Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Perfect for a weeknight dinner, this recipe brings together simple ingredients for a delightful meal.
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
- 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 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
- Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring.
- Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat 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.
- 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.
Tips & Variations
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a little olive oil, garlic, and pepper before cooking.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- Add vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition and color.
Storage
Store any leftover pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or in the microwave to keep the sauce creamy and avoid drying out the chicken.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness. Adjust cooking time as needed until fully cooked.
Is it possible to make this recipe ahead of time?
You can cook the chicken and pasta separately in advance and combine them with the sauce just before serving for best texture and flavor.
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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 weeknight meal featuring tender strips of chicken cooked in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. This dish combines the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper with the natural sweetness of honey, creating a glossy sauce that coats every bite. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese, it’s an easy, satisfying dinner that comes together in just under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 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
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook 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, typically 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, then set both aside.
- Cook 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 fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare Sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to bubble gently for about a minute while stirring to combine flavors.
- Toss Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together carefully until well-coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken, and toss gently to distribute. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for added flavor.
Notes
- Use penne or fusilli pasta as recommended for better sauce adherence.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level or omit for no heat.
- Reserve some pasta water to loosen the sauce for a perfect consistency.
- Freshly cracked black pepper makes a significant flavor difference—avoid pre-ground pepper if possible.
- Serving with Parmesan cheese adds a nice savory touch but is optional.
- Ensure chicken is cooked through but not overcooked to maintain tenderness.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy weeknight dinner, honey pepper sauce, pasta with chicken, quick pasta dinner
