Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe

Introduction

This Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta is a delightful weeknight dinner that combines tender chicken strips with a creamy, flavorful sauce. Paired with penne pasta and a hint of lemon zest, it’s a satisfying meal that’s both easy and impressive.

Ingredients

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips (about 1.5 lbs)
• 12 oz penne pasta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt & black pepper, to season chicken
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 2 tbsp butter
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt & black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• A pinch of red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp lemon zest

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
2. Step 2: Pat the chicken strips dry and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
3. Step 3: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the sauce until smooth and let it simmer for 4-5 minutes until it slightly thickens.
5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat the strips evenly with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together until well combined. If the sauce feels too thick, add some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
6. Step 6: Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley and lemon zest. Serve hot, optionally topping with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Tips & Variations

• For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or Greek yogurt (add at the end over low heat to prevent curdling).
• Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach for extra veggies.
• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture.
• Adjust the honey amount to make the dish sweeter or more tangy, according to your taste.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes or add a dash of cayenne pepper.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream to restore the sauce’s creaminess.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any pasta shape you prefer works well. Fusilli, farfalle, or rigatoni are great alternatives that hold the sauce nicely.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! Simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure your chicken broth and Dijon mustard are gluten-free brands.

Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe

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★★★★★

4.4 from 72 reviews

• Author: Marina
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta recipe features tender chicken breasts cooked to golden perfection and tossed in a luscious honey Dijon sauce. Paired with al dente penne pasta and finished with fresh parsley, Parmesan cheese, and a hint of spice from red pepper flakes, this dish delivers a perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and tangy flavors ideal for a comforting weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips (about 1.5 lbs)
• Salt & Black Pepper, to season chicken
• 2 tbsp olive oil

Pasta

• 12 oz penne pasta
• Salt for boiling water

Sauce & Garnish

• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup honey
• 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 tsp paprika
• Salt & Black Pepper, to taste
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry and season them with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken strips and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Make the Honey Dijon Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the mixture until smooth and let the sauce simmer for 4-5 minutes until it thickens slightly.
4. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and coat it evenly with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything together to combine, adding reserved pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce. Sprinkle the dish with fresh parsley, and optionally top with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes. Serve hot.

Notes

• Reserve some pasta water to adjust the sauce consistency if it becomes too thick.
• Use fresh parsley and lemon zest for a bright, fresh flavor contrast.
• Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes are optional but add extra flavor and a mild kick.
• Cook chicken until fully done with an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safety.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Dijon Chicken, Penne Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Weeknight Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe