Description
This Delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe features juicy chicken tossed in a creamy, sweet, and peppery sauce — a perfect balance of flavor and heat! Easy to make, restaurant-style, and ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced thin
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1/3 cup honey
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
1 teaspoon crushed black pepper (freshly ground)
1/2 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt, to taste
Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/4 cup of pasta water.
2. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add chicken and cook 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Pour in honey, soy sauce, vinegar, and cream. Stir and bring to a gentle simmer. Add crushed pepper and chili flakes for heat.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese until the sauce thickens slightly (2–3 minutes).
6. Add cooked pasta and toss to coat. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
7. Return chicken to the pan, toss, and simmer for 1–2 minutes to blend flavors.
8. Garnish with parsley and extra Parmesan before serving.
Notes
Use shrimp instead of chicken for a seafood twist.
Make it lighter with half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Add veggies like spinach or roasted red peppers for extra color and nutrition.
Leftovers reheat beautifully — just add a splash of milk or cream before warming.