why make this recipe
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delightful dish that combines the sweetness of honey and the warmth of cracked black pepper with juicy chicken and creamy pasta. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner or a weekend meal with family and friends. It is satisfying, delicious, and fits well for any occasion.
how to make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Ingredients:
- 2 chicken breasts
- 8 oz pasta
- 3 tbsp honey
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
- 1 tsp cornstarch
- 2 tbsp water (for cornstarch slurry)
Directions:
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and cracked black pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken until it is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook it until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the honey and cracked pepper, allowing it to bubble slightly. Mix the cornstarch with the water and add it to the skillet to thicken the glaze.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it in the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat.
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
- In a separate pan, melt the last tablespoon of butter and add the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water. Simmer the sauce until it is creamy.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce until it is evenly coated.
- Plate the pasta and top it with the glazed honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper before serving.
how to serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta hot, straight from the stove. You can place it in bowls and sprinkle some additional grated Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper on top for added flavor. A side salad or garlic bread would pair nicely with this meal.
how to store Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
If you have leftovers, allow the pasta to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply place it in a pan on medium heat, adding a splash of water or cream to loosen the sauce.
tips to make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcook the chicken. It should be juicy and tender.
- You can use any pasta shape you like, but spaghetti or fettuccine works best for this dish.
- Adjust the amount of honey and cracked pepper to suit your taste.
- For extra flavor, add some vegetables such as spinach or bell peppers to the pasta.
variation (if any)
You can add vegetables like bell peppers, broccoli, or spinach for a healthier twist. Also, swapping the chicken for shrimp or tofu can make this dish suitable for different diets.
FAQs
1. Can I use another type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, such as penne or fusilli.
2. Is there a way to make this recipe spicier?
You can add red pepper flakes or use spicy honey for a kick of heat.
3. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the chicken and the sauce ahead of time and cook the pasta when you are ready to serve.
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 8 oz pasta Any shape preferred; spaghetti or fettuccine works best
- 3 tbsp honey Adjust to taste
- 2 tsp cracked black pepper Adjust to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp butter Divided
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese Plus more for garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp salt For seasoning
- 1 tsp cornstarch To thicken the glaze
- 2 tbsp water For cornstarch slurry
Instructions
Preparation
- Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Season them with salt and cracked black pepper.
- In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter. Sear the chicken until it is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauce Preparation
- In the same skillet, melt another tablespoon of butter and add the minced garlic. Cook it until it becomes fragrant.
- Stir in the honey and cracked black pepper, allowing it to bubble slightly. Mix the cornstarch with the water and add it to the skillet to thicken the glaze.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it in the honey pepper glaze. Remove from heat.
Cooking Pasta
- Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until it is al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta.
Final Assembly
- In a separate pan, melt the last tablespoon of butter and add the heavy cream. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and the reserved pasta water. Simmer the sauce until it is creamy.
- Toss the cooked pasta with the creamy sauce until it is evenly coated.
- Plate the pasta and top it with the glazed honey pepper chicken.
- Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese and cracked pepper before serving.
