J Alexander’s is a popular American restaurant chain known for its elevated dining experience and delicious menu offerings. One of their standout dishes is the iconic Rattlesnake Pasta, a creamy and flavorful pasta dish that has become a fan favorite.
In this article, we’ll show you how to recreate the famous J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta in the comfort of your own home. So let’s get cooking and experience a taste of elevated dining right at our own dinner table!
Whether you’re looking for a quick and easy weeknight meal or planning a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. So without further ado, let’s dive into the step-by-step directions for making this delicious pasta dish.
Want more pasta recipes? Check these:
- Ground Beef And Shrimp Pasta Recipe
- Costco Pesto Pasta
- Costco Greek Pasta Salad
- Costco Tortellini Pasta Salad
- 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe
- Walmart Pasta Salad
- Pappadeaux Pasta Mardi Gras
- Bahama Breeze Jerk Chicken Pasta
What is J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?
J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta is a popular dish on the menu of J Alexander’s, an American restaurant chain with locations across the United States.
This creamy pasta dish is known for its bold flavors and perfect balance of spice and creaminess. The Rattlesnake Pasta features tagliatelle pasta, bell peppers, heavy cream, minced garlic, butter, and parmesan cheese.
The dish gets its name from the addition of diced jalapeno peppers, giving it a slight “bite” or “kick”, just like a rattlesnake. It is often served with grilled or roasted chicken for added protein and can be customized to suit different spice preferences.
Why You’ll Love This J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?
If you’ve ever dined at J Alexander’s, then you know the Rattlesnake Pasta is a must-try dish. But even if you haven’t had the chance to taste it at the restaurant, making it at home will surely make you fall in love with this famous pasta dish.
Here are just a few reasons why we think you’ll absolutely love J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta:
- The combination of creamy and spicy flavors is simply irresistible. It’s a perfect balance of heat and creaminess that will have you craving more.
- This dish is simple to make and requires only a few ingredients, making it a great option for a quick weeknight meal or special occasion dinner.
- It’s customizable! If you prefer your food on the spicier side, add in extra jalapenos. If not, simply reduce or omit them altogether.
- The addition of chicken makes this dish a complete meal that is satisfying and filling. You can also switch it up with shrimp or steak for a different protein option.
You’ll also like the following Lunch recipes!
Ingredients
- Tagliatelle pasta: This pasta adds a unique texture to the dish, but you can use any long, flat pasta like fettuccine or linguine as a substitute.
- Bell peppers: The bell peppers not only make the dish taste better but also provide a nice crunch. You can use any combination of red, yellow, and green peppers.
- Heavy cream: This ingredient adds richness and creaminess to the sauce.
- Minced garlic: Chopped garlic gives the dish a strong taste.
- Butter: Unsalted butter is used in this recipe. You can also use salted butter, but be sure to adjust the amount of added salt accordingly.
- All-purpose flour: This ingredient helps thicken the sauce and gives it a smooth consistency.
- Parmesan cheese: Grated Parmesan cheese gives the dish a nutty and salty taste.
- Jalapeno peppers: Canned diced jalapenos add a hint of spice to the sauce. You can use fresh jalapenos if preferred.
- Roasted chicken: Cooked, chopped chicken adds protein to the dish. You can also use grilled or rotisserie chicken as a substitute.
- Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavors of the dish. Use them to taste.
Step by Step Directions
Step 1
Cook the pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the tagliatelle pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.
Step 2
Prepare the sauce
- In a large skillet or pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
- Gradually sprinkle in the flour, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Slowly pour in the heavy cream while whisking continuously. Cook for an additional 2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
Step 3
Add vegetables and chicken
- Stir in the diced bell peppers and jalapenos, and cook for about 3 minutes until the peppers are tender.
- Add the chopped chicken to the pan and stir well. Let it cook for a few more minutes until heated through.
Step 4
Combine pasta with sauce
- Toss the cooked tagliatelle pasta into the skillet with the sauce. Use tongs to mix everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
- Add salt and pepper to taste, and continue cooking for an additional 2 minutes until heated through.
Step 5
Serve and garnish
- Transfer the Rattlesnake Pasta onto serving plates or bowls.
- Sprinkle-grated Parmesan cheese on top of each plate and add a few extra slices of jalapenos for garnish.
- Serve the dish hot and enjoy your delicious J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta!
Tips
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To reduce the spice level, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno peppers before dicing them.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken for this recipe. Just add it in during step 3 and cook until heated through.
Nutrition Information
How to store J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?
If you have leftovers, you can store this pasta dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply transfer it to a skillet or pan and warm over medium heat until heated through.
To freeze, let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
What other substitute can I use in J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?
If you don’t have all the ingredients on hand, don’t worry! You can easily customize this dish with different ingredients. Here are a few alternatives you can try:
- Pasta: As mentioned earlier, you can use any long, flat pasta like fettuccine or linguine as a substitute for tagliatelle.
- Vegetables: Instead of bell peppers, you can use other vegetables such as mushrooms, zucchini, or corn.
- Protein: If you don’t have chicken, you can use shrimp or steak as a substitute. You can also make this dish vegetarian by using tofu or chickpeas.
- Spices: Feel free to adjust the level of spice in this dish by adding more or less jalapeno peppers and/or cayenne pepper. You can also add in other spices like smoked paprika or cumin for added flavor.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Skillet
- strainer
- stirrer
Ingredients
- 2 pound tagliatelle pasta
- 1 cup sliced red yellow, and green bell peppers
- 2 cup heavy cream
- 6 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 cup butter
- 1/4 all-purpose flour
- 1 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup finely diced canned jalapeno peppers
- 3 cups chopped roasted chicken
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil the pasta- Begin by filling a large pot with water and adding a generous amount of salt. Allow the water to come to a rolling boil before adding in the tagliatelle pasta. Cook according to package instructions until perfectly al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the sauce – In a large skillet or pan, melt a generous amount of butter over medium heat. Once melted, add in freshly minced garlic and sauté for approximately two minutes until the aroma fills your kitchen. Gradually sprinkle in all-purpose flour, stirring constantly to avoid any pesky lumps. Slowly pour in heavy cream while whisking continuously for a smooth and creamy consistency. Cook for an additional two minutes as the sauce thickens to perfection.
- Add veggies and protein – Gently stir in the colorful combination of diced bell peppers and canned jalapenos, cooking for approximately three minutes until the peppers reach the perfect level of tenderness. Then, introduce your choice of cooked chicken to the mix, stirring well and allowing it to heat through.
- Combine and coat – Using tongs, gently combine your cooked tagliatelle pasta with the flavorful and creamy sauce in your skillet. Ensure each noodle is evenly coated before sprinkling in salt and pepper to taste. Continue cooking for an additional two minutes until all ingredients are heated through.
- Serve and garnish – Transfer your delicious Rattlesnake Pasta onto serving plates or bowls, ensuring each plate receives a generous helping of cheese grated right on top. Finish off with a few extra slices of jalapeno for an added kick and beautiful garnish.
Notes
- For a vegetarian option, simply omit the chicken and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.
- To reduce the spice level, remove the seeds and membranes from the jalapeno peppers before dicing them.
- If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked or leftover chicken for this recipe. Just add it in during step 3 and cook until heated through.
Nutrition
FAQs
Can I make this vegan?
Yes, you can make this dish vegan by substituting heavy cream with coconut milk and omitting the chicken. You can also use a plant-based protein like tofu or chickpeas.
Is this dish gluten-free?
No, J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta is not gluten-free due to the use of all-purpose flour. However, you can try using a gluten-free alternative such as rice flour or cornstarch for thickening the sauce.
What side dishes go well with J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?
This dish pairs well with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad. You can also serve it alongside roasted vegetables for a complete and balanced meal.
Conclusion
We hope you enjoy making and savoring this delicious Rattlesnake Pasta at home. Remember, feel free to get creative and make it your own by adding your favorite ingredients. Don’t forget to share your experience with us in the comments below!
Thank you for reading. Please share this article with your friends and family who you think would love to try this restaurant-style dish at home.
You’ll also like these latest recipes!
- White Lily Southern Cornbread
- Cheesecake Factory Lemon Drop Martini Copycat Recipe
- How to make Kirkland Pork Sirloin Tip Roast
Rebecca Novak is a trained chef with over 10 years of experience in the food industry. She has worked in both fine dining and casual Hungarian restaurants and specializes in creating dishes using fresh, seasonal ingredients. She also loves exploring different cuisines worldwide, which allows her to bring unique flavors and ideas to the recipes she creates for Hungarianchef.com. Read more