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Rattlesnake Pasta

Rattlesnake Pasta
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Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and flavorful pasta dish combining tender pasta with a spicy blend of sausage, ground beef, fresh vegetables, and a melty cheese blend. Perfect for pasta lovers seeking a quick, adventurous meal, this recipe balances smoky, spicy, and savory notes with fresh herbs and vibrant veggies, coming together in under 30 minutes for a comforting and memorable dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne or rigatoni pasta

Proteins

  • 8 oz spicy Italian sausage (casings removed)
  • 8 oz ground beef

Vegetables

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped
  • 1–2 jalapeños or chili peppers, chopped (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Pantry Items & Sauces

  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
  • 1 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder

Cheese & Herbs

  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1 cup shredded Monterey Jack cheese
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling salted water and cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the Protein and Veggies: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground sausage and ground beef, breaking up chunks to achieve a crumbly texture. Add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and jalapeños, sautéing until the vegetables soften.
  3. Build the Sauce: Stir in the minced garlic, diced tomatoes with green chilies, cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder. Let the sauce simmer gently, blending the flavors while reducing slightly to thicken.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat evenly. If the mixture feels too thick, gradually add reserved pasta water to create a creamy consistency.
  5. Add Cheese and Finish: Sprinkle in the shredded cheddar and Monterey Jack cheeses, stirring until melted and gooey. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped cilantro for a fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh peppers and herbs for more vibrant flavor and color.
  • Do not overcook pasta; slightly firm pasta holds better when combined with thick sauce.
  • Add spices gradually during cooking to maximize their aroma and depth.
  • Add cheese off the heat to prevent graininess or oily texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to help bind sauce and pasta for silky texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, spicy pasta, sausage pasta, ground beef pasta, cheesy pasta, quick dinner, bold flavors, pasta recipe

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