Print

Rattlesnake Pasta

Rattlesnake Pasta
Print Recipe

Rattlesnake Pasta is a quick, bold-flavored dinner combining spicy Italian sausage, creamy cheese, and a hint of heat. Ready in under 30 minutes, this comforting pasta dish uses simple ingredients and is adaptable to different diets, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Sausage and Proteins

  • 1 lb Italian sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper, finely chopped
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rotini pasta

Dairy and Cheese

  • 4 oz cream cheese
  • 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1/4 to 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper or chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: Finely chop the onion, garlic, and bell peppers to build the foundation of bold, aromatic flavors.
  2. Cook the sausage: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the Italian sausage, breaking it into bite-sized pieces until cooked through and slightly crispy. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
  3. Sauté vegetables: Using the same skillet, add the chopped onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  4. Cook the pasta: While vegetables cook, boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve about half a cup of pasta water.
  5. Make the sauce: Return cooked sausage to the skillet with vegetables. Lower heat and add cream cheese and shredded cheddar, stirring gently. Gradually pour in reserved pasta water until the sauce is creamy and smooth.
  6. Combine pasta and sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing thoroughly so every piece is coated. Season with cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  7. Serve hot: Once combined and heated through, remove from heat and serve immediately, garnishing as desired.

Notes

  • Use quality Italian sausage for the best flavor.
  • Reserve pasta water to loosen and improve sauce coating.
  • Cook pasta al dente to maintain texture after mixing with sauce.
  • Adjust cayenne pepper gradually to control spice level.
  • Let pasta rest briefly off heat to allow flavors to meld.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, quick pasta recipe, spicy sausage pasta, creamy pasta, easy dinner, weeknight meal

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