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Rattlesnake Pasta

Rattlesnake Pasta
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Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and zesty spicy pasta dish that combines fresh tomatoes, garlic, chili flakes, and aromatic herbs to create a flavorful and satisfying meal. Perfect for adventurous food lovers, it delivers a perfect balance of heat, savory, and tangy elements, ready in under 30 minutes. Easily customizable for different spice levels and dietary preferences, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests with its unique taste and impressive presentation.

Ingredients

Scale

Base Ingredients

  • 8 oz (225 g) pasta (spaghetti, linguine, penne, or rigatoni)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 3–4 ripe tomatoes, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 3 cloves fresh garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Finishing Ingredients

  • ¼ cup fresh herbs (basil or parsley), chopped
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Optional Variations

  • Roasted vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini) for vegetarian version
  • Grilled chicken, shrimp, or crumbled sausage for protein boost
  • Nutritional yeast or vegan Parmesan for dairy-free alternative
  • Fresh diced jalapeños or hot sauce for extra spicy kick
  • Alternative herbs such as cilantro or oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare Your Ingredients: Finely chop the fresh garlic, dice the ripe tomatoes, and chop the fresh herbs. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente, usually 8-10 minutes.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics and Spices: Heat olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet. Add the chopped garlic and sauté until fragrant but not browned. Add the chili flakes and stir for about 30 seconds to infuse the oil with spice.
  3. Build the Sauce: Add the diced tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes, until softened and juicy. Simmer gently, stirring occasionally, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to balance the flavors.
  4. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Drain the pasta, reserving some of the pasta cooking water. Toss the pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce and help it cling evenly to the noodles.
  5. Finish with Herbs and Cheese: Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh herbs. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and toss everything together to coat each strand with spicy, herby goodness.

Notes

  • Use fresh tomatoes and herbs for the best authentic flavor.
  • Adjust chili flakes carefully to control the spice level and taste as you cook.
  • Reserve pasta water to emulsify the sauce and help it bind to the pasta.
  • Cook garlic just until fragrant to avoid bitterness.
  • Serve the pasta immediately while hot to maximize flavor and texture.

Nutrition

Keywords: spicy pasta, rattlesnake pasta, chili pasta, garlic pasta, zesty pasta, quick pasta recipe, spicy Italian-style pasta

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