Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and flavor-packed dish that marries tender chicken, rich Cajun cream sauce, and perfectly cooked penne pasta. It’s the kind of recipe that delivers both comfort and excitement in every bite. If you’re craving something creamy with a gentle heat and a Southern-style twist, this one’s for you.

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta with a Spicy Kick

This pasta is more than just a meal—it’s a restaurant-quality experience right at home. The smoky spice from Cajun seasoning plays beautifully with the richness of heavy cream, while sun-dried tomatoes and sautéed bell peppers add vibrant contrast. Ready in under 40 minutes, it’s a go-to for weeknight dinners or when hosting friends who love a bit of spice.

Why You’ll Love This Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta

Perfect balance of creamy and spicy
Easily customizable for heat level
One-pan sauce makes cleanup a breeze
Feels fancy, cooks fast
Crowd-pleaser for pasta and chicken lovers alike

What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?

Traditionally, penne is the go-to for Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta. Its tube shape captures the luscious Cajun cream sauce in every bite. But if penne isn’t on hand, rigatoni or fusilli are great alternatives. Just avoid delicate shapes like angel hair—they won’t hold up to the thick, creamy texture.

Ingredients for the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta

Every ingredient here builds layers of flavor and texture. Let’s take a look at what makes this pasta irresistibly good:

Penne Pasta: Holds the sauce in every bite with its ridges and tube shape.
Chicken Breast: Lean protein that soaks up seasoning and remains juicy.
Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps sear the chicken perfectly.
Garlic: A must for that foundational savory note.
Red & Green Bell Peppers: Sweet crunch and color in every forkful.
Cajun Seasoning: The signature smoky, spicy flavor.
Heavy Cream: Delivers indulgent creaminess.
Parmesan Cheese: Adds a nutty, salty finish to the sauce.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sweet-tangy pops to brighten the dish.
Salt & Pepper: Essential to balance and enhance the overall flavor.
Fresh Parsley: For a fresh, herby finish.

How To Make the Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Slice chicken breasts into strips, season with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. In a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat, sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same skillet, add a bit more oil and sauté garlic, red and green bell peppers until softened.

Step 4: Make the Sauce

Pour in heavy cream and stir in more Cajun seasoning to taste. Simmer for a few minutes until slightly thickened. Add sun-dried tomatoes and Parmesan, stirring until melted.

Step 5: Combine Everything

Return the cooked chicken and penne to the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. Cook for 1-2 more minutes until heated through.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Top with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of extra Parmesan. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

How to Serve and Store This Pasta

Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta is best served fresh off the stove, garnished with herbs and maybe a little extra cheese. It feeds 4 to 6 people comfortably. If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life.

What to Serve With Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta?

Garlic Bread

The perfect companion to mop up the creamy Cajun sauce.

Caesar Salad

Crunchy, tangy greens that balance out the richness.

Roasted Broccoli

Adds a touch of char and earthiness to your plate.

Grilled Asparagus

Light, crisp, and bright—a great contrast.

Fried Zucchini Rounds

A crispy side that pairs beautifully with creamy pasta.

Cornbread Muffins

Adds a Southern twist that complements the Cajun spice.

Sauteed Spinach

Simple and nutritious, it doesn’t compete for flavor.

Sparkling Lemonade

Cool and refreshing to offset the heat.

Want More Pasta Ideas?

If you love this Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta, you’ll want to dig into these other pasta favorites:

Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for creamy romance in a bowl.
Creamy Beef and Shells for hearty comfort on busy nights.
Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan for that irresistible garlic-parm combo.
Loaded Bacon Cheeseburger Alfredo Pasta if you’re craving bold, cheesy indulgence.
One-Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta for a smoky spin that’s easy to clean up.

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And let me know in the comments how yours turned out! Did you go full Cajun heat or keep it mellow? Did you sneak in mushrooms or spinach?

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