Description
Rattlesnake Pasta is a bold and savory dish featuring smoked sausage, a spicy tomato sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta. Ready in under 30 minutes, it combines hearty textures with fresh herbs and spices for a flavorful, satisfying meal that is perfect for adventurous eaters. Easily customizable, this recipe is quick, versatile, and packed with vibrant tastes that excite the palate.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz cooked pasta (penne or rigatoni recommended)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp red chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- 12 oz ground smoked sausage
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Finishing Touches
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little pasta water to adjust sauce consistency later.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and red chili flakes, cooking until fragrant but not browned, about 1-2 minutes.
- Cook the Sausage: Add ground smoked sausage to the skillet, breaking it up as it cooks. Let it brown evenly, releasing smoky flavors into the pan.
- Add Tomatoes and Simmer: Pour in crushed tomatoes and season with salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 10-12 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and thicken.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems too thick. Mix thoroughly to coat every strand and noodle.
- Finish with Fresh Parsley and Cheese: Remove from heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese on top. Stir lightly to combine and serve immediately.
Notes
- Use quality smoked sausage for the best flavor.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce for a silky texture.
- Cook garlic gently to avoid burning and maintain mellow aroma.
- Add fresh parsley at the end to keep its flavor bright and lively.
- Adjust red chili flakes to control the spice level according to personal preference.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (about 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 18 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Rattlesnake Pasta, spicy pasta, smoked sausage pasta, quick pasta recipe, bold flavor pasta, adventurous pasta dish