If you’re in the mood for something unique yet comforting, this Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy, flavorful honey pepper chicken grilled to perfection, served over a bed of creamy pasta—it’s a simple dish, but with a flavor combination that will leave you craving more. This easy-to-make pasta recipe takes panini-style chicken to a whole new level, making it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend treat.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This recipe has it all—tender grilled chicken, a sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, and creamy pasta that holds everything together. The contrast of the savory chicken with the smooth pasta makes each bite delightful. The beauty of this dish is in its simplicity—just a few ingredients come together in perfect harmony to create a meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant.
Ingredients
Here’s a preview of the ingredients you’ll need. The full list is available in the recipe card below!
- Chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- Honey
- Fresh ground black pepper
- Olive oil
- Garlic (minced)
- Heavy cream
- Parmesan cheese
- Your favorite pasta (penne or fettuccine works great)
Directions
Preparing the Honey Pepper Chicken
Start by seasoning the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside to rest.
Making the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same pan, lower the heat and add the minced garlic. Sauté for a minute until fragrant. Then, pour in the honey and a generous amount of fresh ground black pepper. Stir the mixture, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes until it thickens slightly. This glaze will coat the chicken beautifully.
Cooking the Pasta
While the chicken rests, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your pasta according to package instructions. Once the pasta is cooked, drain it, reserving about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Creamy Pasta Sauce
In a large skillet, add the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the cream. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Assembling the Dish
Slice the cooked chicken into strips and add it back to the pan with the honey pepper sauce. Toss the chicken with the creamy pasta sauce, then add the cooked pasta, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Serving
Serve the pasta hot, garnished with extra Parmesan cheese, fresh herbs (like parsley or basil), and a little extra drizzle of honey pepper sauce if desired.
Expert Tips and Tricks
- If you like extra heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper sauce for a spicy kick.
- For an extra layer of flavor, try grilling the chicken instead of pan-searing it.
- If you don’t have heavy cream, you can substitute it with half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce may not be as rich.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Swap the chicken for shrimp or even tofu for a different protein.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to make it healthier or accommodate dietary preferences.
- Add some sautéed spinach or roasted vegetables to the pasta for extra flavor and nutrients.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This dish is hearty on its own, but you can pair it with a side salad of mixed greens or a light tomato salad for a refreshing contrast. A glass of crisp white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc will complement the flavors beautifully.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of milk or cream to revive the creamy texture. You can also microwave individual portions.
FAQs
1. Can I use other types of meat?
Yes! You can easily swap the chicken for grilled pork chops or turkey. Adjust the cooking time based on the type of meat you use.
2. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, you can substitute the heavy cream with coconut cream or a non-dairy cream, and use dairy-free cheese instead of Parmesan.
3. How can I make the sauce spicier?
Add some chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the honey pepper sauce for extra heat.
4. Can I prepare this ahead of time?
While the pasta can be made ahead and reheated, the chicken is best cooked fresh. You can, however, marinate the chicken in the honey pepper glaze the night before for even more flavor.
Conclusion
This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a fantastic dish that combines simple ingredients in a way that feels luxurious. The sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce, paired with creamy pasta and perfectly cooked chicken, makes for a meal that’s full of flavor and satisfying in every way. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner or a special occasion, this recipe is sure to impress.
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Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This vibrant and flavorful Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta combines tender, juicy chicken with a sweet and peppery glaze, tossed with pasta in a creamy sauce. It’s a simple yet mouthwatering meal, perfect for busy weeknights or a special dinner.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your choice of pasta)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta:
Cook the pasta according to package directions, drain, and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water for later. - Prepare the Chicken:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. - Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add honey, soy sauce, and a pinch of extra black pepper. Stir to combine and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the glaze thicken slightly. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it in the honey pepper sauce. - Prepare the Pasta Sauce:
In a separate pan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese and dried basil, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste. - Combine Pasta and Chicken:
Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta in the creamy mixture. If the sauce is too thick, add a little reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. - Serve:
Plate the creamy pasta and top it with the honey pepper chicken. Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan, if desired.
Notes
- You can add vegetables like spinach or roasted bell peppers for extra flavor and texture.
- For a lighter version, swap out heavy cream for half-and-half or milk.
- If you prefer more spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the glaze for some heat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 15g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 60g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 90mg