Save Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner featuring tender chicken, sweet honey, and bold black pepper, tossed with al dente pasta. This family favorite blends sweet, spicy, and savory flavors in every bite, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight meal that tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.
Save This American classic is designed to be simple and satisfying. By using pantry staples like honey and garlic, you can transform ordinary chicken breasts and pasta into a glossy, restaurant-quality dish that the whole family will enjoy.
Ingredients
- Protein & Pasta: 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), sliced into thin strips; 8 oz (225 g) penne or fusilli pasta.
- Sauce & Seasoning: 3 tablespoons honey (preferably raw, local); 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional); salt, to taste.
- Garnish: 1 handful fresh parsley, chopped; grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving).
Instructions
- Step 1
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (about 9–11 minutes). Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
- Step 2
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add sliced chicken, season with salt, and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
- Step 3
- Reduce heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4
- Stir in honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Let bubble for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
- Step 5
- Return cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce.
- Step 6
- Add drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce as needed. Stir until everything is evenly coated and glossy.
- Step 7
- Turn off the heat. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and toss gently.
- Step 8
- Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
For maximum flavor, always use freshly cracked black pepper. Slicing the chicken thinly ensures quick cooking and better sauce absorption. Don't forget to reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency as needed.
Varianten und Anpassungen
Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes. Maple syrup or agave nectar can substitute for honey if needed. For a creamier version, add a splash of cream during the final mixing step.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while hot and glossy. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and offer grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an extra savory kick.
Save With its simple preparation and bold flavor profile, this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy a meal that perfectly captures the essence of easy American home cooking.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use honey substitutes in this dish?
Yes, maple syrup or agave nectar work well as honey alternatives. Maple adds a deeper earthy sweetness while agave provides a more neutral sweetness. Keep in mind the flavor profile will shift slightly with each substitute.
- → What pasta shapes work best for this honey pepper sauce?
Penne and fusilli are excellent choices because their ridges and curves catch the honey pepper sauce beautifully. Rotini, cavatappi, or even short rigatoni would also work. Avoid long strands like spaghetti as the sauce doesn't cling as effectively.
- → How can I make this dish creamier?
Stir in 2-3 tablespoons of heavy cream or half-and-half during step 6 when adding the pasta. This creates a velvety honey-pepper cream sauce that coats everything in luxurious richness. You can also add a pat of butter for extra richness.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! The flavors actually improve overnight as the honey-pepper sauce penetrates the pasta and chicken. Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days. Reheat gently with a splash of water or chicken broth to loosen the sauce.
- → Can I make this less spicy for kids?
Simply omit the red pepper flakes and reduce the black pepper to 1 teaspoon. The honey provides natural sweetness that balances any remaining heat, making it very kid-friendly while still maintaining excellent flavor.
- → Why save pasta water for this dish?
The starchy pasta water helps emulsify the honey and pepper mixture into a silky sauce that clings to every strand of pasta. It adds body and prevents the sauce from separating, creating that glossy restaurant-style finish.