Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors combined with creamy sauce and tender chicken. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that feels special yet comes together quickly.

Ingredients

• 12 oz penne pasta
• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and sauté until fully cooked and golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
4. Step 4: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
5. Step 5: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir well and let the sauce simmer until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it evenly with the sauce.
7. Step 7: Add the grated Parmesan cheese to the skillet and mix until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Step 8: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the sauce and chicken.
9. Step 9: Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve hot.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in a bit of soy sauce and garlic before cooking.
• Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level according to your preference.
• Swap penne for fusilli or rigatoni for a different pasta texture.
• Add steamed broccoli or spinach for a boost of greens and color.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove over low heat or microwave until heated through, adding a splash of cream or broth if the sauce seems too thick.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly until the chicken is cooked through.

Is this pasta suitable for freezing?

This dish can be frozen, but creamy sauces sometimes separate when thawed. To maintain the best texture, reheat gently and stir well, or consider freezing the sauce and cooked chicken separately from the pasta.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 82 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, al dente penne pasta, and a rich sauce made with honey, cream, and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that balances sweet, savory, and spicy notes all in one bowl.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta

Chicken

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp butter

Sauce

• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

• Fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook until al dente, about 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside.
2. Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry, then season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
3. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
4. Sauté the garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
5. Make the sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer. Let the sauce cook until it thickens slightly, about 3-5 minutes.
6. Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce thoroughly.
7. Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
8. Mix in pasta: Add the drained penne pasta to the skillet and toss everything together gently to ensure the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce and chicken.
9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese over the top. Serve the pasta hot for a comforting and flavorful meal.

Notes

• You can adjust the crushed red pepper flakes to your desired spice level.
• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a lactose-free alternative.
• Using fresh Parmesan cheese enhances the creaminess and flavor of the sauce.
• Leftover pasta can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Make sure not to overcook the pasta to maintain a perfect al dente texture when mixed with the sauce.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey pepper chicken pasta, creamy chicken pasta, spicy honey pasta, quick chicken dinner, penne pasta recipe