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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 119 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender bite-sized chicken pieces tossed in a creamy, sweet, and slightly spicy Parmesan sauce served over perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, this recipe is easy to prepare with simple pantry ingredients and offers room for personal twists and dietary adaptations.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz penne pasta

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

For Cooking

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Sauce

  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente, then drain. Toss the pasta lightly with a little olive oil to prevent sticking and set aside.
  2. Season and prepare the chicken: Cut chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season generously with salt and black pepper to build a flavorful base.
  3. Sauté the chicken: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
  4. Sauté the garlic: Lower the heat slightly and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
  5. Make the sauce: Pour in chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir to combine and let simmer gently for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld.
  6. Return the chicken: Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet, stirring to coat every piece with the creamy sauce.
  7. Melt in the cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts fully and enriches the sauce with creamy, cheesy flavor.
  8. Add the pasta: Toss the cooked penne into the skillet. Stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the sauce.
  9. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and melty for best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Use rotisserie chicken to save time without sacrificing flavor.
  • Adjust spice by modifying the amount of crushed red pepper flakes according to preference.
  • Substitute heavy cream with half-and-half, evaporated milk, or almond milk for a lighter or dairy-free version.
  • Add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar at the end to add brightness and balance richness.
  • Leftovers keep well up to 3–4 days refrigerated; reheat gently adding a bit of broth or cream.
  • Freeze portions for up to 1 month for best texture retention; thaw overnight before reheating.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, creamy chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, quick dinner pasta, penne with creamy sauce, honey pepper sauce, one skillet pasta

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