Spicy Creamy Chicken Pasta (Printable Format)
A vibrant, spicy pasta dish featuring sautéed chicken, colorful bell peppers, and jalapeños in a creamy Parmesan sauce - perfect for those who enjoy a little heat in their meal.
# What You'll Gather:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 lb penne pasta
02 -
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
04 -
1 1/2 tsp Cajun seasoning
05 -
1 red bell pepper, sliced
06 -
1 green bell pepper, sliced
07 -
1/2 red onion, sliced
08 -
3 cloves garlic, minced
09 -
2-3 jalapeño peppers, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
10 -
4 tbsp butter
11 -
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
12 -
2 cups milk or half-and-half
13 -
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
14 -
1/2 tsp salt
15 -
1/4 tsp black pepper
16 -
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
# Step-by-Step Instructions:
01 -
Cook the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
02 -
While the pasta cooks, season the chicken pieces with the Cajun seasoning. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, for about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
03 -
Add the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add the bell peppers, onion, garlic and jalapeños. Sauté until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5 minutes. Remove from the skillet.
04 -
Melt the butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Whisk in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth.
05 -
Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook until it starts to thicken, about 2-3 minutes. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until melted and smooth.
06 -
Add the cooked pasta, chicken, and sautéed vegetables to the skillet with the sauce. Toss gently until everything is well coated.
07 -
Serve the rattlesnake pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley. Enjoy the creamy, spicy flavors!
# Important Tips:
01 -
Adjust the spice level by using more or less jalapeños, or substituting with milder peppers like poblanos
02 -
For extra flavor, use a combination of Parmesan and Asiago or Romano cheeses in the sauce
03 -
Add a splash of white wine or chicken broth to the sauce for more depth of flavor
04 -
Substitute shrimp for the chicken for a seafood version