Description

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful and comforting dish featuring tender strips of chicken breasts cooked in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with al dente pasta. This easy skillet recipe balances savory garlic, freshly cracked black pepper, and just a hint of heat from red pepper flakes, finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese for a flavorful meal perfect for weeknights.

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

Pasta

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

Garnish and Serving

A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) of pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water for later use, and set the pasta aside.
Prepare the Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips, season generously with salt, and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: Lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Stir in 3 tablespoons of honey, 2 teaspoons of freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes if desired for some heat. Let the sauce bubble gently for about a minute while stirring continuously to combine all flavors.
Toss Chicken and Pasta in Sauce: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss them in the honey pepper sauce to coat completely. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce if it feels too thick. Stir everything together thoroughly until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with a glossy, flavorful sauce.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top. Give everything a gentle toss to distribute the parsley. Serve the pasta immediately with grated Parmesan cheese on the side for those who want an extra savory touch.

Notes

Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor and a little bite in the sauce.
The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce and helps it cling better to the pasta.
You can substitute chicken thighs if preferred, but adjust cooking time accordingly.
For a spicier version, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
Parmesan cheese is optional but adds richness and depth to the dish.
Ensure not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
This dish works well with gluten-free pasta if needed.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian-American

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, honey pepper sauce, skillet chicken pasta, weeknight dinner, garlic honey chicken