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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 122 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish combining tender strips of pan-seared chicken breast with a luscious honey and cracked black pepper sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked al dente pasta. This easy-to-make recipe features a balance of sweet and spicy flavors, enhanced by fresh garlic and a hint of red pepper flakes, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a satisfying meal ideal for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Protein

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

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)
  • Salt to taste

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 directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While pasta is cooking, slice 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 on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Garlic and Make Sauce: Reduce skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the 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 gently for about a minute while stirring to combine flavors.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet, tossing them to coat evenly with the honey pepper sauce.
  5. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the drained pasta to the skillet along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure the pasta and chicken are coated in the glossy sauce.
  6. Garnish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and toss gently. Serve immediately, offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken breasts with chicken thighs for a juicier texture.
  • Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes to your preferred spice level.
  • For a gluten-free version, substitute the pasta with gluten-free pasta.
  • Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Adding a splash of lemon juice before serving can brighten the flavors.

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