Rattlesnake Pasta is a shrimp and pasta dish made with tomatoes, garlic and cheese with a spicy bite from jalapenos. If you like it hot you'll love this!
⅓poundwhole wheat spaghetti,(use quinoa or edamame pasta for gluten-free version)
2-4Tablespoonsolive oil
½-3/4poundshelled and deveined medium shrimp,cut into ½-inch pieces
1teaspoonCajun seasoning
2tomatoes,chopped
1teaspoonminced garlic
¼-1/2jalapeno,minced
½-1teaspoonminced rosemary
¼-1/2teaspooncrushed red pepper,depending on your preferred level of hotness
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
¼cupchicken stock or white wine
¼-1/3cupPecorino Romano or Parmesan cheese,grated
Instructions
Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and return to pot with lid to keep warm.
While pasta is cooking, heat olive oil in a large skillet.
Coat shrimp with Cajun seasoning and add to skillet, cooking approximately 1 minute per side.
Add tomatoes, garlic, jalapeno, rosemary and crushed red pepper. Cook for 4-5 minutes, crushing tomatoes slightly to release juices.
Add spaghetti and broth or wine to skillet then season with salt and pepper. Toss to coat.
Add Parmesan cheese to pan and mix well.
Cook over medium heat, tossing occasionally for 2-4 minutes, or until sauce is slightly thickened.
Serve immediately on plates garnished with rosemary sprig.
Notes
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is Rattlesnake Pasta?It's a pasta dish with a creamy sauce, similar to alfredo, but with some extra heat added from cajun spices, red pepper flakes and jalapeno peppers. It is usually made with chicken but is also great with shrimp. And, before you ask, no, there is no rattlesnake in it. lolCan I use any other peppers beside jalapeno?If you'd like less heat, try adding some chopped mild sweet peppers such as yellow bell peppers or mild cherry peppers. If you're into heat, the hotter serrano chile or Carolina cayenne pepper would be a good addition. Be careful of the amount you add as you don't want the heat to overtake the flavor of the dish.Can I make this into a creamier version?Certainly. Just replace the chicken broth or white wine with heavy cream. Add prior to adding the spaghetti and sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of flour, whisking until it thickens slightly, then add pasta and toss to coat.