Description
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful fusion of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, combining tender honey-glazed chicken with creamy, pepper-infused pasta. This dish offers a harmonious blend of tastes and textures, making it a standout choice for both casual dinners and special occasions.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons honey
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter
For the Sauce:
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon honey
- Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pasta:
- 12 ounces penne, fettuccine, or linguine
- Salt, for pasta water
Optional Additions:
- Red pepper flakes, for added heat
- Sautéed bell peppers or mushrooms
- Fresh spinach
- Lemon zest
Instructions
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Marinate the Chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips and season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and a drizzle of honey. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil or butter in a pan over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken strips until golden brown and fully cooked, about 4-5 minutes per side. Remove from the pan and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same pan, sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in heavy cream and a tablespoon of honey, letting the sauce simmer for a few minutes. Add grated Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth. Season with freshly ground black pepper to taste.
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Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
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Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing gently to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.
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Incorporate the Chicken: Return the cooked chicken to the pan, mixing everything together until well combined.
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Serve: Garnish with additional black pepper, Parmesan cheese, and optional fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
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Balancing Flavors: Use high-quality honey and freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor. Adjust sweetness and spiciness to your preference.
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Creamy Sauce Tips: Avoid boiling the sauce after adding heavy cream to prevent curdling. Freshly grated Parmesan melts better and provides a smoother texture.
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Chicken Tips: Marinating the chicken enhances flavor and tenderness. Letting it rest after cooking helps retain juices.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 700 kcal
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Carbohydrates: 75g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, sweet and spicy pasta, creamy chicken pasta