Rattlesnake Pasta
Rattlesnake Pasta is a quick and vibrant dish that combines bold, spicy flavors with fresh vegetables and herbs, delivering a tangy and satisfying meal ready in just 30 minutes. Perfect for those seeking an exciting twist on pasta, this recipe is versatile, easy to customize, and ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
- Author: Elena
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta if desired)
Pasta
- Your favorite pasta shape (penne or fusilli recommended) – about 12 oz
Sauce & Vegetables
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 jalapeño or fresh chili, finely diced
- 1 large red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
- 1/3 cup grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese
- Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about half a cup of pasta water for later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and diced jalapeño or chili, stirring for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
- Cook the Vegetables: Add chopped red bell peppers to the skillet, sautéing until they start to soften and become slightly caramelized, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the Tomatoes: Stir in diced tomatoes along with a pinch of salt and pepper, letting the mixture simmer for 5 minutes so the flavors meld and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce and help it cling to every noodle.
- Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove from heat, stir in chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley, and sprinkle generously with grated Parmesan or Pecorino cheese for that perfect finishing touch.
Notes
- Don’t overcook pasta; aim for al dente to hold texture and absorb sauce better.
- Toast the garlic briefly to avoid burning and maintain a sweet, mellow flavor.
- Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright, fresh taste.
- Save pasta water to adjust sauce consistency and add starchiness.
- Adjust spice carefully; taste as you go when using jalapeños or chili peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 12 g
- Cholesterol: 10 mg
Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, spicy pasta, quick pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, bold flavors, fusilli pasta, penne pasta, gluten-free pasta