-and-half while whisking constantly to avoid lumps. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon—this typically takes 5–6 minutes.
Add Cheese and Combine:
- Reduce heat to low and add the grated Parmesan and Colby cheese. Stir until both cheeses have melted completely and the sauce is smooth. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and add the sliced jalapeños. Stir to incorporate.
Finish the Dish:
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce, stirring gently to ensure even coating. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
To prepare this dish gluten-free:
- Substitute the penne pasta with a gluten-free pasta variety of your choice (e.g., brown rice or chickpea-based pasta).
- Replace all-purpose flour in the sauce with a 1:1 gluten-free flour blend designed for thickening (such as one containing xanthan gum or rice flour).
- Always check labels on cheese and seasoning blends to ensure they are certified gluten-free.