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
Scale
- 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