This Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta brings bold flavor to the dinner table with its rich, velvety sauce and a touch of heat that lingers just enough to keep you going back for another bite. Inspired by popular restaurant versions, this homemade twist delivers creamy comfort, seared chicken, and a tangle of linguine all tossed together in a spicy Cajun cream sauce.

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or indulging in a cozy solo meal, this pasta dish makes a satisfying and unforgettable plate. It perfectly balances creamy and spicy elements, enhanced by garlic, parmesan, and jalapeño heat that gives it its “rattlesnake” name.

What Kind of Pasta Works Best for Rattlesnake Pasta?

Linguine or fettuccine is ideal for this recipe because the flat, wide noodles hold onto the creamy Cajun sauce beautifully. However, you can substitute with spaghetti, penne, or even tagliatelle if you prefer different textures.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

12 oz linguine pasta
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp butter
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small jalapeño, deseeded and finely chopped
1 1/2 cups heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish
Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick (1)

How To Make the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

Step 1: Season and Cook the Chicken

Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing thinly.

Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics

In the same skillet, melt butter and add red onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.

Step 4: Cook the Pasta

While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.

How to Serve and Store Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta

Serve this pasta fresh and hot, ideally with warm crusty bread or a crisp green salad. The cream sauce thickens as it cools, so if reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to bring it back to life.

To store leftovers, place in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes it “rattlesnake” pasta?

The name refers to the spicy bite from jalapeño and Cajun seasoning—not actual rattlesnake meat!

Can I make it less spicy?

Absolutely. Just reduce or omit the jalapeño and crushed red pepper flakes.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes! Shrimp or sausage are great substitutes for chicken in this dish.

Is there a dairy-free option?

You can use coconut cream and dairy-free cheese, though the flavor will change slightly.

What wine pairs well with this pasta?

A chilled glass of Riesling or Pinot Grigio balances the heat and creaminess nicely.

Want More Pasta Dishes That Bring the Heat?

If you love this Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta, check out these flavorful creations:

Creamy Tuscan Sausage Pasta for rich sun-dried tomato goodness.
Creamy Garlic Chicken Breasts if you’re into velvety white sauce classics.
Creamy Crockpot Chicken Spaghetti for a slow-cooked comfort meal.
Cheese Shrimp Penne Pasta with Spinach to satisfy your seafood cravings.
Marry Me Chicken Pasta that everyone falls in love with.

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest pasta board so you can find it when your spicy craving hits.

Tried this Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta? I’d love to know how it turned out! Did you stick with chicken or go bold with shrimp? Did the spice level hit just right?

Tag me or drop a comment—let’s keep the flavor conversation going! And for more easy dinner wins, follow my latest updates on Pinterest @NinaDishes.

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

Author: Nina Klatten
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick is the perfect blend of creamy comfort and fiery flavor. Juicy Cajun-seasoned chicken, jalapeño heat, and Parmesan-spiked cream sauce all tangle around linguine for a dinner that’s bold, satisfying, and quick to make.

Instructions

1. Rub the chicken breasts with Cajun seasoning. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes per side. Remove and let rest before slicing thinly.

2. In the same skillet, melt butter and add red onion, garlic, and jalapeño. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes.

3. Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and season with salt and pepper. Add red pepper flakes if you want it spicier.

4. While the sauce simmers, cook the linguine according to package instructions. Drain and reserve some pasta water.

5. Add sliced chicken and cooked pasta to the sauce. Toss well to coat, adding a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.

6. Plate the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve hot with extra Parmesan and a squeeze of lemon if desired.