Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
Find it online: https://victoriablair.com/honey-pepper-chicken-pasta-recipe/
