Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

If you’re looking for a dish that combines sweet, savory, and spicy flavors in every bite, this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is your next dinner star! Juicy, crispy chicken is tossed in a rich honey pepper sauce and served over creamy pasta for a restaurant-worthy meal. It’s perfect for a cozy night in or when you want to impress guests with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Dish

This pasta is the perfect combination of crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and a bold, sweet-and-spicy sauce. The honey pepper glaze gives it a flavor boost you won’t be able to resist!

Reasons to Love This Recipe:

• Sweet and Spicy Combo: Honey brings the sweetness, while black pepper and spices add heat.
• Crispy and Creamy: Crispy chicken paired with a creamy pasta base is a match made in heaven.
• Quick and Easy: Ready in under 40 minutes.
• Restaurant-Quality at Home: It feels fancy but is surprisingly simple.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• Chicken Breasts (2, boneless and skinless): Cut into strips or cubes.
• Flour (½ cup): For coating the chicken.
• Salt & Black Pepper (to taste): To season the flour.
• Garlic Powder (1 tsp): Adds flavor to the coating.
• Egg (1 large, beaten): Helps the coating stick.
• Breadcrumbs (½ cup): For a crispy texture.
• Oil (for frying): Vegetable or canola oil works best.

For the Pasta:

• Penne or Fettuccine Pasta (12 oz): Cooked according to package instructions.
• Butter (2 tbsp): Adds richness to the sauce.
• Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Adds a savory base.
• Heavy Cream (1 cup): For a luxurious, creamy sauce.
• Parmesan Cheese (½ cup, grated): For extra flavor and creaminess.
• Salt and Black Pepper (to taste)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• Honey (⅓ cup): For sweetness.
• Soy Sauce (2 tbsp): For depth and savory balance.
• Black Pepper (1 tsp, freshly cracked): For that peppery kick.
• Red Chili Flakes (½ tsp, optional): For extra heat.
• Cornstarch (1 tsp, mixed with 2 tbsp water): To thicken the sauce.

Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet
• Medium saucepan
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

Let’s Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

1. Cook the Pasta
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. Prepare and Cook the Chicken
   • In a bowl, mix flour, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Dredge the chicken in the flour mixture, dip it in the beaten egg, and then coat it in breadcrumbs.
   • Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
   • In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, black pepper, and red chili flakes. Bring to a simmer over medium heat.
   • Add the cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) and whisk until the sauce thickens, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
4. Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce
   • In a large skillet, melt the butter and sauté the minced garlic for 1–2 minutes.
   • Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Combine and Serve
   • Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy sauce until well-coated.
   • Drizzle the honey pepper sauce over the crispy chicken.
   • Plate the pasta and top with the honey-glazed chicken. Garnish with extra Parmesan, parsley, or chili flakes if desired.

What to Serve with Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

• Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
• Steamed Vegetables: Broccoli or green beans complement the dish nicely.
• Side Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette balances the richness.

Tips for the Best Results

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Fry until golden and just cooked to keep it juicy.
• Use Freshly Grated Parmesan: It melts better and adds more flavor.
• Taste and Adjust the Honey Pepper Sauce: You can add more honey for sweetness or chili flakes for heat.

Storing and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or milk to prevent the pasta from drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
  Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and just as delicious.
• Can I make this dish gluten-free?
  Yes! Use gluten-free flour and breadcrumbs, and opt for gluten-free pasta.
• What can I use instead of heavy cream?
  Half-and-half or coconut cream can work as substitutes, though the flavor will vary slightly.

Conclusion
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a flavor-packed dish that brings together crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and a sticky-sweet sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion, and once you try it, you’ll want it on repeat!

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Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 520 | Protein: 28g | Carbohydrates: 48g | Fat: 22g | Fiber: 3g | Sodium: 550mg

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