If you love the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy in your dinner, the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe is going to be your new weeknight obsession. This dish brings together tender, juicy chicken tossed in a luscious honey and black pepper sauce, all enveloped by tender penne pasta and a rich Parmesan cream. It’s simple enough to whip up after a busy day but special enough to feel like a treat, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser that never disappoints.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the first and most fun step. Each component plays a key role, from the savory chicken to the sweet honey and the creamy sauce that ties everything together beautifully.
- 8 oz penne pasta: Perfect pasta shape for holding onto that creamy sauce with every bite.
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts: Bite-sized pieces cook quickly and soak up the honey pepper flavor wonderfully.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For a golden sear and bringing out rich flavors in the chicken.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning the chicken and balancing the sauce.
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika: Adds a subtle smoky depth that enhances the pepper’s kick.
- 2 tablespoons butter: Creates a silky base for the creamy sauce and garlic sauté.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Gives a fragrant aroma and delicious bite to the sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and smooth.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Balances richness and adds savory notes to the sauce.
- 1/3 cup honey: The star of the dish, offering a natural sweetness that pairs beautifully with black pepper.
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce: Deepens the umami flavor of the sauce with a subtle saltiness.
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper: Brings the signature peppery heat central to this recipe—adjust to your heat preference.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Melts into the sauce for a rich, cheesy finish.
- Chopped parsley for garnish (optional): Adds a fresh green pop and light herbal brightness.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by cooking the penne pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Properly cooked pasta is key because it offers the perfect bite and holds onto the creamy sauce just right. Once it’s ready, drain the pasta well and set it aside.
Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken
While the pasta is cooking, generously season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. The smoky paprika adds a subtle warmth that makes every piece taste irresistible. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat and quickly sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant—watch carefully so it doesn’t burn. Pour in the heavy cream, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper, stirring to combine. Let this sauce simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes until it thickens slightly, developing that creamy, velvety texture that we adore.
Step 4: Finish the Sauce and Combine
Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and keep mixing until the cheese melts smoothly into the sauce, creating a luscious, cheesy finish. Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly so that every piece of pasta and chicken is coated in that irresistible honey pepper cream sauce.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe is now ready to be plated. Garnish with chopped parsley if you like a pop of freshness and color. Serve it hot and watch how everyone instantly falls in love with this luscious, comforting meal.
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Chopped parsley is a classic choice that brightens the dish with a burst of green and a subtle herbal touch. If you fancy a little extra kick, sprinkle a pinch of red pepper flakes on top for smoky heat. A little extra Parmesan grated over the serving makes it even more indulgent and satisfying.
Side Dishes
This creamy, sweet, and peppery pasta pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad tossed in a light vinaigrette, which balances the richness. Roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or green beans also complement the dish well, adding freshness and texture diversity to your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe in individual mini cast iron skillets or shallow bowls to keep the sauce warm and create an inviting presentation. You can also add crunchy toasted breadcrumbs on top for a delightful textural contrast that surprises with every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The pasta will keep well for up to 3 days, allowing you to savor the honey pepper goodness again quickly.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe for up to one month. Use a freezer-safe container, and for best texture, slightly undercook the pasta before freezing so it doesn’t become mushy when reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the pasta on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to loosen the sauce if it’s become too thick. This will bring back that silky texture and ensure the dish tastes just as delightful the second time around.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While penne is perfect for holding the sauce, feel free to substitute with fettuccine, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta shape—the cream sauce works wonderfully with them all.
How spicy is this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe?
The heat level is moderate thanks to the freshly ground black pepper and smoked paprika. If you enjoy a spicier dish, adding red pepper flakes is a fantastic way to ramp up the heat without overpowering the sweet honey flavor.
Can I make this dish lighter?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce version. It won’t be quite as rich but will still provide that creamy texture and delicious flavor.
Is this recipe nut-free?
Definitely! This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe does not contain any nuts, making it a safe and tasty option for those with nut allergies.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe in advance?
You can cook and refrigerate the chicken ahead of time, then prepare the sauce just before serving. Cooking the pasta fresh is best, but you can also cook and chill it, adding a little olive oil to keep it from sticking.
Final Thoughts
The Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe effortlessly combines sweet, peppery, and creamy flavors into a comforting meal that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, it’s a fantastic way to bring a little extra joy to your dinner table. Go ahead and give it a try—you might just find your new favorite pasta dish!
Print
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful and creamy dish that combines tender bite-sized chicken pieces with perfectly cooked penne pasta, all coated in a rich, honey-infused pepper sauce. This recipe balances sweet and savory flavors, elevated by a hint of smoked paprika and freshly ground black pepper, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 oz penne pasta
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Sauce
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper, adjust to taste
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside while you prepare the rest of the dish.
- Season the Chicken: Season the bite-sized chicken pieces evenly with salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika to enhance flavor.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and cook for 6 to 8 minutes or until they turn golden brown and are fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Simmer the Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream, chicken broth, honey, soy sauce, and freshly ground black pepper. Let the mixture simmer gently for 4 to 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly.
- Add Cheese: Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts completely, creating a smooth and creamy sauce.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything together gently to ensure the chicken and pasta are thoroughly coated in the luscious sauce.
- Serve: Serve the honey pepper chicken pasta hot, garnished with chopped parsley if desired for a fresh touch and added color.
Notes
- For extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking the sauce.
- Swap penne pasta for fettuccine or another favorite pasta shape according to preference.
- Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce variation.
- Adjust black pepper quantity to suit your preferred spiciness level.
