Description
Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish featuring spicy Italian sausage, jalapeños, and a smoky paprika-infused sauce. This hearty recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, flavorful cream and chicken broth sauce, finished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for garnish. Perfect for those who enjoy a little heat and a comforting meal ready in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well)
Sausage and Vegetables
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lb spicy Italian sausage (or chicken sausage, for a lighter version)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2-3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds removed for less heat, optional)
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted water. Once al dente, drain and set aside to be combined later.
- Cook the Sausage: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spicy Italian sausage, breaking it apart as it cooks. Brown and cook the sausage thoroughly for 6-8 minutes. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened. Then add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant.
- Make the Sauce: Pour heavy cream and chicken broth into the skillet, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Add smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes if desired, and bring the sauce mixture to a simmer. Allow to simmer for 3-4 minutes until it begins to thicken slightly.
- Combine the Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce and stir thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together to coat the pasta evenly in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, continuing to toss the pasta until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes creamy and cohesive. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired for extra flavor and presentation.
Notes
- For less heat, remove jalapeño seeds or omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Substitute chicken sausage for a lighter, leaner option.
- Pasta types like penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine hold the sauce well and work best.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan for best melting and flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the creamy texture at its best.
