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Rattlesnake Pasta

Rattlesnake Pasta
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Rattlesnake Pasta is a spicy, flavorful, and quick dish combining juicy sausage, tender rotini pasta, and a kick of crushed red pepper flakes for an exciting meal ready in under 30 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting pasta balances creamy textures with bold heat and is highly customizable to suit your taste.

Ingredients

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Meat and Protein

  • 8 oz sliced spicy or smoked sausage

Vegetables and Aromatics

  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced

Pasta and Grains

  • 12 oz rotini or spiral pasta

Spices and Seasonings

  • 1–2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)

Sauces and Liquids

  • 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes or 1 cup tomato sauce
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Cheese (Optional)

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan or shredded mozzarella

Fresh Herbs

  • 2 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook rotini or spiral pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water for later use.
  2. Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onions and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Brown the Sausage: Add sliced sausage to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through. This step releases the spicy oils and deep flavor.
  4. Add Peppers and Seasoning: Stir in diced bell peppers and cook until just tender, about 4-5 minutes. Sprinkle crushed red pepper flakes over the mixture, adjusting the amount based on your preferred heat level, and mix well.
  5. Combine Sauce Ingredients: Pour in diced tomatoes or tomato sauce and stir. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time to reach your desired consistency.
  6. Mix Pasta and Finish: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat the noodles in the spicy sauce evenly. If using cheese, stir it in now to melt and create a creamy texture. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh herbs before serving.

Notes

  • Do not overcook pasta; aim for al dente for the best texture.
  • Properly browning the sausage enhances the flavor profile.
  • Adjust the spice gradually by starting with less crushed red pepper flakes.
  • Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce without diluting flavors.
  • Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their brightness and aroma.

Nutrition

Keywords: rattlesnake pasta, spicy pasta, sausage pasta, quick dinner, weeknight meal, rotini pasta, spicy sausage, easy pasta recipe

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