Description
This Rattlesnake Pasta is a robust and creamy weeknight dinner featuring tender penne and cubed chicken breast coated in a velvety, slightly spicy sauce. The sauce is built on a flavorful roux, balanced by the sweet, caramelized flavor of roasted garlic and the subtle heat of Cajun seasoning. It’s a deeply satisfying, one-skillet meal that delivers gourmet flavor in under 40 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 16 oz. penne pasta
For the Chicken
- 16 oz. boneless skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2” cubes
- 1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 Tbsp unsalted butter
For the Sauce
- 4 Tbsp unsalted butter, divided
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced into 1/4” strips
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced into 1/4” strips
- 1/2 large red onion, sliced into 1/4” strips
- 1 1/2 tsp minced garlic
- 1 tsp Cajun seasoning
- 1/2 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 3/4 cup whole or 2% milk
- 1 head (10-12 cloves) roasted garlic, coarsely chopped
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3/4 cup heavy cream
- green onions, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta for 2 minutes less than the recommended time. This is crucial for preventing mushiness. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
Season and Cook the Chicken
In a medium bowl, toss the cubed chicken breast with 1 1/2 teaspoons of Cajun seasoning until fully coated. In a large, deep skillet (or Dutch oven) over medium-high heat, melt 1 tablespoon of butter. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for 7–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Aromatics
To the same skillet, add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the olive oil. Once melted, add the sliced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, red onion, minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon of Cajun seasoning. Cook for 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until the vegetables are slightly softened. Remove the vegetables and set them aside with the chicken.
Build the Roux and Sauce Base
Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter to the empty skillet. Once melted, add the all-purpose flour and stir well. Continue cooking for 3–4 minutes, stirring frequently, to remove the raw flour taste. Whisk in the chicken stock, milk, coarsely chopped roasted garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and lump-free. Bring to a simmer, reduce heat to low, and cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens.
Finish and Serve
Stir the grated Parmesan cheese and heavy cream into the sauce until velvety smooth. Add the cooked chicken, sautéed vegetables, and the par-cooked pasta back into the skillet. Stir until all ingredients are well combined and coated. Cook for 2–3 minutes, or until piping hot. Garnish generously with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
Perfect Pasta Texture: To prevent the pasta from becoming mushy, follow the instruction to cook the penne for 2 minutes less than the package’s suggested time, as it will finish absorbing liquid while simmering in the sauce.
Make-Ahead Garlic: The roasted garlic is key to the mellow, deep flavor. You can roast an entire head (or more) of garlic up to a week in advance and store the creamy cloves in the refrigerator to save time on a busy weeknight.
Storage and Reheating: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating the pasta, add a splash of milk or chicken stock to the skillet while warming it gently; this will help restore the sauce’s original creaminess.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet, Stovetop
- Cuisine: American, Cajun
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 1/2 cups
- Calories: 720
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 20g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, Creamy Cajun Pasta, Chicken Pasta, Skillet Dinner, Weeknight Meal, Roasted Garlic