Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delicious and easy-to-make dish featuring tender strips of chicken breast cooked in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. The dish combines the sweetness of raw local honey with the bold heat of cracked black pepper and a touch of red pepper flakes, balanced perfectly with garlic and olive oil. Garnished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan, this pasta is a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and 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

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Garnish

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 the pasta, reserving ½ cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Prepare 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, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Reduce heat to medium, add the minced garlic to the same skillet, 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. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring to combine flavors.
Toss Chicken and Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta along with a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with a glossy sauce.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for added flavor.

Notes

You can substitute penne or fusilli with your favorite pasta shape.
Adjust the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Using raw, local honey enhances the flavor and adds natural sweetness.
Reserve pasta water to help loosen the sauce and bind it to the pasta perfectly.
For a dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan cheese garnish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Frying
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, chicken pasta, honey pepper sauce, easy chicken dinner, quick pasta recipe