Description
This Irresistible Honey Pepper Pasta with Chicken combines sweet honey, bold black pepper, tender chicken, and creamy Parmesan-coated pasta into a perfectly balanced dish. It’s comforting, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknight dinners while still feeling restaurant-quality.
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 1½ pounds / 680 g)
- 12 ounces (340 g) pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) pure honey
- 1/2 cup (50 g) freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) heavy cream
- 1/4 cup (60 ml) reserved pasta cooking water
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Cook pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain and set aside.
- Pat chicken breasts dry and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C). Remove and rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in honey, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat. Stir in Parmesan cheese and reserved pasta water to create a smooth sauce.
- Return sliced chicken to the skillet and toss until evenly combined and heated through.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and additional Parmesan before serving.
Notes
- Avoid overcooking the chicken to keep it juicy.
- Add sautéed vegetables like spinach or bell peppers for extra nutrition.
- Half-and-half can replace heavy cream for a lighter option.
- Adjust black pepper and red pepper flakes to control spice level.
- Reheat gently with a splash of milk or water to maintain a creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 620 kcal
- Sugar: 14 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 62 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 42 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
