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+ servings

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Chicken, Dinner, Latest, Lunch, Main, Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Servings 4
Sweet and spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta with grilled chicken, creamy Parmesan sauce, and bold black pepper. Comforting and quick to make!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Sauce:

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 1 tablespoon minced garlic
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley optional for garnish

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz penne pasta or your preferred pasta
  • Salt for pasta water
  • 1 cup reserved pasta water for adjusting sauce consistency

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions. Drain, reserving about 1 cup of pasta water. Set aside.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken

  • Pat chicken dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat the olive oil. Add chicken and cook for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F).
  • Transfer chicken to a plate and rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

  • Using the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic; sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
  • Add honey and black pepper. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to let the honey slightly caramelize and infuse the pepper.
  • Stir in heavy cream. Bring to a simmer and cook for 3–4 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If needed, add reserved pasta water a splash at a time to reach desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Everything

  • Add cooked pasta directly to the skillet and toss to coat in the honey pepper cream sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and continue tossing until melted and smooth.
  • Fold in the sliced chicken and gently combine everything.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

  • Divide pasta among plates or serve family-style in a large bowl. Garnish with chopped parsley or extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy.