Ingredients
2 large boneless skinless chicken breasts for a hearty meal
2 tablespoons olive oil used for cooking to add healthy fats
Salt to taste to enhance flavors throughout
Black pepper to taste (plus 1 tablespoon for sauce) provides the spicy kick and antioxidants
2 tablespoons honey adds natural sweetness and trace nutrients
12 ounces penne pasta the base that holds the sauce well
1 cup heavy cream creates a rich sauce, though you can swap for lighter options
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese for creaminess and calcium
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, optional for garnish adds a fresh touch
1 tablespoon minced garlic brings depth of flavor
1 tablespoon butter for sautéing and richness
Instructions
1-Start by gathering your ingredients to make this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta smooth and enjoyable. First, cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until it’s al dente, then reserve half a cup of the pasta water before draining. This step ensures your pasta stays firm and ready to absorb the flavors.
2-Next, season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper, then heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until it’s golden and fully done, letting it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps keep the meat juicy and packed with that protein boost.
3-Now, in the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic for about a minute until it smells great. Add heavy cream and bring it to a simmer, then stir in honey and 1 tablespoon of black pepper to create the sauce. For more on honey’s role, you can read about its benefits on an external site like benefits of honey.
4-Once the sauce is smooth, mix in the Parmesan cheese until it melts, then add the cooked pasta and sliced chicken. Toss everything together, using reserved pasta water if the sauce needs thinning. Finally, garnish with fresh parsley and serve right away for the best taste.
Last Step:
Please leave a rating and comment letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business to thrive and continue providing free, high-quality recipes for you.Notes
🍝 Penne works well; fettuccine or rotini are good alternatives that hold sauce nicely.
🍤 Swap chicken with shrimp, salmon, or tofu for variety.
🌿 Add veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or roasted red peppers for extra nutrition and flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Sautéing, Simmering, Boiling
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 400 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 65 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
