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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.

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

  1. 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.
  2. 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.
  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 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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.

Notes

  • Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it gets too thick.
  • You can substitute penne or fusilli with any preferred pasta shape.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
  • Use raw, local honey for the best flavor and health benefits.
  • This dish pairs well with a green salad or steamed vegetables.

Keywords: honey pepper chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta recipe, honey pepper sauce, easy pasta dinner, weeknight chicken pasta

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