Name: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz (340g) penne pasta; 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and black pepper, to taste; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon paprika; ½ cup all-purpose flour; 2 eggs, beaten; 1 cup panko breadcrumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ¼ cup honey; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper; 2 tablespoons unsalted butter; 1 ½ cups heavy cream; ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; ½ teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning; 5 slices cooked, crispy beef or turkey slices, crumbled; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

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This honey pepper chicken pasta is the perfect blend of sweet, spicy, and creamy flavors. Crispy, golden chicken is drizzled with a sticky honey-pepper glaze and served over a rich, Parmesan-infused pasta. Finished with crispy meat crumbles for extra texture and flavor, this dish delivers a restaurant-quality experience right from the comfort of my kitchen.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

12 oz (340g) penne pasta

1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Salt and black pepper, to taste

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 teaspoon paprika

½ cup all-purpose flour

2 eggs, beaten

1 cup panko breadcrumbs

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

¼ cup honey

1 tablespoon soy sauce

1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar

1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1 ½ cups heavy cream

½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon minced garlic

½ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

5 slices cooked, crispy beef or turkey slices, crumbled

2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)

Directions

Cook the Pasta:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

Season the chicken with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.

Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into beaten eggs.

Coat the chicken in a mixture of panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

Cook the Chicken:

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.

Remove from the pan and let it rest before slicing.

Make the Honey Pepper Glaze:

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.

Bring to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.

Set aside.

Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce:

Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.

Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, onion powder, and Italian seasoning.

Simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until smooth.

Combine Pasta and Sauce:

Toss the cooked pasta in the creamy Parmesan sauce until well coated.

Stir in the crumbled meat slices.

Assemble the Dish:

Slice the cooked chicken and drizzle with honey pepper glaze.

Serve over the creamy pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cooking Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Calories per serving: 920 kcal

Variations

Spicy twist: Add extra cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the glaze.

Different pasta: Swap penne for fettuccine, rigatoni, or even spaghetti.

Meat options: Try using shrimp or crispy tofu instead of chicken for a twist.

Cheese lovers: Add shredded mozzarella or extra Parmesan to the sauce for more richness.

Vegetable boost: Toss in sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or spinach for added nutrition.

Storage and Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Reheating: Warm the pasta and chicken separately in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of cream or milk. The microwave works too, but the chicken may lose its crispiness.

Freezing: The sauce and pasta can be frozen for up to 2 months, but the breaded chicken is best enjoyed fresh.

FAQs

How can I make this dish less spicy?

I can reduce the black pepper and cayenne or leave them out entirely for a milder flavor.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes! Any pasta works, but shorter shapes like rigatoni or fusilli hold the creamy sauce well.

What’s the best way to keep the chicken crispy?

For extra crispiness, I serve the chicken on top of the pasta instead of mixing it in. If reheating, I use an air fryer or oven instead of the microwave.

Can I prepare anything ahead of time?

Yes! I can make the sauce and glaze a day in advance and store them in the fridge. The pasta and chicken are best cooked fresh.

What can I serve with this dish?

A simple side salad, garlic bread, or roasted vegetables pair beautifully with this meal.

Conclusion

This honey pepper chicken pasta is a delicious balance of crispy, creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors. With simple ingredients and easy steps, it’s a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special meal. I love how customizable it is, making it easy to adjust to different tastes and preferences. Give it a try and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish at home.

Recipe:

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

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Print Recipe

This honey pepper chicken pasta combines crispy golden chicken, a rich Parmesan-infused sauce, and a sweet-and-spicy honey pepper glaze for a restaurant-quality dish at home. Served over creamy pasta and topped with crispy meat crumbles, this meal delivers the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Perfect for a special occasion or a satisfying weeknight dinner!

Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
Drain and set aside.

2. Prepare the Chicken

Season chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into beaten eggs.
Coat the chicken with panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese.

3. Cook the Chicken

Heat oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Fry the breaded chicken for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Remove from heat and let it rest before slicing.

4. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

In a small saucepan, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened. Set aside.

5. Prepare the Creamy Parmesan Sauce