We’ve always been fans of dishes that pack a punch, and the 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta is no exception. Originating from the beloved 54th Street Grill, this spicy pasta favorite blends creamy sauces with a fiery kick from jalapeños and bold seasonings, making it a crowd-pleaser for adventurous eaters.
Our take on this classic brings restaurant-quality flavors right to your kitchen. It’s quick to prepare yet delivers that satisfying depth we crave in comfort food, perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Let’s dive into what makes this recipe a must-try.
Ingredients
To recreate our flavorful 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta at home, we start by assembling the essential ingredients in the order they are used. This ensures a smooth preparation process while highlighting the spicy, creamy elements that make this dish a standout.
Pasta and Proteins
- 8 ounces fettuccine pasta: We begin with this as the base—cook it al dente for the perfect texture that holds the sauce.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced into thin strips: Use fresh chicken for the primary protein; marinate it briefly in a mix of spices for added depth.
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 2 medium jalapeños, finely diced: These provide the signature spicy kick of the 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta—remove seeds for milder heat or keep them for full flavor.
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced: Added next for its sweet contrast to the jalapeños, enhancing the vibrant colors and fresh taste.
- 1 small onion, chopped: We incorporate this for a foundational aroma; sauté until translucent for optimal flavor release.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Freshly minced to infuse the dish with its pungent, savory notes right before adding liquids.
Sauces and Seasonings
- 1 cup heavy cream: Poured in after aromatics to create the creamy base that balances the spices.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Used to deglaze the pan and thin the sauce, ensuring a restaurant-quality consistency.
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese: Melted in for a rich, gooey finish that ties into the dish’s bold profile.
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper: This key seasoning amplifies the rattlesnake heat—adjust to taste for your preferred spice level.
- Salt and black pepper, to taste: Seasoned throughout cooking to enhance all flavors without overwhelming them.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For sautéing the proteins and vegetables, providing a light base for even cooking.
With these ingredients, we capture the essence of the original 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta recipe, making it easy to achieve that irresistible blend of creaminess and spice in your kitchen.
Instructions
Now that we have gathered our fresh ingredients, we guide you through preparing our flavorful 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta step by step. Follow these instructions to achieve a creamy, spicy dish that captures the restaurant’s bold essence.
Prep Work
Before we start cooking, let’s prepare our ingredients for efficiency. Begin by dicing 2 jalapeños and slicing 1 red bell pepper to release their vibrant colors and heat. Next, chop 1 onion and mince 3 garlic cloves to enhance the aromatic base of our sauce. For the protein, ensure 1 pound of marinated boneless, skinless chicken breast is cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. Measure out 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese, and set aside seasonings like 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, along with salt and black pepper. This prep work sets the stage for a seamless process, allowing the spicy and creamy elements to shine.
Cooking the Pasta
We begin by cooking the base of our dish to achieve that perfect al dente texture. Bring a large pot of water to a rolling boil and add a generous pinch of salt for enhanced flavor. Add 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta and cook according to package instructions, typically 8-10 minutes, until it’s tender yet firm to the bite. Once done, drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process, preserving its silky smoothness for when we combine it with the spicy sauce.
Preparing the Sauce
Now we create the heart of our 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta—a rich, creamy sauce with a fiery kick. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced jalapeños, sliced red bell pepper, chopped onion, and minced garlic, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until they soften and release an irresistible, spicy aroma. Stir in the bite-sized chicken pieces and cook for 5-6 minutes until they turn golden and are no longer pink inside. Lower the heat and pour in 1 cup of heavy cream and 1/2 cup of chicken broth, followed by 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper to taste. Simmer the mixture for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to a velvety consistency that coats the back of a spoon, blending the creaminess with the bold heat for a tantalizing flavor.
Assembling the Dish
Finally, we bring everything together for a cohesive, mouthwatering meal. Add the drained fettuccine pasta to the skillet with the prepared sauce, tossing gently for 1-2 minutes over low heat to ensure the pasta absorbs the creamy, spicy flavors. Fold in 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese until it melts smoothly, creating a glossy finish that highlights the dish’s signature creaminess. Serve immediately, garnishing with extra jalapeños if desired, to enjoy the perfect balance of heat and texture in our homemade version of 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta.
Tools and Equipment
To seamlessly prepare our flavorful 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta, we rely on essential tools and equipment that ensure efficient cooking and precise results. These items build on the ingredients and steps we’ve outlined, allowing us to handle everything from chopping fresh vegetables to simmering the creamy sauce with ease.
Here’s a curated list of the key tools we recommend, organized by their role in the recipe for optimal workflow:
- Large Pot: A 4-6 quart pot with a lid for boiling the fettuccine pasta to achieve that perfect al dente texture—essential for handling the 8 ounces of pasta without overflow.
- Colander: A sturdy metal or plastic colander to drain the cooked pasta quickly, preventing it from becoming mushy and ensuring our dish retains its ideal consistency.
- Skillet or Frying Pan: A 12-inch non-stick skillet for sautéing the marinated chicken, diced jalapeños, and vegetables—its even heat distribution helps create the bold, spicy flavors we love in this 54th Street classic.
- Chef’s Knife: A sharp 8-10 inch chef’s knife for precisely chopping onions, red bell peppers, and garlic cloves, making prep work faster and safer.
- Cutting Board: A durable wooden or plastic cutting board to serve as a stable surface for all our vegetable and chicken prep, minimizing mess and promoting hygiene.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: A set of standard measuring cups (for liquids like heavy cream and chicken broth) and spoons (for seasonings like cayenne pepper) to guarantee accurate measurements and balanced taste.
- Spatula or Wooden Spoon: A heat-resistant silicone spatula or wooden spoon for stirring the sauce ingredients, ensuring even coating of the pasta without scratching our cookware.
- Mixing Bowl: A medium-sized bowl for combining shredded cheese and other elements before incorporating them into the sauce, helping us achieve that velvety, creamy finish.
With these tools in our kitchen arsenal, we can confidently replicate the restaurant-quality 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta at home, focusing on efficiency and flavor every step of the way.
Make-Ahead Instructions
To help you streamline your preparation for our 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta, we recommend these make-ahead strategies. This approach allows you to save time on busy evenings while preserving the dish’s bold, creamy flavors and spicy kick from ingredients like jalapeños and cayenne pepper.
Prepping Ingredients in Advance
You can prepare several components ahead of time to minimize hands-on effort. Here’s how:
- Chop and store vegetables: Dice 2 jalapeños, slice 1 red bell pepper, and chop 1 onion up to 24 hours in advance. Place them in an airtight container in the refrigerator to keep their crispness and vibrant colors intact.
- Marinate the chicken: Combine 1 pound of boneless, skinless chicken breast with your preferred marinade (we suggest olive oil, garlic, and seasonings) and let it sit in the fridge for up to 12 hours. This enhances the protein’s flavor without over-tenderizing.
- Mince garlic: Prepare 3 garlic cloves by mincing them and storing in a small sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days to ensure they’re ready for sautéing.
Cooking Components Ahead
Certain elements of the recipe can be fully cooked in advance for quick assembly later:
- Boil the pasta: Cook 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta to al dente, then toss with a light oil to prevent sticking. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When reheating, briefly plunge it into boiling water to restore texture.
- Prepare the sauce base: Sauté the vegetables and chicken in 2 tablespoons of olive oil, then add 1 cup of heavy cream, 1/2 cup of chicken broth, and seasonings like 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper. Cook until thickened, cool completely, and refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days. This step locks in the creamy, spicy essence of our 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta.
Storage and Reheating Guidelines
Proper storage is key to maintaining safety and quality. Below is a quick reference table for storage times and methods:
| Component | Storage Method | Maximum Time | Reheating Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chopped vegetables | Airtight container in fridge | 24 hours | Use directly; no reheating needed |
| Marinated chicken | Airtight container in fridge | 12 hours | Cook thoroughly before use |
| Cooked pasta | Airtight container in fridge | 2 days | Boil for 1-2 minutes to refresh |
| Prepared sauce base | Airtight container in fridge | 3 days | Heat gently on stovetop, stirring to avoid scorching |
By following these make-ahead instructions, you’ll enjoy the convenience of our 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta without compromising on its irresistible creaminess and heat. Always check for freshness and reheat to an internal temperature of at least 165°F for safety.
Conclusion
We’ve loved diving into this homemade 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta recipe and know you’ll enjoy it too. It’s a simple way to spice up your meals with bold flavors that impress without the fuss.
By trying our tips, you’re set to create dishes that feel restaurant-fresh every time. Let’s make it a staple in our kitchens and keep the adventure going!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta is a popular spicy dish from the 54th Street Grill, featuring creamy fettuccine mixed with marinated chicken, jalapeños, and bold seasonings. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters, offering a balance of creaminess and heat, and can be easily made at home for quick weeknight meals or gatherings.
What ingredients are needed for 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
You’ll need 8 ounces of fettuccine pasta, 1 pound of marinated chicken breast, veggies like diced jalapeños, red bell pepper, onion, and garlic, plus a creamy sauce made from heavy cream, chicken broth, cheddar cheese, and spices such as cayenne pepper. Olive oil is used for sautéing to tie it all together.
How do you prepare 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
Start by boiling fettuccine to al dente. Sauté chicken and veggies in olive oil, then add cream, broth, and seasonings to create a sauce. Combine the drained pasta with the sauce and cheese, stirring until everything is coated. Garnish with extra jalapeños if you want more spice. It takes about 30 minutes total.
What tools are required to make 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
You’ll need a large pot for boiling pasta, a colander for draining, a non-stick skillet for sautéing, a chef’s knife and cutting board for prep, measuring cups and spoons for accuracy, and a spatula for stirring. These basics help ensure efficient, restaurant-quality results at home.
Can I make 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prep ingredients like chopping veggies and marinating chicken in advance, or fully cook the pasta and sauce base up to a day ahead. Store in the fridge and reheat to at least 165°F for safety. This saves time while keeping the creamy, spicy flavors intact for easy meals.
How spicy is 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
It’s moderately spicy from jalapeños and cayenne pepper, appealing to those who enjoy a kick. Adjust the heat by reducing or omitting jalapeños, or add more for extra intensity. Taste as you go to customize it to your preference without overwhelming the creamy sauce.
Are there variations for 54th Street Rattlesnake Pasta?
Absolutely, you can swap proteins like shrimp for chicken, use different cheeses for variety, or add more veggies like spinach. To keep it authentic, maintain the spicy base, but feel free to tweak for dietary needs, such as making it gluten-free with alternative pasta. It’s versatile and fun to personalize.