There’s something incredibly comforting about a bowl of creamy, flavorful pasta, and this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is no exception. The combination of tender, golden-brown chicken, a velvety sauce with a hint of sweetness from honey, and the bold kick of black pepper makes this dish truly irresistible.

This pasta recipe strikes the perfect balance between sweet and savory, with just enough spice to keep things interesting. It’s inspired by classic restaurant-style dishes but made easily at home with simple ingredients. Whether you’re looking for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive meal for guests, this recipe delivers on all fronts.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to make – With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish comes together in about 30 minutes.
• Bold and unique flavor – The combination of honey, black pepper, and a creamy sauce creates an unforgettable taste.
• Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s a family dinner or a special gathering, this pasta is always a crowd-pleaser.
• Customizable – You can adjust the spice level, add vegetables, or swap out the pasta type to suit your preferences.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

For Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
• Extra Parmesan cheese

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, season the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add the chicken breasts to the pan and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked through. In the last minute of cooking, drizzle the honey over the chicken and let it caramelize slightly, creating a deliciously sticky coating.

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 3: Make the Creamy Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and add butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Stir in the Parmesan cheese, black pepper, salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Continue stirring until the cheese melts and the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat it evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.

Top the pasta with the sliced honey pepper chicken and garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.

Helpful Tips

• Don’t overcook the pasta – Since it will continue to absorb the sauce, cook it just until al dente.
• Let the chicken rest – After cooking, let the chicken sit for a few minutes before slicing. This helps keep it juicy.
• Adjust the spice – If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the black pepper and skip the red pepper flakes. If you love spice, add a little extra black pepper or a dash of cayenne.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan – Pre-shredded cheese doesn’t melt as smoothly, so for the best results, grate your own.

Recipe Details

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Italian
• Diet: Vegetarian-friendly (if using meat substitutes)

Notes

• If you prefer a lighter version, you can use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, though the sauce won’t be as rich.
• Adding a splash of reserved pasta water can help loosen the sauce and make it cling better to the pasta.
• For extra flavor, consider adding sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce.
• If you want a crispier chicken texture, you can coat the chicken in a light dusting of cornstarch before cooking.
• To make this dish gluten-free, simply swap regular pasta for a gluten-free alternative.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! While penne and fettuccine work great, you can use spaghetti, rigatoni, or even whole wheat pasta.

What can I substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a mix of milk and a bit of cornstarch for a lighter version, though the sauce won’t be as rich.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

The pasta is best served fresh, but you can make the sauce and chicken ahead of time and store them separately. Reheat and toss everything together before serving.

How can I make this dish healthier?

Use whole wheat pasta, reduce the amount of heavy cream, and swap butter for olive oil. You can also add vegetables like spinach, bell peppers, or mushrooms.

Storage Instructions

• Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of milk or broth to keep the sauce creamy.
• Freezing: The sauce may not freeze well due to the dairy content, but you can freeze the cooked chicken separately and make fresh sauce when needed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, you might also enjoy:

• Creamy Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta
• Creamy Southwest Chicken Alfredo: A Bold Twist on Comfort Food
• Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
• Bang Bang Shrimp Pasta

Conclusion

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the perfect blend of creamy, sweet, and peppery flavors. It’s a restaurant-quality dish made simple enough for home cooking. Whether you’re enjoying it for a cozy dinner or making it for a special occasion, this pasta is sure to become a family favorite.

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