I’m so excited to share this Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta with you. It’s sweet, spicy, and packed with tender chicken and tasty pasta that feels like a cozy hug in every bite. Honestly, it’s quickly become one of my favorite comfort meals!
If you’re looking for a quick and flavorful dinner that’s easy to make, this recipe is perfect. The honey and pepper bring just the right kick, and the panini flavors add something special you won’t forget. It’s great for busy nights when you want big flavor fast.
I can’t wait for you to try it and love it as much as I do. Ready to cook up something delicious?
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Comfort Food with a Twist: It blends the warm, savory notes of a classic panini into a rich pasta dish.
- Balanced Flavors: Sweet honey and sharp black pepper create a harmony that brightens the creamy sauce.
- Simple Ingredients: Uses pantry staples and fresh chicken for easy preparation.
- One-Pot Friendly: You can cook the chicken and sauce in one skillet, making cleanup easier.
- Great for Meal Prep: This pasta keeps well in the fridge and tastes great reheated.
What You Need to Know Before You Start
Prep Time & Cook Time:
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: About 45 minutes
Servings:
This recipe serves 4 people generously.
Difficulty:
Simple enough for beginners but satisfying for anyone who loves a good home-cooked meal.
Required Kitchen Tools
- Large skillet or frying pan with lid
- Medium pot for boiling pasta
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Knife and cutting board
Ingredients for Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
Here’s what you’ll need to make this tasty and comforting dish (exact measurements are in the recipe card below):
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Cut into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.
- Honey: Adds subtle sweetness to balance the pepper’s bite.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for best flavor and aroma.
- Salt: To enhance all the flavors.
- Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and garlic.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for savory depth.
- Heavy cream: Creates the creamy sauce base.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: Adds richness and umami.
- Penne or fusilli pasta: Holds the sauce well and adds satisfying texture.
- Fresh parsley (optional): For garnish and a fresh note.
Variations for Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
- Add Red Pepper Flakes: For a gentle spicy kick that contrasts the honey’s sweetness.
- Swap Pasta Shapes: Use farfalle or rotini if you prefer different textures.
- Use Half-and-Half: Replace heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce.
- Add Vegetables: Stir in sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
- Cheese Swap: Try shredded mozzarella or fontina for a different cheesy flavor.
How to Make Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta: Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.
3. Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, then add the minced garlic. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Add Flavor
Stir in honey, freshly ground black pepper (to taste), and salt. Let the sauce simmer gently for 3-4 minutes until it thickens slightly.
How to Make Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta (Continued)
5. Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and stir to coat it well in the creamy honey pepper sauce. Then add the cooked pasta, tossing gently to combine everything evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until you reach your preferred consistency.
6. Add Cheese and Finish
Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta and stir gently until melted and incorporated. Taste and adjust seasoning with extra salt or black pepper if needed.
How to Serve Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
- Pair with a simple green salad or steamed veggies for balance.
- A crusty bread or garlic bread complements this creamy pasta nicely.
Storing Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of cream or water to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much.
- Freeze: This pasta freezes well. Cool completely, place in a freezer-safe container, and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Tips and Tricks for Success
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Don’t overcook the chicken; it should be juicy and tender inside.
- Reserve pasta water—it helps loosen the sauce without watering down the flavor.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce honey slightly but keep a balance.
- Stir the sauce gently to avoid curdling the cream.
Nutrition Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 520 kcal |
| Protein | 38 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Saturated Fat | 11 g |
| Carbohydrates | 42 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugar | 8 g |
| Sodium | 460 mg |
Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
Course: pasta recipes4
servings20
minutes15
minutes520
kcalIngredients
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
2 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
3 tablespoons honey
1 to 1½ teaspoons freshly ground black pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
12 oz penne or fusilli pasta
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Directions
- Cook pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt and black pepper. Cook chicken until golden and cooked through (6-8 minutes). Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add heavy cream, honey, salt, and black pepper. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return chicken to skillet; stir to coat with sauce. Add pasta and toss to combine. Use reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted. Adjust seasoning as needed.
- Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.
Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add a bit more flavor and moisture.
Q: What pasta works best?
A: Penne or fusilli hold the sauce nicely, but you can use any short pasta you like.
Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Absolutely, use gluten-free pasta and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Q: How spicy is this dish?
A: It’s mildly peppery, but you can adjust the black pepper amount to your preference.
Conclusion
This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta combines the comfort of a panini with the ease of a creamy pasta dinner. The harmony of honey’s sweetness and pepper’s bite makes for a well-balanced, flavorful dish that’s simple to prepare and satisfying to eat. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe delivers a home-cooked feel with minimal fuss.