Description
As a busy mom, I know how challenging it can be to whip up a meal that pleases everyone. That’s why I absolutely adore this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta! It’s a delightful blend of sweet and spicy flavors, making it a hit at the dinner table. This creamy pasta dish is not only quick to prepare but also feels like a warm hug on a plate. Whether you’re looking to impress your loved ones or simply need a quick solution for a hectic weeknight, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite!
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to slightly caramelize and thicken.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
- Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy honey pepper sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and toss again to combine everything.
- Divide the pasta among plates, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
Notes
- Adjust the amount of black pepper according to your spice preference.
- For a lighter version, you can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative.
- This dish pairs well with a side salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 15g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg