Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe: Easy Spicy Dinner for Family Tonight Recipe
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy dinner recipe that combines tender chicken strips with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with al dente pasta for a flavorful and comforting meal perfect for busy weeknights or family dinners.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
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
- A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Pasta
- 8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)
For Serving
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and add 8 oz (225g) of pasta. Cook according to package directions until al dente, typically 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use.
- Prepare and Cook the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice chicken breasts into thin strips for faster and even cooking. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and add to the pan. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add minced garlic 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 meld the flavors.
- Toss Chicken and Pasta with Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with 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 the pasta and chicken are glossy and fully coated.
- Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat. Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top and gently toss. Serve immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for sprinkling.
Notes
- Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor and spice.
- Slice chicken thinly to ensure quick cooking and better sauce absorption.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency to your preference.
- Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of black pepper and red pepper flakes.
- Fresh garlic is preferred over garlic powder for a more vibrant taste.
- Honey can be substituted with maple syrup or agave nectar for a different sweetener option.
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, Spicy Chicken Pasta, Easy Dinner, Weeknight Pasta, Sweet and Spicy Chicken, Quick Chicken Pasta Recipe
