Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy Spicy Dinner for Family Tonight Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 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; A handful fresh parsley, chopped; 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended); Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

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Introduction

This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a deliciously simple and spicy dinner perfect for a family night. Combining tender chicken with a sweet and peppery sauce, it’s ready in about 30 minutes and packed with flavor.

A white plate holds a serving of spiral pasta coated with a shiny, slightly oily sauce that has small red pepper bits and green herbs mixed throughout. On top of the pasta sit several pieces of grilled chicken, browned with char marks and sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs, adding texture and color contrast. The pasta forms the base layer with a golden-yellow color, while the chicken pieces create a higher layer with a darker, caramelized brown hue. The whole dish is set against a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
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
A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9 to 11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the cooking water, then set aside.
Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and cook for 4 to 5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Step 3: Lower the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring.
Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Stir everything together until well coated with a glossy sauce.
Step 5: Turn off the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the pasta, and toss gently. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use freshly cracked black pepper for a more vibrant flavor.
Slice the chicken thinly for quicker cooking and better absorption of the sauce.
Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your liking.
Adjust the heat by increasing or decreasing the black pepper and red pepper flakes.
Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder for better aroma and taste.
Substitute honey with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetness profile.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

A close-up of a white bowl filled with cooked spiral pasta at the bottom, showing a smooth, slightly shiny yellow texture with some green herbs and red chili pieces mixed in. On top, there are several large pieces of charred, grilled tempeh with a dark caramelized crust and bits of green parsley sprinkled over them, adding a fresh, vibrant touch. The dish looks glossy and well-seasoned, with the tempeh pieces layered evenly over the pasta. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best, but you can use any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. Use your favorite gluten-free pasta to keep the dish gluten-free without sacrificing taste or texture.