Rattlesnake pasta with cajun-seasoned seared chicken and fresh jalapenos in a creamy parmesan sauce over fettuccine.
Prep Time: 15 minutesmins
Cook Time: 25 minutesmins
Total Time: 40 minutesmins
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American, Cajun
Servings: 6servings
Ingredients
1lbfettuccine
1 1/2lbschicken breastsboneless, skinless, cut into strips
2tbspcajun seasoningdivided
2tbspolive oil
3tbspbutter
2jalapenosseeded and diced
4clovesgarlicminced
1/2cupchicken broth
1 1/2cupsheavy cream
1cupgrated parmesanplus more for serving
1/2tspsalt
2green onionssliced, for garnish
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Instructions
Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set aside.
Season and sear the chicken: Toss the chicken strips with 1 1/2 tablespoons of the cajun seasoning until evenly coated. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 6-7 minutes, turning once, until browned with charred edges and cooked through to 165°F. Transfer to a plate.
Saute the jalapenos and garlic: Reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet. Add the jalapenos and cook for 2 minutes until softened, then stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds more.
Build the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Stir in the heavy cream and the remaining 1/2 tablespoon cajun seasoning, and simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
Add the parmesan: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the parmesan and salt until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
Combine and finish: Return the chicken and any juices to the skillet along with the drained fettuccine. Toss to coat, loosening with a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed. Top with sliced green onions and serve warm.
Notes
Bloom the cajun seasoning by coating the chicken and searing it hard, which opens up the paprika and cayenne. Sear the chicken to an internal temperature of 165°F. Leave the jalapeno seeds in for more heat or scrape them out for a milder sauce.