Rattlesnake Pasta

Creamy, spicy, and irresistibly bold, Rattlesnake Pasta is the dish you never knew you needed in your life. It’s a perfect balance of smoky grilled chicken, tender rotini pasta, and a rich cheese sauce kissed with just the right amount of heat from jalapeños. Every bite delivers layers of flavor – a little cheesy, a little spicy, and a whole lot of comforting goodness.

This pasta is inspired by Southwestern flavors, where creaminess meets a kick of spice for a dinner that feels indulgent but still has a fresh pop from cherry tomatoes and herbs. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or serving it to impress guests, Rattlesnake Pasta never fails to make people ask for seconds.

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What Makes Rattlesnake Pasta So Special?

The combination of creamy cheese sauce with a touch of spice is what sets this dish apart. Unlike a traditional Alfredo, this pasta brings a punch of heat that balances beautifully with the richness of the sauce. The grilled chicken adds a smoky depth, while jalapeños and tomatoes brighten every bite.

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Ingredients for the Rattlesnake Pasta

• Rotini Pasta – Its spiral shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly in every twist.
• Grilled Chicken Breast – Adds a smoky, protein-packed heartiness to the dish.
• Jalapeños – Bring that signature spicy kick; you can adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance.
• Cherry Tomatoes – Provide a juicy pop of freshness that balances the richness.
• Heavy Cream – Creates that luscious, velvety sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese – Melts into the sauce, giving it a nutty and salty bite.
• Garlic & Onion Powder – Build the savory flavor base for the sauce.
• Olive Oil & Butter – For sautéing and adding richness to the dish.
• Fresh Parsley – A fresh, herby finish for a burst of color and flavor.

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How To Make the Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta Perfectly

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and set aside, tossing lightly with olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and a pinch of paprika. Grill them over medium heat until cooked through and lightly charred. Slice into strips once rested.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large skillet, melt butter with a drizzle of olive oil. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream, then whisk in Parmesan cheese until the sauce is smooth and velvety.

Step 4: Add the Heat

Stir in sliced jalapeños and a pinch of onion powder. Let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes so the flavors meld together.

Step 5: Toss Everything Together

Add the cooked rotini to the skillet, tossing well to coat every spiral in the creamy sauce. Gently fold in the grilled chicken strips and cherry tomatoes.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle fresh parsley and extra Parmesan on top before serving. Enjoy it hot with an extra kick of jalapeños if you love it spicy!

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Serving and Storing Rattlesnake Pasta

This pasta is best served immediately while the sauce is creamy and the chicken is warm. If you need to store leftovers, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring back its silky texture.

Freezing is not recommended, as the cream sauce may separate when thawed.

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What to Serve With Rattlesnake Pasta?

Garlic Bread with a Crispy Edge

The perfect way to soak up that extra creamy sauce.

Simple Green Salad

A light, crisp salad with lemon vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Roasted Parmesan Broccoli

The nutty, crispy edges pair perfectly with the spicy, creamy pasta.

Creamy Cucumber Salad

A cool and refreshing contrast to the jalapeño heat.

Grilled Asparagus Spears

Adds a smoky, slightly charred veggie bite to complement the chicken.

White Wine (Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio)

The acidity cuts through the richness, making each bite taste even better.

Jalapeño Cornbread

If you’re a spice lover, this sweet-and-spicy bread is a fun twist.

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Want More Pasta Ideas with a Kick?

If you love the creamy spice of Rattlesnake Pasta, you’ll want to try these other irresistible favorites:

• Spicy Cheesy Chicken Sausage Pasta Skillet – Packed with cheesy goodness and just the right amount of heat.
• One-Pot Smoky Chipotle Cheesy Chicken Pasta – A smoky, spicy pasta dream.
• Cowboy Butter Chicken Linguine – Creamy, garlicky, and full of bold flavors.
• Creamy Garlic Parmesan Chicken with Cheesy Twisted Pasta – Comfort food heaven with a savory twist.
• Pepper Parmesan Chicken Penne – A peppery, creamy pasta perfect for weeknight dinners.

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Save This Rattlesnake Pasta

Planning to make this for your next family dinner or cozy weekend meal? Save this recipe so you can whip it up anytime that creamy, spicy craving hits.

Tried this Rattlesnake Pasta? I’d love to hear how it turned out! Did you go extra spicy with jalapeños or keep it mild? Share your thoughts and any creative twists in the comments below.

📌 Pin this recipe to your “Pasta Night Favorites” board on Pinterest – because you’ll definitely want this creamy, spicy pasta on repeat!

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