Go Back
–+ servings
Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta dish with a garnish of fresh herbs

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

A comforting one-pan pasta dish featuring tender chicken in a silky honey-soy cream sauce with a touch of heat, perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinner parties.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 25 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 550
Ingredients Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

Main ingredients
  • 12 oz penne pasta Gluten-free penne can be used for a gluten-free version.
  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces Chicken thighs can be used as an alternative for darker meat.
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup chicken broth (low-sodium if preferred)
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream Dairy-free version can use creamy cashew sauce.
  • 1/4 cup honey Adjust amount to taste.
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce Use reduced-sodium if preferred.
  • 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese Taste and adjust seasoning after adding.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne until al dente, drain, and set aside. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta water.
  2. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper.
Cooking
  1. Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and sauté until golden and cooked through, about 4 to 6 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
  2. Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic to the same pan, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Pour in the chicken broth, then stir in heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer and reduce until thickened, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  4. Return cooked chicken to the pan and stir to coat in the sauce. Simmer for a minute.
  5. Add grated Parmesan and stir until creamy. If too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
  6. Add drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat evenly. Heat for another minute.
  7. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra grated Parmesan. Serve hot.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 550kcalCarbohydrates: 55gProtein: 35gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 14gSodium: 800mgFiber: 2gSugar: 10g

Notes

For a lighter presentation, spoon a single portion onto a shallow bowl. Pair with a crisp green salad or crusty bread.

Tried this recipe?

Let us know how it was!