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

Scale

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