Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner 🍯🌶️🍝
1. Introduction
Discover the delight of a honey pepper chicken pasta that combines the sweetness of honey with the zesty kick of black pepper. This easy dinner pasta recipe is perfect for a quick, satisfying meal after a busy day. Whether you’re craving a creamy chicken pasta recipe or a flavorful noodle dish, this recipe will elevate your dinner menu with minimal effort but maximum flavor. Perfect for families or cozy nights in, this honey pepper chicken pasta promises to be your go-to pasta dish for special occasions or weeknight dinners.
2. Ingredient List for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (about 225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for added umami)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Prepare Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
3.1. Cook the pasta
Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3.2. Prepare the chicken
In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3.3. Make the honey pepper sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the honey, soy sauce (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thickened.
3.4. Combine everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey pepper chicken sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.
3.5. Serve
Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve this creamy chicken pasta recipe hot, paired with a side salad or garlic bread for an unforgettable dinner experience.
4. Storage Tips & Leftover Ideas
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of milk or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This easy dinner pasta stays flavorful and delicious even after reheating, making it perfect for meal prep or quick lunch the next day.
5. Serving Suggestions for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Pair this honey pepper chicken pasta with a crispy green salad, steamed vegetables, or a wedge of lemon for added brightness. For a complete meal, consider serving with some garlic bread from homemade soft pretzels. It also complements dishes like chicken and broccoli pasta or smothered chicken and rice for a hearty meal plan.
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Q: Can I make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in most grocery stores.
Q: What other proteins can I use instead of chicken?
Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or sliced beef for a different flavor profile, making it a versatile chicken or protein-packed pasta dish.
Q: How spicy is this honey pepper chicken pasta?
The spiciness depends on the amount of black pepper used. Adjust the pepper quantity to match your preferred spice level.
7. Final Thoughts
This honey pepper chicken pasta offers a perfect blend of sweetness and spice, creating a delectable dinner for the whole family. Its quick preparation, paired with the rich creamy sauce, makes it an easy dinner pasta that is both satisfying and delicious. Explore more flavorful pasta recipes or elevate your kitchen game with top-rated cookware like the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for even better cooking results.
8. Additional Kitchen Resources & Equipment
Enhance your cooking experience with tools like the Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker or the Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master. These can help you prep ingredients faster, making your easy dinner pasta even more enjoyable and efficient to prepare.
9. Conclusion
Enjoy creating this honey pepper chicken pasta that combines sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors into one irresistible dish. Perfect for busy weeknights or special family dinners, this recipe is sure to become a favorite. Experiment with different ingredients, serve with your preferred sides, and savor every bite of your homemade, flavorful pasta. For more meal ideas and kitchen hacks, explore our vast collection of dinner recipes and cooking tips.
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Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe for Dinner
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Easy, Family-Friendly
Description
Enjoy a flavorful and easy honey pepper chicken pasta perfect for dinner. This dish combines sweet honey, spicy black pepper, tender chicken, and creamy sauce for a satisfying meal that comes together quickly. Ideal for busy weeknights or cozy family dinners, this honey pepper chicken pasta is a versatile and delicious choice for pasta lovers looking to elevate their dinner menu.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (about 225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine recommended)
- 3 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream or coconut milk for a dairy-free version
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp soy sauce (optional for added umami)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Start by boiling a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season lightly with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through, approximately 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in the honey, soy sauce (if using), and freshly ground black pepper. Cook for 1-2 minutes until the mixture becomes slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and pour in the heavy cream. Mix well and simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the honey pepper chicken sauce. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil for a burst of freshness. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper to control spiciness.
- If the sauce thickens too much when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it.
- You can substitute with gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Feel free to swap chicken for shrimp, tofu, or beef for variation.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1¼ cups)
- Calories: 520 Kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 58g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 29g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
