Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta combines tender, flavorful chicken with a creamy, cheesy pasta base. The honey-pepper marinade adds a perfect balance of sweetness and spice, making it a delightful and satisfying meal for any night of the week.

Ingredients

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cloves garlic
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and salt to create the marinade.
2. Step 2: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper on both sides.
3. Step 3: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
4. Step 4: Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
5. Step 5: Drizzle the honey-pepper marinade over the chicken in the skillet and let it caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
6. Step 6: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
7. Step 7: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes.
8. Step 8: Drain the pasta, reserving a small amount of the cooking water.
9. Step 9: In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in a bit of olive oil until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
10. Step 10: Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently for 3 minutes to form a creamy base.
11. Step 11: Gradually add the Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
12. Step 12: Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
13. Step 13: Toss the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce.
14. Step 14: Arrange the sliced honey-pepper chicken on top of the pasta.
15. Step 15: Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen the taste.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it will be less rich.
• Add some crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce if you prefer a bit more heat.
• Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy texture and flavor.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta?

Yes, penne or fusilli work best because they hold the sauce well, but you can use any pasta shape you like.

How do I know when the chicken is perfectly cooked?

The chicken is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the juices run clear. Using a meat thermometer is the most reliable method.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 50 reviews

• Author: Victor
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta recipe combines tender, juicy chicken breasts marinated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, grilled to perfection, and served over a bed of creamy Parmesan pasta. The dish balances savory, sweet, and tangy flavors with a luscious creamy sauce, making it a comforting yet elegant meal perfect for any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken and Marinade

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• Salt, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (for cooking)
• Freshly ground black pepper for seasoning chicken

Pasta and Sauce

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or fusilli pasta
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

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Instructions

1. Prepare Marinade: In a mixing bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, cracked black pepper, and salt to create a flavorful honey pepper marinade.
2. Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season them evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
3. Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and add olive oil, heating until it shimmers and coats the pan.
4. Cook Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5. Caramelize Sauce: Drizzle the prepared honey pepper sauce over the chicken in the skillet and let it cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to intensify and caramelize slightly.
6. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice into thin strips.
7. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook penne or fusilli pasta until al dente, about 8-10 minutes, then drain and reserve some pasta cooking water.
8. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add a little olive oil and sauté minced garlic over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
9. Make Cream Sauce: Pour heavy cream into the skillet with garlic and simmer gently for 3 minutes to thicken slightly.
10. Add Cheese: Gradually stir in grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until the sauce is smooth, creamy, and well combined.
11. Season Sauce: Season the creamy sauce with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting flavors as needed.
12. Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing well to coat. Use reserved pasta water if necessary to adjust sauce consistency to your preference.
13. Assemble Dish: Arrange the sliced honey pepper chicken strips over the creamy pasta in the skillet or serving dish.
14. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a fresh, vibrant finish and serve immediately while warm.

Notes

• Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade.
• The reserved pasta water helps loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick; add it gradually.
• You can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, but the texture will be less rich.
• Fresh parsley not only adds color but also a fresh herbal note that balances the savory flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey pepper chicken, creamy pasta, chicken panini pasta, easy dinner recipe, honey glazed chicken, Parmesan cream sauce, penne pasta recipe