Ingredients

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)

8 oz (225g) pasta (penne or fusilli recommended)

3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)

2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons olive oil

½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt to taste

A handful fresh parsley, chopped

Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken, season with salt, and cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the honey, freshly cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Let the sauce bubble for a minute while stirring.

Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together until evenly coated.

Step 5: Turn off the heat, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the top, and toss gently. Serve immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use locally sourced raw honey for a richer flavor and added health benefits.

Substitute chicken breasts with thighs for juicier meat.

Add vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes to make it more colorful and nutritious.

For extra heat, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, this recipe works well with most short pasta shapes like fusilli, rigatoni, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it necessary to reserve pasta water?

Reserving pasta water helps to adjust the sauce consistency, making it silkier and easier to coat the pasta evenly. It’s a simple trick that improves the overall texture.