Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Full List of Ingredients
Here's what you'll need to bring this dish to life:
12 oz penne pasta – sturdy and great for holding onto all that luscious sauce
1 lb boneless chicken breasts – a lean protein that cooks quickly and stays juicy
Salt & black pepper – simple seasoning to build flavor from the base
1 tablespoon olive oil & 1 tablespoon butter – the perfect combo for sautĂ©ing and flavor depth
2 garlic cloves, minced – aromatic and essential for that first layer of savory flavor
1 cup chicken broth – adds body to the sauce and rich umami
½ cup heavy cream – makes the sauce creamy and comforting
¼ cup honey – a golden touch of sweetness that balances the heat
1 tablespoon soy sauce – for depth, saltiness, and a hint of umami
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes – adjust to your preferred spice level
½ cup grated Parmesan – creamy, nutty, and essential for that restaurant-style finish
Chopped parsley – for a fresh pop of color and light herbal note
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
There's something so satisfying about cooking a dish that looks fancy but is secretly simple — and this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta absolutely fits that bill. With just one skillet and a pot of pasta, you're on your way to a creamy, flavor-packed dinner that feels like it came from a restaurant (but didn't require changing out of your cozy clothes). Let's walk through it, step-by-step:
Step-by-Step Instructions
Cook the pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the penne and cook according to package directions until al dente — tender but still with a slight bite. Drain, toss lightly in olive oil to prevent sticking, and set aside.Season and cook the chicken
While the pasta cooks, cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized chunks. Season them generously with salt and black pepper.Sauté the chicken
Heat the olive oil and butter together in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken pieces and cook for 5–7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside — don't worry, it'll return soon!SautĂ© the garlic
In the same skillet, lower the heat slightly and add the minced garlic. SautĂ© for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant. Keep an eye on it — garlic can burn quickly.Make the sauce
Pour in the chicken broth, heavy cream, honey, soy sauce, and crushed red pepper flakes. Stir everything together and let the sauce gently simmer for 3–5 minutes, or until it begins to thicken slightly. The aroma at this point? Absolutely divine.Bring back the chicken
Return the cooked chicken to the pan, stirring to coat every piece in the warm, creamy sauce.Melt in the cheese
Stir in the grated Parmesan. As it melts, the sauce becomes creamy and rich — the kind you want to scoop up with every bite.Add the pasta
Toss the cooked penne into the skillet. Stir until everything is well combined and the pasta is beautifully coated in the sauce.Garnish and serve
Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and an extra handful of Parmesan if you're feeling fancy. Serve immediately while it's hot, melty, and oh-so-satisfying.
What to Serve with This Recipe
This pasta is the star of the show, but a few thoughtful pairings can take your meal to the next level. Here are some easy and delicious ideas to round out your plate:
Drinks:
A chilled glass of Chardonnay
Sparkling water with lemon slices
Unsweetened iced tea for a refreshing contrast
Sides:
Garlic bread — perfect for mopping up extra sauce
A crisp Caesar salad
Roasted asparagus with olive oil and sea salt
Desserts:
A scoop of vanilla ice cream
Bright and zesty lemon bars
Fresh berries with a dollop of whipped crea
Looking to make this dish your own? Whether you're working around dietary restrictions or just want to try something new, here are a few easy ways to switch things up:
Gluten-Free Version
Swap the penne for your favorite gluten-free pasta (brown rice or chickpea pasta works well).
Be sure to use a gluten-free soy sauce , like tamari.
Vegetarian Twist
Skip the chicken and go for grilled tofu , sautéed mushrooms , or crispy chickpeas for a meat-free version that's still protein-packed and satisfying.
Extra Cheesy
Want it extra indulgent? Stir in some mozzarella , cream cheese , or even a handful of shredded cheddar for a meltier, gooier texture.
Crispy Chicken
For extra crunch, dredge the chicken pieces in seasoned panko breadcrumbs before frying. It adds a delightful texture contrast to the creamy sauce.
Lighter Option
Watching the wealth? Replace heavy cream with half-and-half , evaporated milk , or even unsweetened almond milk (for a dairy-light version). The flavor will still be dreamy, just a touch lighter.
Storage Instructions
If you're lucky enough to have leftovers, this pasta stores beautifully — and reheats like a charm.
Room Temperature
Don't leave the pasta out for more than 2 hours . After that, bacteria can grow quickly.
Refrigeration
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3–4 days . The sauce may thicken, but you can easily loosen it with a splash of broth or cream when reheating.
Freezing
Freeze individual portions in sealed containers or freezer bags.
It's best used within 1 month for optimal texture.
When ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently on the stovetop , adding a little liquid to bring back the creaminess.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
Every good recipe has a few secrets — little tricks that take it from good to unforgettable. Here are some friendly, foolproof tips to help your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta shine:
Use freshly grated Parmesan – It melts smoother and packs way more flavor than the pre-shredded kind.
Let the sauce simmer – Give it a few minutes to thicken and let the flavors blend. Don't rush this part — it's worth the wait.
Don't overcook your pasta – Al dente is key. Soft pasta can get mushy, especially when tossed with a creamy sauce.
Control the heat – Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to follow your spice preference. Start small — you can always add more!
Add a splash of lemon juice – Right at the end, a squeeze of lemon adds brightness and balances the richness beautifully
These tips are simple but make a big difference — especially if you want your pasta to taste like it came straight from your favorite bistro.
Related Recipes
Creamy Chicken Mushroom Stroganoff – another creamy comfort dish
Delicious Crack Chicken Penne – perfect for fans of creamy pasta
Garlic Parmesan Chicken and Potatoes – pairs great with a similar flavor profile
Easy Chicken with Garlic Mushroom Sauce – another classic skillet
- One-Pan Creamy Penne with Sausage – ideal for readers seeking variations
FAQs
Let's answer some of the most common questions about Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta so you can head into the kitchen with confidence!
Can I use pre-cooked or rotisserie chicken?
Absolutely! It's a great time-saver. Just shred or cube it, and stir it into the sauce after it thickens. Let it warm through for a few minutes before serving.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, with a small tweak: keep the pasta and sauce separate when storing. Combine and reheat together just before serving to maintain the best texture.
Is this dish spicy?
It's mild to medium as written. You can dial it up or down by adjusting the amount of red pepper flakes — or skip them altogether for a kid-friendly version.
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Totally! Rotini, bow-tie, fusilli, or even fettuccine all work beautifully. Just choose something that holds sauce well.
Can I substitute heavy cream?
Yes! Try half-and-half , evaporated milk , or even a plant-based cream if you're looking for a dairy-free or lighter option.
Conclusion
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the perfect storm of flavor and comfort — sweet, creamy, a touch spicy, and endlessly satisfying. It's the kind of meal that feels like a treat but is easy enough for any night of the week.
What makes this recipe so special is how adaptable it is. Whether you're looking for a cozy dinner-for-two, something the whole family will devour, or just a great way to use what's already in your pantry — it's got you covered.
Give it a try, and don't be afraid to put your own spin on it!
If you tried this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, drop a comment below or share your twist — I'd love to hear how you made it yours.
Pin this recipe to your "Weeknight Dinners" board so you always have it handy!