Description
Rattlesnake Pasta is a spicy, creamy pasta dish featuring Italian sausage, jalapeños, and a smoky paprika cream sauce. This flavorful recipe combines tender pasta with a rich, slightly spicy sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly on the stovetop.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 lb pasta (penne, rigatoni, or fettuccine works well)
Protein & Vegetables
- 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 tablespoon olive oil
- 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
- Freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain the pasta thoroughly and set it 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 with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and fully cooked. Remove the sausage from the skillet and set it aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the diced onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until the onion softens. Then add the minced garlic and diced jalapeños, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until fragrant and tender.
- Make the Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine with the vegetables. Add smoked paprika and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine the Pasta: Return the cooked sausage to the skillet with the sauce and stir well. Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy sauce.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, mixing continuously until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh chopped parsley and additional grated Parmesan cheese if desired.
Notes
- Removing seeds from jalapeños reduces heat, so adjust according to your spice preference.
- You can substitute spicy Italian sausage with chicken sausage for a lighter version.
- Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best melting and flavor.
- Make sure to cook pasta to al dente to avoid it becoming mushy in the sauce.
- This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
