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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- Season the chicken: Pat the chicken pieces dry, then season them evenly with salt and black pepper.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Combine chicken and sauce: Return the cooked chicken back to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce thoroughly.
- Add cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.
- 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.
- 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
