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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 122 reviews

A flavorful and easy-to-make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta featuring tender chicken strips cooked in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with al dente penne or fusilli pasta. This dish combines the warmth of black pepper with the sweetness of honey for a perfect balance of flavors, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a delightful meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
  • ½ cup reserved pasta water (from cooking pasta)

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, typically 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Prepare the 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. Season the chicken strips with salt. Place them in the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Stir in 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to bubble for about a minute while stirring continuously to meld the flavors.
  4. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen and create a glossy sauce. Stir everything together gently until all components are evenly coated with the sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken. Toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for optional topping.

Notes

  • Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level.
  • Reserve pasta water is essential to help the sauce cling to the pasta and create a smooth consistency.
  • Use raw, local honey if possible for a richer flavor experience.
  • Penne or fusilli pasta works best as they hold the sauce well, but feel free to use your preferred pasta shape.
  • For a lower fat option, reduce olive oil slightly or substitute with a lighter oil.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta recipe, sweet and spicy pasta, quick chicken dinner

Find it online: https://bitesizedbenny.com/honey-pepper-chicken-pasta-recipe-3/