If you’re craving a bold, creamy pasta dish that brings just the right amount of heat, this Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick will be your new obsession. Inspired by the popular restaurant version but taken up a notch for flavor lovers, this recipe combines tender chicken, zesty bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and penne pasta all tossed in a silky, spicy cream sauce. It’s the perfect balance of comfort and fire.

Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, this dish promises to wow. It comes together faster than you’d expect and delivers layers of flavor in every bite. Trust me—this is not your average pasta night.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To make this Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta a breeze, gather these tools before starting:

Large skillet or sauté pan — This is your primary cooking vessel for sautéing veggies and simmering the sauce.
Medium pot — Needed for boiling the penne pasta until al dente.
Sharp chef’s knife — Precision is key when slicing chicken and veggies evenly for consistent cooking.

Wooden spoon or silicone spatula — Gentle on your pan, ideal for stirring the sauce to creamy perfection.
Measuring cups & spoons — To get that perfect spice balance, accurate measurements are important.

Using the right tools makes cooking smoother and helps lock in flavor at every step.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

Chicken breast — Adds lean protein and soaks up the spicy, creamy sauce beautifully.
Penne pasta — The tubular shape holds onto the sauce, making every bite creamy and satisfying.
Heavy cream — Creates the rich, velvety base of the sauce.

Parmesan cheese — Adds salty, nutty depth to balance the heat.
Sun-dried tomatoes — Bring a sweet-tangy pop and chewy texture.
Green bell pepper — Adds crunch and freshness to cut through the creaminess.

Garlic cloves — Intensifies the savory backbone of the dish.
Cajun seasoning — The heart of the spice, adding heat and Southern flair.
Red pepper flakes — For that bold, lingering kick.
Butter and olive oil — Helps in sautéing and flavor layering.

Salt and black pepper — For seasoning at every stage.
Fresh parsley — Optional, but great for color and herbaceous finish.

How To Make the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

Step 1: Sear the Chicken

Season sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until browned and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, melt butter. Add garlic, green bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Cook until softened and fragrant.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, letting the sauce thicken.

Step 4: Boil the Pasta

Meanwhile, cook penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Add the cooked chicken and pasta to the sauce. Toss to coat everything evenly. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes for flavors to meld.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Finish with chopped fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan or pepper flakes if desired.

How to Serve and Store Your Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta

This pasta is best served hot and fresh, straight from the skillet. The creamy sauce hugs the penne and clings to every bite of seasoned chicken, making it a cozy, spicy delight. Garnish with parsley and a dash of crushed red pepper for added flair.

To store leftovers, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

Frequently Asked Questions

How spicy is this pasta?

It has a noticeable kick, but it’s adjustable! Reduce the red pepper flakes for a milder dish or add more if you love heat.

Can I use another type of pasta?

Absolutely. Fettuccine or rotini also work well. Just make sure it holds sauce effectively.

Is there a dairy-free version?

Yes. Use coconut cream in place of heavy cream and a plant-based cheese substitute.

Can I make it vegetarian?

Sure! Swap the chicken for mushrooms or a plant-based protein.

What pairs well with this pasta?

A crisp side salad or garlic bread complements the richness perfectly.

Can I freeze it?

It’s not recommended—the cream sauce may separate. Fresh is best for this one!

Want More Pasta Ideas with Bold Flavor?

If you loved this spicy and creamy rattlesnake pasta, try these other crave-worthy pasta recipes from Life With Olivia:

Save This Recipe for Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you turn up the heat? Try it with sausage instead of chicken? Add some extra veggies?

I love hearing your kitchen twists and tips. Questions are always welcome—let’s make pasta night unforgettable together!

Looking for more daily dinner inspiration? Check out my Pinterest boards at Life With Olivia on Pinterest.

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

Author: Olivia McKenney
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Print Recipe

Description

This creamy rattlesnake pasta blends the richness of a spicy Cajun cream sauce with juicy chicken, crisp peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes—all wrapped around tender penne pasta. It’s a comfort food with a bold kick, perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.

Instructions

1. Season sliced chicken breast with Cajun seasoning, salt, and black pepper.

2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and fully cooked through. Remove and set aside.

3. In the same skillet, melt the butter. Add garlic, green bell peppers, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3–4 minutes until tender.

4. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Let the sauce thicken, stirring occasionally.

5. While the sauce simmers, boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and set aside.

6. Return cooked chicken to the skillet along with the pasta. Toss everything together until evenly coated in the sauce.

7. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let flavors meld.

8. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan or red pepper flakes if desired. Serve hot.

Notes

Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level to your preference.

Swap in rotini or fettuccine if you don’t have penne on hand.

Add a splash of cream or milk when reheating to keep the sauce creamy.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American, Cajun

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx.)
Calories: 580
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 620mg
Fat: 30g
Saturated Fat: 16g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 35g
Cholesterol: 110mg

Keywords: spicy pasta, Cajun pasta, creamy chicken pasta