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A vibrant plate of Zesty Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta garnished with fresh herbs, showcasing tender chicken pieces coated in a glossy honey-pepper glaze alongside colorful pasta and vegetables.

Zesty Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta: Your Effortless Weeknight Delight!

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Discover the flavorful and easy-to-make Zesty Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, a perfect weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken, sweet honey, black pepper, and pasta for a delicious, quick meal. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s the ideal dish for busy evenings or entertaining guests, offering a delightful balance of flavors in every bite.

  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
  • 8 oz (about 225 g) of your favorite pasta (penne, spaghetti, or fusilli)
  • 3 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon black pepper, freshly ground
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • Salt to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra heat)

Instructions

  1. Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts and season with salt, black pepper, and paprika if using. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
  3. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the honey, stirring constantly, and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened. Add extra black pepper and red pepper flakes if you love spicy food.
  4. Return the chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce. Add the cooked pasta and stir well to combine everything evenly. Cook for an additional minute to meld the flavors. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve hot.

Notes

  • Ensure not to overcook the pasta to keep it al dente for the best texture.
  • You can substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.
  • Adjust honey and pepper quantities based on your preferred sweetness and spice level.
  • Garnish with additional herbs like basil or cilantro for extra freshness.
  • Author: Emma Bloomfield
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Gluten-Free (use gluten-free pasta)

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate (around 1 cup)
  • Calories: 460 kcal Kcal
  • Sugar: 12 g
  • Sodium: 550 mg
  • Fat: 15 g
  • Saturated Fat: 2 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 63 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 30 g
  • Cholesterol: 75 mg