Description

A delicious and simple Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta recipe featuring tender chicken breast strips coated in a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tossed with al dente pasta and finished with fresh parsley and optional Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines savory, sweet, and spicy flavors in one skillet meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450g)
Salt to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil

Pasta

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

Sauce

3 tablespoons honey (raw, local preferred)
2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
3 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

A handful fresh parsley, chopped
Grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for serving)

Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz (225g) pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente, usually about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta cooking water, and set aside.
Cook Chicken: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken breasts into thin strips. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and add to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Make Honey Pepper Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic to the same skillet. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not burnt. Stir in 3 tablespoons honey, 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper, and ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes if using. Allow the sauce to bubble gently while stirring for about 1 minute to combine flavors.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken strips to the skillet and toss to coat thoroughly with the honey pepper sauce. Add the drained pasta and splash some reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Stir everything together until the pasta and chicken are evenly coated with the glossy, flavorful sauce.
Finish and Serve: Turn off the heat, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the top and toss gently to combine. Serve the honey pepper chicken pasta immediately, with grated Parmesan cheese on the side if desired.

Notes

Reserve pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for the best flavor impact.
Red pepper flakes add a mild heat—optional based on taste preference.
Parmesan cheese is optional but recommended for added richness.
Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, Honey Pepper Sauce, Easy Chicken Pasta, Skillet Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Dinner