Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a deliciously sweet and spicy dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked in a honey and black pepper sauce, tossed with perfectly al dente pasta. This quick and easy recipe balances the warmth of freshly cracked black pepper and optional red pepper flakes with the natural sweetness of honey, making it an ideal comforting weeknight meal.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Sauce
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
- 3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- Salt to taste
Pasta & Garnish
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set the pasta aside.
- Cook the chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the sauce: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Allow the mixture to bubble and thicken slightly for about a minute while stirring constantly.
- Combine chicken and pasta with sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it thoroughly in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if necessary. Stir well until all components are evenly coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
- Finish and serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the pasta and chicken, tossing gently to distribute. Serve immediately, offering grated Parmesan cheese on the side as an optional topping.
Notes
- Use raw, local honey for the best flavor and natural sweetness.
- The red pepper flakes are optional; omit or adjust to your heat preference.
- Reserve pasta water helps loosen the sauce for better coating consistency.
- Freshly cracked black pepper is key for the vibrant peppery flavor.
- Penne or fusilli pasta works best as they hold the sauce well.
- Parmesan cheese adds savory richness but can be omitted or substituted for dietary preferences.
Keywords: honey pepper chicken pasta, chicken pasta recipe, easy chicken pasta, sweet and spicy chicken, weeknight dinner, honey chicken
Find it online: https://savorandsimmer.com/honey-pepper-chicken-pasta-recipe/
