J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Recipe: A Step-by-Step Guide

What is J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta?

J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta is a signature dish that has gained a loyal following for its unique blend of flavors and textures. This mouth-watering recipe combines tender pasta, a rich cream sauce, and a hint of spice to create a truly unforgettable dining experience.

The dish features fettuccine pasta tossed in a creamy sauce made with heavy cream (240 ml / 1 cup) and parmesan cheese (120 g / 1/2 cup), with a touch of hot sauce for added depth. The result is a velvety smooth sauce that coats the pasta perfectly, balanced by a subtle kick of heat.

• Main ingredients: fettuccine pasta, heavy cream, parmesan cheese, hot sauce
• Key characteristics: rich cream sauce, tender pasta, hint of spice

This iconic recipe is a staple of J Alexander’s menu, and its popularity endures due to the perfect balance of flavors and textures. By recreating this recipe at home, home cooks can enjoy the same delicious experience in the comfort of their own kitchen.

J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

This creamy, cheesy pasta dish is a crowd-pleaser, inspired by the popular restaurant chain. It’s packed with flavor and surprisingly easy to make at home.

Prep Time:

15 minutes

Cook Time:

25 minutes

Total Time:

40 minutes

Yields:

6 servings

Ingredients:

• 240 g / 1 cup penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Essential Ingredients for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

This indulgent pasta dish relies on a harmonious balance of rich cream sauce, tender pasta, and aromatic spices. Let’s take a closer look at the key ingredients that make it shine.

• 8 oz (225g) Fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons (30g) unsalted butter
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1 cup (240ml) grated cheddar cheese
• 1/2 cup (115g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (30g) chopped fresh chives

Optional Ingredients to Elevate Your Dish

• 1 cup (115g) cooked, diced chicken or bacon for added protein
• 1/4 cup (60g) chopped scallions for extra flavor
• 1/4 cup (60g) crumbled cooked prosciutto for a salty twist

Remember, these optional ingredients can be adjusted to suit your taste preferences. Feel free to get creative and make this recipe your own!

Step-by-Step Instructions for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

To prepare J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta, start by gathering all the necessary ingredients, including 240 g / 1 cup of pasta, 30 g / 2 tablespoons of butter, and 250 ml / 1 cup of heavy cream.

Follow these instructions to cook the pasta and make the cream sauce:

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil at 100°C / 212°F and cook 240 g / 1 cup of pasta for 8-10 minutes, or until it is al dente.
2. In a large skillet, melt 30 g / 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat at 180°C / 350°F for 2-3 minutes, until it starts to foam.
3. Add 250 ml / 1 cup of heavy cream to the skillet and bring the mixture to a simmer at 85°C / 185°F for 5 minutes, or until it starts to thicken.
4. Reduce the heat to low at 70°C / 160°F and let the cream sauce simmer for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it has thickened to the desired consistency.
5. Add 15 g / 1 tablespoon of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream sauce and stir until it is fully incorporated and the sauce is smooth.
6. Add 120 g / 1/2 cup of cooked pasta to the cream sauce and toss until the pasta is well coated.
7. In a small bowl, mix together 15 g / 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh parsley and 10 g / 2 teaspoons of grated garlic.
8. Add the parsley and garlic mixture to the pasta and cream sauce, and toss until everything is well combined.
9. Cook 60 g / 2 ounces of grilled chicken or protein of your choice and slice it into thin strips.
10. Add the cooked chicken to the pasta and cream sauce, and toss until everything is well combined.
11. Season the pasta with salt and pepper to taste, then serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Perfect J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

For an authentic J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta experience, make sure to use high-quality ingredients and follow the instructions carefully.

• Use a variety of pasta that holds onto the cream sauce well, such as penne or farfalle.
• Don’t overcook the pasta, as it can become mushy and unappetizing.
• Let the cream sauce simmer for a long time to develop a rich and creamy texture.

Pro Tips for Making J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

Ready to take your J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta to the next level? These pro tips will help you achieve restaurant-quality results every time.

Creamy Sauce Secrets

1. Don’t rush the sauce: Allow the cream sauce to simmer gently for at least 10 minutes to let the flavors meld and thicken properly.
2. Use a good quality cream: Heavy cream or a combination of heavy cream and half-and-half will create the richest, smoothest sauce.
3. Seasoning is key: Taste and adjust the seasoning throughout the cooking process. A pinch of nutmeg or cayenne pepper can add depth and complexity.

Pasta Perfection

The pasta should be cooked al dente, meaning it’s firm to the bite. Overcooked pasta will become mushy in the sauce.

• Salt the pasta water generously: This seasons the pasta from the inside out.
• Reserve some pasta water: The starchy water can be added to the sauce to help it cling to the pasta.

Presentation Matters

Garnish your Rattlesnake Pasta with fresh chopped parsley or basil for a pop of color and flavor.

Serve with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Get Creative with J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta: Substitutions and Variations

Take your Rattlesnake Pasta game to the next level by experimenting with alternative ingredients and flavor combinations. Here are some ideas to get you started:

Pasta Substitutions

• Replace penne with rigatoni or cavatappi for a similar texture and shape.
• Try using whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for a nutty flavor and added nutrition.

Cream Sauce Substitutions

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter sauce.
• Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a tangy, creamy twist.
• Try using grated Parmesan or Romano cheese to add depth and umami flavor.

Protein and Spice Substitutions

• Swap chicken with shrimp or sautéed mushrooms for added flavor and texture.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat.
• Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to add a smoky, spicy flavor.

Remember, the beauty of cooking lies in experimentation. Feel free to mix and match these substitutions to create your unique twist on J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta.

Creative Variations for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

Take J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta to the next level with these innovative variations, each offering a unique twist on the classic cream sauce recipe.

• Grilled Chicken Addition: Add 120 g / 4 oz grilled chicken breast to the pasta, increasing cooking time by 5 minutes. This variation enhances the dish with smoky flavors and extra protein.
• Spicy Shrimp Option: Introduce 120 g / 4 oz sautéed shrimp to the cream sauce, boosting the heat level and adding a seafood twist. This variation requires an additional 2-3 minutes of cooking time.
• Mushroom and Spinach Enhancement: Sauté 60 g / 2 oz sliced mushrooms and 20 g / 1 oz fresh spinach with the garlic, adding earthy flavors and nutrients to the dish. This variation increases prep time by 3-4 minutes.

Each variation offers a distinct flavor profile, allowing you to experiment and find your perfect combination. Temperatures remain consistent, with the cream sauce heated to 82°C / 180°F for a smooth and velvety texture.

Storage and Reheating Instructions for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta, with its rich cream sauce and flavorful rattlesnake bites, is a dish best enjoyed fresh. However, if you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage and reheating techniques will ensure you can savor this culinary masterpiece again.

Storing Leftover Rattlesnake Pasta

1. Cool Completely: Allow the pasta to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
2. Portion and Container: Divide the pasta into individual portions using airtight containers.
3. Refrigerate Promptly: Place the containers in the refrigerator within 2 hours of cooking.
4. Storage Duration: Leftover rattlesnake pasta can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheating Rattlesnake Pasta

1. Thaw (If Frozen): If the pasta is frozen, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
2. Gentle Reheating: Transfer the desired portion of pasta to a microwave-safe dish.
3. Microwave Method: Heat on high for 1-2 minutes, or until heated through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.
4. Stovetop Method: Heat a small amount of water in a saucepan over medium heat. Add the pasta and stir occasionally until heated through, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Adjust Consistency: If the sauce becomes too thick, add a splash of milk or water to loosen it.
6. Final Touches: Garnish with fresh parsley or grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor and presentation.

Common Issues with J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta: Troubleshooting Tips

While making J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta, you may encounter a few common issues that can affect the final result. Here’s a list of potential problems and their solutions to help you achieve the perfect dish.

Overcooking Pasta

• Problem: Overcooked pasta is mushy and unappetizing.
• Solution: Check the pasta frequently during the last 2-3 minutes of cooking. If it’s still not al dente, drain it immediately and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

Separating Cream Sauce

• Problem: The cream sauce separates and becomes oily.
• Solution: Avoid overheating the sauce by removing it from the heat source when it reaches 82°C (180°F). Whisk in a little cold water or cream to stabilize the sauce, and serve immediately.

Other Common Issues

• Problem: The sauce is too thick.
• Solution: Gradually whisk in a little hot water to achieve the desired consistency.
• Problem: The pasta is underseasoned.
• Solution: Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding salt, pepper, or other herbs and spices to taste.

By following these troubleshooting tips, you’ll be able to overcome common issues and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta dish at home.

Nutrition Information for J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

A single serving of J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta (approximately 340g / 12 oz) contains around 740 calories. The macronutrient breakdown is roughly 55g / 2 oz of fat, 45g / 1.6 oz of protein, and 55g / 1.9 oz of carbohydrates.

This dish is not suitable for gluten-free (GF), dairy-free (DF), or vegan diets due to the presence of wheat-based pasta, cream sauce, and animal-derived ingredients.

• Calories per serving: 740
• Macros per serving: 55g fat, 45g protein, 55g carbs
• Diet tags: None (contains gluten, dairy, and animal products)

Key Takeaways from Making J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

Mastering J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta recipe requires attention to detail and a few key techniques. Here are the essential learnings to elevate your pasta game.

• Cooking the pasta al dente is crucial for a dish that balances creamy sauce and tender noodles. Aim for a 7-8 minute cook time for the penne.
• The key to a rich cream sauce lies in the combination of heavy cream, grated Parmesan, and a hint of nutmeg. Whisk constantly to prevent lumps and ensure a smooth finish.
• When adding the spicy kick, use a mixture of red pepper flakes and diced jalapeños to achieve the perfect level of heat. This will elevate the dish without overpowering the other flavors.
• Don’t forget to season generously with salt, pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring out the flavors of the dish.
• The balance of flavors is key. Taste and adjust as you go, ensuring the cream sauce, spicy kick, and savory flavors are in harmony.

By mastering these techniques and ingredient combinations, you’ll be well on your way to creating a J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta dish that’s sure to impress.

Creating J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta

The process of recreating J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta involved careful consideration of flavors and textures. Inspiration was drawn from the original dish, with a focus on balancing spicy and rich elements. Experimentation with various cream sauce ratios and seasoning combinations led to a refined recipe.

A key aspect of this recipe is the harmony between the spicy pepper sauce and the creamy sauce, made with 240 g / 1 cup of heavy cream. The temperature at which the sauce is heated, around 82°C / 180°F, is crucial in achieving the perfect consistency.

• Iterative testing of pepper sauce levels to find the ideal balance of heat and flavor
• Refinement of the cream sauce recipe to ensure a smooth, velvety texture
• Experimentation with different types of pasta to determine the best pairing for the sauce

Through this process, a faithful recreation of J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta was achieved, capturing the essence of the original dish while providing a clear, step-by-step guide for preparation.

Enjoy the Heat: Your J Alexander’s Rattlesnake Pasta Awaits

Congratulations! You’ve successfully tamed the “Rattlesnake” and created a dish that’s sure to impress. This creamy, spicy pasta is a perfect weeknight meal or a show-stopping addition to your dinner party menu.

Don’t be afraid to experiment! Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or a dollop of sour cream for extra flavor. For a milder kick, reduce the amount of red pepper flakes.

Looking for more delicious pasta adventures? Check out our other recipes for inspiration!