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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Featured in: Pasta Dishes That Comfort and Satisfy

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta combines tender chicken breasts glazed in a sweet and peppery honey sauce with creamy parmesan pasta. The chicken is grilled until golden and coated in a flavorful blend of honey, soy sauce, and black pepper, while the pasta is tossed in a rich sauce made with heavy cream, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It's a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and creamy flavors that come together in about 30 minutes, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. The dish is finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for added color and freshness.
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marry from tastelikemagic.com
Updated on Thu, 30 Jan 2025 20:46:05 GMT
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Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe | tastelikemagic.com

There's something magical about the combination of sweet honey, bold black pepper, and tender chicken over creamy pasta. This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta brings together all these elements in one satisfying dish that's become a weekly request in my household. After perfecting this recipe over countless family dinners, I've found the perfect balance between the honey's sweetness and pepper's warmth, all wrapped in a silky cream sauce that clings to every piece of pasta.

Last night, I served this to my family, and my daughter, who usually picks around her protein, cleaned her plate and asked for seconds. The secret? Taking time to let the chicken develop a golden crust before adding the glaze.

Essential Ingredients

  • Honey: Use pure, local honey if possible. Its natural sweetness creates a better glaze than processed varieties.
  • Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper makes a noticeable difference in flavor. I keep a pepper mill right by the stove.
  • Heavy Cream: Full-fat cream creates the silkiest sauce. I've tried substitutes, but nothing compares to the real thing.

Through years of making this dish, I've learned that the quality of your Parmesan cheese makes a huge difference. Skip the pre-grated stuff and grate your own - it melts beautifully into the sauce.

Detailed Step-by-Step Instructions

Chicken Perfection:
Start with room temperature chicken breasts for even cooking. If thick, butterfly or pound them for uniformity.
The Golden Sear:
Cook the chicken in a hot pan, letting it develop a golden crust before flipping. This step builds flavor.
Glaze Development:
Whisk honey and spices, then drizzle over the chicken, allowing it to thicken and coat evenly.
Pasta Precision:
Cook pasta in well-salted water until just shy of al dente. Reserve pasta water before draining.
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Easy Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe | tastelikemagic.com

I learned these tricks through trial and error, especially after one memorable dinner where I rushed the chicken and ended up with a dry result.

Temperature Control

Maintaining the right heat is crucial throughout this recipe. Too hot when making the cream sauce, and it'll break; too cool when searing the chicken, and you won't get that perfect crust. Medium-high heat for chicken, medium-low for sauce.

Make-Ahead Strategy

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prep components ahead. Marinate the chicken and grate the cheese in advance. The cream sauce should always be made just before serving for the best texture.

Sauce Success

Start your cream sauce in the same pan you cooked the chicken in - those browned bits add incredible flavor. When adding the Parmesan, remove the pan from heat and stir constantly for the smoothest results.

Delicious Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe Pin it
Delicious Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe | tastelikemagic.com

The first time I made this for company, I learned that timing is everything - now I coordinate my pasta cooking with the chicken to ensure everything finishes at the same time.

Final Thoughts

This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta represents comfort food at its finest - familiar ingredients combined in a way that creates something special. The balance of sweet honey, spicy pepper, and rich cream sauce transforms simple chicken and pasta into a memorable meal. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining friends, this dish delivers restaurant-quality results with home kitchen effort. Remember, the key to success lies in patience with each component - from properly searing the chicken to carefully crafting the cream sauce. The result? A dish that'll have everyone at your table wondering when you became such an accomplished chef.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use different types of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, while penne or fusilli work best for holding the sauce, you can use any pasta shape you prefer.
→ How long does this dish take to prepare?
The total preparation and cooking time is approximately 30 minutes.
→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce separately and reheat them gently when ready to serve.
→ What can I substitute for heavy cream?
Half-and-half or whole milk can work, though the sauce won't be as rich and creamy.
→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless chicken thighs work well and can be even more flavorful.

Creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Tender chicken in honey pepper sauce served over creamy parmesan pasta - a perfect combination of sweet, peppery, and creamy flavors.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
25 Minutes
Total Time
40 Minutes
By: Marry

Category: Pasta Favorites

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Italian-Asian Fusion

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Honey Pepper Chicken

01 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 2 tablespoons golden honey
04 1 tablespoon soy sauce
05 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
06 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste
07 Salt to season

→ Creamy Pasta

08 12 oz pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
09 1 tablespoon olive oil
10 2 cloves fresh garlic, finely minced
11 1/2 cup heavy cream
12 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
13 Salt and pepper to taste
14 Fresh parsley leaves for garnishing

Instructions

Step 01

In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and a pinch of salt until well combined. Set this flavorful mixture aside for later.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season your chicken breasts with salt and pepper, then cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they're golden brown and cooked through. Pour your prepared honey pepper sauce over the chicken and let it cook for 2-3 more minutes, turning to coat evenly. Remove from heat, let rest, then slice into strips.

Step 03

While the chicken cooks, bring a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 04

Using the same skillet from the chicken, add olive oil and sauté minced garlic until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream and let it simmer gently for 3 minutes. Add the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to your taste.

Step 05

Add your cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce, tossing until every piece is well coated. Gently fold in the sliced honey pepper chicken.

Step 06

Serve your creation right away, topped with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for color and flavor.

Notes

  1. The honey pepper sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator
  2. For extra creamy sauce, add a splash more heavy cream
  3. Reserve some pasta water before draining to thin the sauce if needed

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Large pot for pasta
  • Colander
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Contains dairy (heavy cream, Parmesan)
  • Contains wheat (pasta)
  • Contains soy (soy sauce)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 520
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 58 g
  • Protein: 28 g