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
Scale
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.
