54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe | Creamy, Spicy & Flavor-Packed

If you’re craving a bold and creamy pasta dish with just the right kick of heat, you’ll love my 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe. Inspired by the popular restaurant version, this dish combines tender Chicken, colorful veggies, and penne pasta in a rich, spicy cream sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food with a Tex-Mex twist,  perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests.

This copycat recipe lets you enjoy the same irresistible flavors of 54th Street Grill right in your own kitchen. Plus, it’s easy to make, requires simple ingredients, and can be customized to suit your spice preference.

How to Make 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta

Making this pasta at home is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a creamy, spicy, and cheesy dish ready to enjoy in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions. I like to cook it until al dente, so it holds up well when tossed in the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and set it aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and season them with cayenne pepper, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the Chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

Next, add the sliced red and green bell peppers, red onion, mushrooms, and diced jalapeños into the skillet. Sauté for another 5–7 minutes, until the vegetables soften and release their flavors. At this point, the kitchen smells amazing!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

Pour the heavy cream into the skillet, stirring well to combine it with the Chicken and vegetables. Let it simmer for about 2 minutes so the cream thickens slightly and absorbs the spices.

Step 5: Toss with Pasta & Cheese

Add the cooked penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until each piece of pasta is coated with the creamy, spicy sauce. Sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Let it cook for another 2–3 minutes so all the flavors meld together.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately. I love pairing this pasta with garlic bread and a crisp green salad to balance the heat.

Serving and Presentation

One of my favorite things about this 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe is how versatile it is. Once it’s ready, I like to serve it in wide pasta bowls so every bite gets a mix of pasta, Chicken, and veggies. A sprinkle of fresh parsley not only adds color but also a burst of freshness that balances the richness of the cream sauce.

For the ultimate restaurant-style experience, pair this pasta with:

• Garlic Breadsticks or Texas Toast – perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
  
• Fresh Side Salad – a light Caesar or garden salad balances the spice.
  
• Chilled White Wine or Sparkling Water – the perfect refreshment against the pasta’s kick.
  

Cooking Tips for the Best Rattlesnake Pasta

Here are some of my tried-and-true tips for making sure your pasta comes out perfect every time:

1. Cook Pasta Al Dente – Slightly firm pasta holds up better in creamy sauces and won’t get mushy.
   
2. Don’t Overcook the Cream – Add the cream at the end and simmer gently; boiling it can cause curdling.
   
3. Control the Heat – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the jalapeños or skip the cayenne. If you love spice, add crushed red pepper flakes for an extra kick.
   
4. Use Fresh Parmesan – Pre-grated cheese often has additives that prevent smooth melting. Freshly grated Parmesan makes the sauce creamier and more flavorful.
   
5. Cook Chicken Evenly – Cut Chicken into even pieces so they cook at the same rate and stay tender.

Variations and Substitutions

Want to put your own spin on this pasta? Here are some fun variations you can try:

• Protein Swap – Replace Chicken with shrimp, steak strips, or even grilled tofu for a vegetarian twist.
  
• Extra Creaminess – Stir in a little cream cheese or Monterey Jack for a more decadent, cheesier sauce.
  
• Veggie Boost – Add spinach, zucchini, or roasted corn for extra nutrition and flavor.
  
• Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pasta and enjoy the same creamy-spicy goodness.
  
• Low-Carb Version – Swap the penne for zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash.
  

This recipe is so adaptable that you can make it as mild, spicy, creamy, or veggie-packed as you like!

Storage Instructions

How to Store Leftovers

If you happen to have leftovers (which rarely happens in my kitchen!), Place the pasta in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it even tastier the next day.

Reheating Tips

To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk to the pasta and warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat. This keeps the sauce creamy instead of drying out. If you’re short on time, the microwave works too, cover and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.

Freezing Option

While I prefer enjoying this pasta fresh, you can freeze it. Place cooled pasta in a freezer-safe container or bag and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stovetop with extra cream to bring it back to life.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is Rattlesnake Pasta?

Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy, spicy pasta dish made popular by 54th Street Grill. It combines chicken, jalapeños, Parmesan cheese, and pasta tossed in a zesty cream sauce. The “rattlesnake” name comes from the dish’s spicy kick.

Is this recipe really spicy?

It does have some heat from cayenne pepper and jalapeños. However, you can easily adjust the spice level by reducing the jalapeños or cayenne for a milder version,  or add extra peppers if you like it fiery!

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne is traditional for this recipe, you can use rotini, rigatoni, or fettuccine. Any pasta shape that holds sauce well will work beautifully.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely. Just skip the chicken and add extra vegetables like zucchini, broccoli, or spinach. You can also substitute with tofu or meatless chicken strips for protein.

What can I serve with Rattlesnake Pasta?

This pasta pairs perfectly with garlic bread, a crisp Caesar salad, or roasted veggies. A chilled glass of white wine or lemonade also balances the spice nicely.

Can I prepare this ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken and eggs in advance, then reheat with the cream, pasta, and cheese when ready to serve. It saves time and makes weeknight dinners easier.

How do I keep the sauce creamy when reheating?

When reheating, add a splash of cream or milk and stir well to bring back the smooth, creamy texture. Heating it gently over the stovetop works best.

Conclusion

And there you have it,  my easy 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe! A creamy, spicy, and cheesy pasta dish that’s loaded with tender chickenful veggies, and just the right amount of heat. This restaurant-style comfort food is a true crowd-pleaser that you can whip up in under an hour at home.

The best part? You can adjust the spice level, switch up the proteins, or add extra veggies to make it exactly the way you love it. Whether you’re serving it for a casual weeknight dinner or a cozy family gathering, this rattlesnake pasta will always steal the spotlight.

So grab your skillet, cook up some penne, and bring the flavors of 54th Street Grill right into your own kitchen. Trust me,  once you try it, this recipe will be on repeat in your meal rotation.