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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

4.6 from 55 reviews

A delicious and easy-to-make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta combining tender chicken strips with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
  • Salt to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

  • 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Sauce & Seasoning

  • 3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
  • 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, then set aside.
  2. Prepare and Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, then cook the strips for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. 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 freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Let the mixture bubble gently for about a minute while stirring to combine the flavors.
  4. Toss Chicken in Sauce with Pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them to coat evenly 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 a glossy sauce.
  5. Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently to combine. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Notes

  • Use penne or fusilli pasta for the best texture and sauce adherence.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes amount to taste for preferred heat level.
  • Reserve pasta water is important to adjust sauce consistency.
  • Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a nice savory touch.
  • Use raw, local honey for better flavor and health benefits.

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