introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. That is why I love this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe — it blends sweet, spicy, and creamy in one pan.
People search for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe because they want an easy weeknight dinner with bold flavor and minimal fuss. In this post you will learn ingredients, step-by-step technique, storage tips, and serving ideas to make a restaurant-quality Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe at home. If you like quick chicken dinners, you may also enjoy a simple Greek chicken flatbread that shares the same fast prep spirit.
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Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: None
Description
A quick, creamy, and flavorful dish combining sweet honey, spicy black pepper, and tender chicken tossed with pasta.
Ingredients
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Sauté chicken in oil and butter until cooked. Remove and set aside.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add broth, cream, honey, soy sauce, and pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
- Return chicken, stir to coat.
- Add Parmesan, mix until creamy.
- Add pasta, toss everything together.
- Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot!
Notes
For best results, save a cup of pasta water before draining. Use the reserved water to loosen the sauce if it tightens too much.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
why make this recip
Choose this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe for its balance of flavor and speed. The honey adds a sweet gloss while black pepper and red pepper flakes add heat. The sauce comes together in minutes with pantry staples. This recipe uses everyday ingredients like chicken, pasta, garlic, cream, and Parmesan. It makes a filling meal for busy families. You can swap pasta shapes or use leftover chicken.
The dish works for weeknights, casual dinners, and potlucks. Many cooks search for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe to learn how to get the glossy, peppery sauce without overcooking the chicken. This recipe answers that need. If you want a spicy taco night alternative, try the easy buffalo chicken tacos for another crowd-pleasing option.
how to make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Start by seasoning your chicken simply. Salt and black pepper will do most of the work. Use bite-sized pieces so the chicken cooks quickly and evenly. Heat the oil and butter together until the butter foams. Sear the chicken in one layer, without crowding the pan. Let the chicken brown for a few minutes on each side to build flavor. Remove the chicken while you make the sauce.
In the same pan, briefly sauté the garlic until it smells fragrant. Add the chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Simmer just until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon. Return the chicken to the pan and stir to coat each piece in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan so the sauce turns silky. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together so the sauce clings to the noodles and chicken.
Key techniques matter. Avoid high heat once you add the cream. High heat can break the sauce. Do not overcook the chicken. Small pieces cook fast; 6–8 minutes is often enough depending on size. Watch the sauce as honey and cream reduce quickly. If the sauce thickens too much, splash in a little reserved pasta water to loosen it. Follow these steps and your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe will have glossy sauce, tender chicken, and warm, savory-sweet balance. For another creamy chicken pasta idea, check this chicken bacon ranch pasta that uses a similar toss-and-serve technique.
Ingredients
12 oz penne pasta,
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (bite-sized),
Salt and black pepper, to taste,
1 tbsp olive oil,
1 tbsp butter,
2 cloves garlic, minced,
1 cup chicken broth,
1/2 cup heavy cream,
1/4 cup honey,
1 tbsp soy sauce,
1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste),
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese,
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Each ingredient plays a clear role. Pasta is the sturdy base that soaks up sauce. Chicken provides protein and texture. Honey gives the dish its signature sweet note. Black pepper and red pepper flakes add warmth and complexity. Heavy cream and Parmesan create a smooth, rich sauce. Use good-quality honey for a brighter flavor. Choose freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and taste. If you need swaps, evaporated milk plus a tablespoon of butter can stand in for heavy cream in a pinch. For a gluten-free meal, use a gluten-free pasta and a gluten-free soy sauce. Fresh garlic beats garlic powder in this recipe. Trim and dry the chicken before seasoning to promote a good sear.
Directions
Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.
Season chicken with salt and pepper.
Sauté chicken in oil and butter until cooked. Remove and set aside.
In the same pan, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
Add broth, cream, honey, soy sauce, and pepper flakes. Simmer until thickened.
Return chicken, stir to coat.
Add Parmesan, mix until creamy.
Add pasta, toss everything together.
Garnish with parsley and extra cheese. Serve hot!
For best results, save a cup of pasta water before draining. Use the reserved water to loosen the sauce if it tightens too much. Keep the chicken pieces uniform in size so they cook evenly. Taste and adjust seasoning at the end, adding a pinch of salt or a squeeze of lemon if you need brightness. When you follow these small best practices, your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe will shine.
how to serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Serve this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe hot. Plate it with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra Parmesan for a pleasing finish. Offer lemon wedges on the side for guests who want a citrus lift. This pasta pairs well with a crisp green salad or steamed broccoli to balance the cream. For bread, serve warm garlic toast or a crusty baguette to soak up the sauce. The texture should combine tender chicken, al dente pasta, and a silky sauce that has a sweet heat. This balance makes the dish work for casual family dinners, date nights, or small dinner gatherings.
how to store Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Store cooled leftovers in airtight containers. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. For best texture, add a splash of milk or cream before reheating to revive the sauce. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring between intervals. You can freeze the dish, but cream-based sauces may change texture after thawing. If you freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat slowly with a bit of broth to restore the sauce. Always reheat to 165°F (74°C) for food safety.
tips to make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Trim and pound chicken pieces slightly to ensure even cooking. Use a heavy skillet for steady heat and good browning. Do not crowd the pan; cook the chicken in batches if needed. When adding cream, lower the heat to avoid curdling. Keep the honey measured and add it slowly; too much will make the sauce overly sweet. Adjust the crushed red pepper flakes for your heat tolerance. Use freshly grated Parmesan; pre-shredded cheese contains anti-caking agents that can affect melting. Finish with a small splash of pasta water to help the sauce cling to the noodles.
variation (if any)
- Honey Pepper Chicken Alfredo: Swap half the chicken broth for an equal amount of heavy cream and add extra Parmesan for a richer sauce.
- Honey Pepper Shrimp Pasta: Replace chicken with peeled, deveined shrimp. Shrimp cooks faster; add it late in the process to avoid overcooking.
- Veggie-Packed Honey Pepper Pasta: Add sautéed bell peppers and spinach to the pan before returning the chicken. The vegetables add color and nutrition.
- Spicy-Sweet Asian Twist: Replace the soy sauce with a mix of soy and hoisin sauce, and add a teaspoon of rice vinegar for tang. Top with sliced scallions and sesame seeds.
- Low-Fat Option: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream and reduce the butter. Add a tablespoon of cornstarch slurry if you need extra thickening.
FAQs
How long does Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe take to make?
From start to finish, plan 25–35 minutes. That includes cooking the pasta and searing the chicken.
Can I use boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs add more fat and flavor. Cut them into similar-sized pieces and cook until just done.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe has a mild to medium heat level from cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes. Adjust the flakes to lower or raise the spice.
Conclusion
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe delivers a simple, flavorful meal with a glossy sweet-and-spicy sauce. It works for weeknights and small gatherings. If you want inspiration for similar restaurant-style honey pepper dishes, you can compare versions like Copycat Applebee’s Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese or check the chain menu option at Applebee’s® Four-Cheese Mac & Cheese with Honey Pepper for a restaurant take. For another homemade spin and tips, see this write-up on Honey-Pepper Pasta with Chicken Is Goodness in Every Bite.