Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers are tossed with a sticky honey-soy sauce and pasta, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for extra heat
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- Step 2: In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat and sauté seasoned chicken breasts until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 3: Add minced garlic and sliced red bell peppers to the skillet; cook until fragrant and peppers soften slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in honey and soy sauce, then simmer the mixture until the sauce slightly thickens.
- Step 5: Toss in the cooked pasta and add optional chili flakes if using; mix well to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
- Add vegetables like snap peas or broccoli for extra color and nutrition.
- Substitute honey with maple syrup for a different sweet note.
- For a spicier dish, increase the amount of chili flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.
Storage
Store leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or microwave with a splash of water to keep it moist.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, any pasta you prefer works well. Penne, linguine, or spaghetti are great alternatives to fettuccine.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and substitute low-sodium soy sauce with tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce alternative.
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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and quick meal featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with garlic and red bell peppers, coated in a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce, and tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine. This easy recipe balances the sweetness of honey with the spicy kick of black pepper and optional chili flakes, garnished with fresh green onions for a vibrant finish.
Ingredients
Protein
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta
- Fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice), quantity per package instructions
Sauce and Flavorings
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for extra heat
Vegetables
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Green onions for garnish
Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Prepare the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain thoroughly and set aside to keep warm.
- Sauté Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the boneless, skinless chicken breasts in the skillet, seasoning them with freshly ground black pepper. Cook until they develop a golden-brown crust on each side, approximately 6 to 8 minutes, ensuring they are cooked through.
- Add Aromatics and Vegetables: Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook together until the garlic becomes fragrant and the peppers slightly soften, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Create Sauce: Stir in the pure honey and low-sodium soy sauce with the chicken and vegetables. Reduce the heat slightly and let the mixture simmer until the sauce thickens mildly, coating the ingredients nicely.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with optional chili flakes if a spicy kick is desired. Toss everything well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the honey pepper sauce.
- Serve: Plate the pasta and chicken mixture while hot, garnished generously with freshly chopped green onions for color and added freshness.
Notes
- For gluten-free option, substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta.
- Adjust chili flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for a milder dish.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt content in the dish.
- Chicken breasts can be sliced before cooking for quicker cooking and easier eating.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American Fusion
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, honey soy chicken, easy pasta recipes, weeknight dinners
