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Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

  • Author: Mary
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Description

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner combining tender chicken breasts with perfectly cooked pasta, sweet honey, and freshly ground black pepper for a delightful balance of sweet and spicy. This versatile dish is perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings and uses simple pantry staples to create a satisfying, protein-packed meal with optional fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese for finishing touches.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 oz penne or fusilli pasta

Sauce and Flavorings

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Optional Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a little pasta water for the sauce if needed.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper, then add to the pan. Cook for about 5-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from heat and let rest before slicing into bite-sized pieces.
  3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant, then stir in honey and freshly ground black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
  4. Combine Pasta and Chicken: Add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken back into the skillet with the honey pepper sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding a splash of reserved pasta water if the sauce needs loosening. Heat through for another minute, ensuring every piece is coated beautifully.
  5. Finish with Fresh Touches: Remove from heat and sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the top before serving. These finishing touches add brightness and creaminess to the dish.

Notes

  • Use fresh black pepper: It makes a huge difference in flavor compared to pre-ground varieties.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken: Keep it juicy by monitoring the cooking time closely.
  • Reserve pasta water: The starch helps marry the sauce and pasta for silky consistency.
  • Rest the chicken: Letting it sit after cooking keeps the juices locked in.
  • Adjust honey to taste: Sweetness levels can vary, so customize according to your preference.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 9 g
  • Sodium: 220 mg
  • Fat: 14 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 32 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg

Keywords: honey pepper chicken pasta, quick chicken pasta, easy weeknight dinner, sweet and spicy chicken pasta, honey chicken recipe, black pepper chicken pasta

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Find it online: https://marysplate.com/easy-honey-pepper-chicken-pasta/