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Bowl of rattlesnake pasta with spicy sauce and vegetables

Rattlesnake Pasta

A creamy and spicy pasta dish featuring pepper jack cheese and a touch of cayenne, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 600
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Cooking Base
  • 8 oz Penne pasta Cook according to package instructions.
  • 2 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil Use high-quality oil for a richer flavor.
  • 1/2 cup Diced onion
  • 2 cloves Minced garlic
  • 1 cup Chicken broth Can substitute vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
Creamy Sauce
  • 1 cup Heavy cream Can substitute with half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative.
  • 1 cup Shredded pepper jack cheese This adds the key spice and creaminess.
  • 1 tsp Cayenne pepper Adjust to taste based on spice preference.
Garnishes and Seasonings
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black pepper
  • 2 tbsp Chopped green onions For garnish.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large pot, boil salted water and cook the penne according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until soft and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
Cooking
  1. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a simmer, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the skillet.
  2. Stir in heavy cream, followed by shredded pepper jack cheese and cayenne pepper. Mix until the cheese is melted and the sauce is creamy.
  3. Add the cooked penne to the skillet, tossing to coat evenly with the creamy sauce for about 1-2 minutes until warmed through.
Serving
  1. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then serve hot, garnished with chopped green onions.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace chicken broth with vegetable broth and omit any meat. Adjust spice levels according to preference. Can double the sauce ingredients for creamier pasta.