Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that balances the sweetness of honey with the boldness of black pepper. Tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta are coated in a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s simple to make and satisfying to eat.

Ingredients

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
• 3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste
• A handful fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring.
4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until evenly coated with a glossy sauce.
5. Step 5: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

• Use raw, local honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
• Try substituting chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
• Add a squeeze of lemon juice at the end to brighten the flavors.
• For a vegetarian option, use roasted vegetables or tofu instead of chicken.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with any short pasta like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni. Choose your favorite shape for the best results.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water is helpful because its starchiness helps loosen and bind the sauce, giving it a silky texture. It’s recommended but not mandatory.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 121 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken strips glazed in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with al dente pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. This comforting meal is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual entertaining.

• Author: Victoria
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)

Pasta

• 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Sauce & Seasoning

• 3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
• 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt to taste

Garnish

• A handful fresh parsley, chopped
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
2. Prepare the chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to bubble for about a minute, stirring frequently to combine the flavors.
4. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, toss well to coat them in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until evenly coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
5. Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more vibrant and aromatic flavor.
• Adjust red pepper flakes quantity or omit according to your spice preference.
• Serve with a green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal.
• Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Keywords: honey pepper chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, quick chicken dinner, easy pasta dishes