Introduction

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a simple yet flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. This quick recipe is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something satisfying and delicious.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
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
A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, then cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture bubble while stirring for about a minute.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the glossy sauce.
Step 5: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use penne or fusilli pasta to better hold onto the sauce for more flavor in each bite.
Substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result, cooking time may vary slightly.
Adjust the amount of black pepper to control the dish’s spiciness.
Add steamed vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition and color.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Short shapes like penne, fusilli, or rigatoni work best to hold the sauce well.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This dish reheats well and can be portioned into containers for easy lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender strips of chicken breast with al dente pasta coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce. Enhanced with garlic and a touch of red pepper flakes, this comforting meal is finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for an irresistible dinner option.

Author: Maya
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

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)

Garnish

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

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water for later use.
Prepare and Cook 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. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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 of honey, 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for about 1 minute while stirring continuously to meld the flavors.
Combine Chicken and Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the honey pepper sauce. Then add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to help loosen the sauce and allow it to evenly coat the pasta. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are glossy and fully coated with the sauce.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently to distribute the herb. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for added richness and flavor.