ChickenPasta

The Ultimate Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta (Ready in 30 Minutes!)

20 minutes Cook
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Stuck in a weeknight dinner rut? We’ve all been there. You want something delicious and satisfying, but you don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen. Enter your new favorite recipe: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta.

This isn’t just another chicken pasta dish. This is a flavor explosion in a bowl. Imagine tender, pan-seared chicken and perfectly cooked pasta tossed in a glorious, sticky sauce. We’re talking about the perfect harmony of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, a gentle warmth from black pepper, and a delightful kick from red pepper flakes.

It’s the kind of meal that tastes like it came from a restaurant but comes together in your own kitchen in about 30 minutes. It’s simple, it’s fast, and it’s unbelievably good. Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Be Obsessed With This Recipe

  • Quick & Easy: This is the quintessential 30-minute meal, perfect for busy weeknights when you need to get a delicious dinner on the table fast.
  • Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: The sauce is made with simple staples you likely already have, like honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
  • Perfectly Balanced Flavor: It hits all the right notes—sweet, savory, spicy, and umami. It’s addictively delicious!
  • Completely Customizable: Easily adjust the spice level, add your favorite veggies, or even swap the protein. This recipe is your canvas!
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Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

canvageekgmail-com
prep time
10 minutes
cooking time
20 minutes
servings
4 people
total time
30 minutes

Equipment

  • Large Pot (for boiling pasta)

  • Large Skillet or Pan

  • Colander or Strainer

  • Cutting Board

  • Chef's Knife

  • Tongs or Spatula

  • Whisk

  • Measuring Cups

  • Measuring Spoons

Ingredients

  • Penne pasta

  • Chicken breast

  • Olive oil

  • Salt

  • Black pepper

  • Garlic

  • Honey

  • Soy sauce

  • Red pepper flakes

  • Pasta water

  • Sesame seeds

  • Green onions

Instructions

1

Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente (firm to the bite). Before you drain it, reserve about 1 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2

Sear the Chicken

While the pasta is cooking, pat your chicken pieces dry with a paper towel. Season them generously with salt and a good amount of freshly cracked black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add the chicken in a single layer. Don't crowd the pan! (Cook in batches if necessary). Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until it's golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
3

Build the Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic to the same skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. Whisk in the honey, soy sauce, and red pepper flakes. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.
4

Bring It All Together

Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add the drained pasta and toss everything together to coat it in the sauce. Now for the magic: pour in about ¼ cup of the reserved pasta water and toss vigorously. The starch in the water will help the sauce bind to the pasta, creating a smooth, glossy coating. Add another splash of pasta water if the sauce seems too thick.
5

Garnish and Serve

Serve the honey pepper chicken pasta immediately. Garnish with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds and freshly sliced green onions for a pop of color and flavor.

Notes

Variations and Add-Ins

Want to mix things up? This recipe is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

  • Add Veggies: Boost the nutrition by adding your favorite vegetables. Steam or sauté some broccoli florets, sliced bell peppers, or snap peas and toss them in with the pasta at the end.
  • Make it Creamy: For a richer, more decadent sauce, stir in a splash of heavy cream or full-fat coconut milk along with the pasta water.
  • Try Different Proteins: This sauce is fantastic with other proteins. Try it with bite-sized pieces of chicken thigh, seared shrimp (cook for just 1-2 minutes per side), or pan-fried tofu for a delicious vegetarian option.
  • Add a Tang: Brighten up all the flavors by adding a small splash of rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the sauce right before serving.
  • Go Nuts: For extra texture and flavor, toss in a handful of roasted cashews or peanuts when you add the chicken and pasta back to the pan.
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