Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, perfect for a quick weeknight meal. Tender chicken strips are coated in a glossy honey pepper sauce and tossed with your favorite pasta. It’s simple, satisfying, and full of fresh, vibrant taste.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste
A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, then cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. Add minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute, stirring continuously.
Step 4: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until well coated with a glossy sauce.
Step 5: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and toss gently. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side, if desired.

Tips & Variations

For a creamier sauce, add a splash of heavy cream or a spoonful of cream cheese when mixing the pasta and chicken.
Use local raw honey for a richer, more complex flavor.
Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer juicier meat.
Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra color and nutrients.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but keeps well for a quick meal later.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli are recommended because they hold the sauce well, but any pasta shape you like will work. Spaghetti or farfalle are good alternatives.

Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?

Absolutely. Simply substitute the regular pasta with your favorite gluten-free variety and proceed as usual. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 95 reviews

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breast strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, combined with perfectly cooked penne or fusilli pasta. This quick skillet recipe offers a wonderful balance of savory, sweet, and mildly spicy notes, garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for extra richness.

Author: Dylan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: Italian-inspired

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Sauce

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Salt to taste

Pasta

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

Garnish

A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta and reserve ½ cup of the cooking water, then set the pasta aside.
Prepare and cook the chicken: While the pasta is cooking, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken strips with salt, then add them to the skillet. Cook each side for 4-5 minutes until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Make the honey pepper sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring continuously to combine the flavors.
Combine chicken and pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the honey pepper sauce to coat evenly. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir everything together until well coated and glossy.
Garnish and serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken mixture. Toss gently to distribute the parsley. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

For a spicier kick, increase the amount of red pepper flakes according to your preference.
This dish is best served immediately to enjoy the glossy sauce and tender chicken at their peak.
You can substitute the pasta with gluten-free options if needed.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Using raw, local honey enhances the flavor and nutritional benefits of the sauce.
Parmesan cheese is optional but adds a savory, salty note that complements the sweet and peppery sauce well.

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, Honey Pepper Chicken, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Sweet and Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Weeknight Dinner