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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 56 reviews

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender strips of chicken coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. The combination of honey, freshly cracked black pepper, garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes creates a delightful balance of sweetness and heat, enhanced by fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. It’s a simple weeknight dinner that comes together quickly on the stovetop.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • Salt to taste

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Sauce

  • 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)

Garnish

  • A handful fresh parsley, chopped
  • Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

  1. Cook the 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, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water for later use.
  2. Prepare and cook chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons of 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 cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the honey pepper sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet 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 and thicken slightly for about a minute, stirring continuously.
  4. Combine 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 to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir well until everything is coated in a shiny, glossy sauce.
  5. Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken, and toss gently to combine. Serve the dish immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an extra savory touch.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
  • Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
  • Red pepper flakes are optional but add a nice mild heat; adjust to your spice preference.
  • Parmesan cheese can be omitted for a dairy-free version.
  • This dish pairs well with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick pasta dinner, honey pepper sauce, weeknight chicken recipe

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/honey-pepper-chicken-pasta-recipe-2/