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Rattlesnake Pasta

Rattlesnake Pasta
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Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and spicy pasta dish combining tender penne or rigatoni with flavorful Italian sausage, diced bell peppers, and a creamy, seasoned sauce. This quick and easy recipe offers a perfect balance of heat and comfort, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Customize the heat level and ingredients to suit your taste, and enjoy a vibrant southern-inspired meal full of rich spice and creamy goodness.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Pasta

  • 12 oz spicy or mild Italian sausage links, sliced or removed from casings
  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (mixed colors recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 1 cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Cheese and Herbs

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Chop the bell peppers, dice the onion, and mince the garlic. Slice the sausage into bite-size pieces or remove from casings. Cook the pasta in boiling salted water according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
  2. Cook the Sausage and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the sausage pieces until fully cooked and slightly crispy. Remove excess grease if necessary. Add diced onions and bell peppers to the skillet, cooking until softened and fragrant. Stir in the minced garlic last to avoid burning and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  3. Make the Spicy Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream or half-and-half, stirring gently to combine. Sprinkle in cayenne pepper, chili flakes, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Allow the sauce to simmer gently, thickening slightly while blending the spicy kick with the cream’s richness.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together thoroughly to coat the pasta with the spicy cream sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley for a savory and herbaceous finish.
  5. Serve Hot and Enjoy: Plate the Rattlesnake Pasta immediately while hot. Garnish with extra parsley or Parmesan if desired, and enjoy this flavorful, comforting dish.

Notes

  • Season as You Go: Layer your spices gradually to build balanced heat and flavor complexity.
  • Don’t Overcook Pasta: Aim for al dente to maintain ideal texture and avoid mushiness.
  • Use Quality Sausage: Choose fresh, flavorful Italian sausage for the best taste.
  • Heat Control: Start with small amounts of cayenne and chili flakes—it’s easier to add more than tone down.
  • Fresh Herbs Are Key: Add parsley at the end for a burst of color and freshness balancing the creaminess.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, spicy pasta, creamy sausage pasta, southern pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, spicy Italian sausage pasta

Find it online: https://mealsbylina.com/rattlesnake-pasta/