Rattlesnake Pasta (Print Version)

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 12 oz (340g) pasta (fettuccine, penne, or any pasta of your choice)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 lb (450g) chicken breast, boneless and skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
04 - 2 tablespoons Cajun seasoning
05 - 3–4 fresh jalapeños, sliced (remove seeds for less heat)
06 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
07 - 1 cup heavy cream
08 - ½ cup chicken broth
09 - 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
10 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
11 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
12 - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of pasta cooking water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
02 - In a bowl, season the chicken pieces with Cajun seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss well to coat the chicken evenly in the spices.
03 - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
04 - In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced jalapeños and minced garlic, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, until fragrant and the jalapeños begin to soften. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for about 3-4 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and fresh lemon juice, until the cheese melts into the sauce and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper if needed.
05 - Add the cooked chicken back to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together until the pasta is well coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta cooking water to reach your desired consistency.
06 - Let the pasta and sauce cook together for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to coat the pasta evenly.
07 - Transfer the Rattlesnake Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and serve immediately. Enjoy your fiery, creamy pasta!

# Notes:

01 - Ensure the pasta is al dente before combining with the sauce.
02 - Adjust the spice level by adding more or less Cajun seasoning, depending on your preference.
03 - For a milder version, remove the seeds from the jalapeños before using.