Effortless Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta: Your Go-To Dinner Delight 🍯🌶️🍝
1. Introduction
Looking for a quick, flavorful, and satisfying dinner idea? Our Easy Chicken Pasta recipe combines tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, all tossed in al dente pasta. This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta dish is perfect for busy weeknights and impresses guests alike. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also provides a delightful balance of sweetness, heat, and savory goodness that makes it a true dinner recipe winner.
2. Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rotini)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
If you’re looking to elevate your cooking experience, consider using the CAROTE Premium 16pc Nonstick Cookware Set for easy sautéing and stirring, or the KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer for preparing homemade pasta or sauces.
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Prepare the Pasta
Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then 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 sauce slightly thickens.
Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the honey pepper sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
Finish and Garnish
Transfer the honey pepper chicken pasta to serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and enjoy your delicious and effortless dinner!
4. Storage Tips for Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or toss it in a warm skillet until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water or chicken broth to keep the pasta moist.
5. Serving Suggestions
This easy chicken pasta pairs beautifully with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables. For an added crunch, sprinkle some toasted sesame seeds or crushed red pepper flakes. You can also serve it with crusty bread for a complete meal.
6. FAQs about Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well and stay moist. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure thorough cooking.
Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets?
Absolutely! Use gluten-free pasta and soy sauce labeled gluten-free to make it suitable for a gluten-free diet.
How long does it take to prepare?
From start to finish, this dinner recipe takes approximately 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker – Perfect for preparing ingredients ahead of time or making meal prep easier.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Elevate your cooking with easy pasta dough or sauce preparations.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keep beverages or sauces chilled during meal prep, adding a refreshing touch to your kitchen experience.
Investing in the right kitchen tools can transform your cooking experience, making every step more efficient and enjoyable.
8. Related Recipes to Try
9. Conclusion
This easy chicken pasta recipe, featuring a luscious honey pepper glaze, is a culinary shortcut to a satisfying and flavorful dinner. Its simple ingredients and straightforward steps make it ideal for busy households or anyone looking to enjoy a homemade meal without stress. Plus, with the right kitchen tools and fresh herbs, you can elevate this dish to new heights. Give it a try tonight and indulge in a delightful dinner that everyone will love!
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Effortless Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta: Your Go-To Dinner Delight
Effortless Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is your go-to dinner delight, combining tender chicken with a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta. This quick and flavorful meal is perfect for busy weeknights and impresses with its delightful balance of sweetness, heat, and savory flavors, making it a perfect dinner recipe for the whole family.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (about 2 cups) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or rotini)
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional for extra umami)
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until browned and cooked through (about 5-7 minutes). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil if needed, then 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 sauce slightly thickens.
- Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Toss everything together to coat evenly with the honey pepper sauce. Let it cook together for an additional 2 minutes to meld flavors.
- Transfer the honey pepper chicken pasta to serving bowls, garnish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve hot.
Notes
- For extra flavor, consider adding red pepper flakes for more spice.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts for a juicier option.
- Cooking time may vary depending on your pasta type; always cook until al dente.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Flexible; can be adapted for gluten-free and low-sodium options
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 78 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg