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J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: A Creamy, Spicy Copycat Dish You’ll Love

J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: A Creamy, Spicy Copycat Dish You’ll Love

If you’ve ever dined at J Alexander’s Restaurant, chances are you’ve tried their famous Rattlesnake Pasta. This dish is a customer favorite thanks to its rich, creamy sauce, perfectly cooked pasta, juicy chicken, and just the right amount of heat from jalapeños. The balance of flavors makes it comforting, bold, and unforgettable.

The best part? You don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy it. With this J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe, you can recreate the magic right in your own kitchen. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, a date night, or simply because you’re craving restaurant-quality pasta at home, this recipe will quickly become a favorite.

J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

What Is J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?

Despite the name, there’s no actual rattlesnake in the dish. The name comes from the spicy bite of the jalapeños that gives this pasta a fiery kick. At its core, Rattlesnake Pasta is a creamy fettuccine dish tossed with grilled chicken, peppers, garlic, parmesan cheese, and jalapeños for heat.

It’s hearty, indulgent, and packed with flavor. The creamy sauce is balanced by the smokiness of the chicken and the subtle heat from the peppers, making it a true crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Rattlesnake Pasta

Why You’ll Love This Copycat Rattlesnake Pasta
  • ✅ Restaurant Quality at Home – Enjoy the same bold flavors without leaving your kitchen.
  • ✅ Easy to Customize – Adjust the spice level by adding more or fewer jalapeños.
  • ✅ Hearty & Comforting – Creamy pasta, tender chicken, and cheesy sauce make it filling and satisfying.
  • ✅ Perfect for Any Occasion – Great for weeknight dinners or a special date night meal.

Ingredients for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

To make this dish, you’ll need fresh ingredients that balance creaminess, spice, and protein.

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine (or linguine) pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless, grilled or pan-seared)
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced thin
  • 2–3 jalapeños, seeded and sliced (adjust to taste)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, finely diced

For the Creamy Sauce:

  • 2 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 1 cup whole milk
  • 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese (plus extra for garnish)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
  • Salt & black pepper to taste

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese
  • Lemon wedges (optional for a fresh zing)

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  2. Add fettuccine and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
  3. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika.
  2. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
  4. Slice into thin strips and keep warm.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables

  1. In the same skillet, add butter and a little more oil if needed.
  2. Sauté onions, garlic, and bell peppers until soft and fragrant.
  3. Stir in sliced jalapeños and cook for 2–3 minutes, releasing their heat and flavor.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

  1. Lower heat to medium.
  2. Pour in heavy cream and milk, stirring continuously.
  3. Add Parmesan cheese gradually until melted and smooth.
  4. Season with smoked paprika, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.
  5. Simmer until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 5: Combine Everything

  1. Add the cooked pasta into the sauce and toss to coat.
  2. Stir in sliced chicken and mix gently.
  3. Let the flavors marry for 2–3 minutes on low heat.

Step 6: Garnish & Serve

  1. Plate the pasta in bowls.
  2. Sprinkle with extra Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.
  3. Add a lemon wedge for brightness, if desired.
  4. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips for the Perfect Rattlesnake Pasta

  • 🔥 Adjust the Heat – If you prefer mild pasta, use fewer jalapeños or swap them for poblano peppers. For extra spice, keep the jalapeño seeds or add cayenne pepper.
  • 🧀 Cheese Choices – While Parmesan is traditional, you can also mix in Asiago or Romano for a sharper flavor.
  • 🍝 Pasta Swap – Fettuccine works best, but penne, rigatoni, or linguine also hold the creamy sauce beautifully.
  • 🐓 Chicken Options – Grilled chicken adds smoky flavor, but you can also use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
  • 🥩 Make It Heartier – Try adding shrimp, sausage, or even steak strips for a different twist.

Variations of J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

One of the best things about this recipe is how versatile it is. Here are some delicious variations you can try:

  1. Shrimp Rattlesnake Pasta – Replace chicken with sautéed shrimp for a seafood twist.
  2. Vegetarian Rattlesnake Pasta – Skip the chicken and add extra veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach.
  3. Low-Carb Rattlesnake Pasta – Use zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash instead of pasta.
  4. Extra Creamy Rattlesnake Pasta – Stir in cream cheese for a richer, thicker sauce.

What to Serve with Rattlesnake Pasta

To make this a complete meal, pair your pasta with:

  • Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up that creamy sauce.
  • Caesar Salad – Adds a crisp, refreshing bite to balance the richness.
  • Roasted Vegetables – Such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
  • A Glass of White Wine – Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc complements the creaminess.

Storage and Reheating

If you have leftovers (which isn’t likely because it’s so delicious), here’s how to store them:

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Freezer: Not recommended, as creamy sauces can separate.
  • Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.

FAQs About J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

1. Is rattlesnake pasta actually made with rattlesnake meat?
No, the name refers to the “bite” of the jalapeños, not the use of rattlesnake.

2. How spicy is this pasta?
It has a medium heat level, but you can adjust by using more or fewer jalapeños.

3. Can I make this pasta ahead of time?
Yes, but the sauce is best enjoyed fresh. If making ahead, keep pasta and sauce separate until ready to serve.

4. What makes J Alexander’s version special?
Their balance of creamy sauce, smoky chicken, and just the right spice level is what sets it apart.

Final Thoughts on J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe

This J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe brings the restaurant’s bold, creamy, and slightly spicy flavors into your home kitchen. With tender chicken, rich parmesan cream sauce, and the perfect jalapeño kick, it’s a dish that satisfies cravings every time.

Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this pasta is guaranteed to impress. Serve it with garlic bread, a crisp salad, and a glass of wine for the ultimate dining experience.

So next time you’re craving a restaurant-quality meal without the bill, whip up this rattlesnake pasta—you’ll love every bite!