Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta 🍯🌶️🍝
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances sweet, spicy, and savory flavors, then this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is exactly what you need. Combining tender chicken with a vibrant honey pepper sauce over al dente pasta, this spicy chicken pasta recipe is sure to become a new favorite. Whether you’re preparing a quick weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this recipe delivers a delightful culinary experience. Read on to discover how to make this irresistible dish step-by-step.
2. Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
3. Step-by-Step Instructions to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Preparing the Pasta
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. For tips on perfect pasta, visit our Garlic Butter Pasta recipe for more pasta tricks.
Cooking the Chicken
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
Preparing the Honey Pepper Sauce
In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers until fragrant and slightly tender. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, honey, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine and create a flavorful sauce.
Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss again until evenly coated. Allow everything to heat through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
4. Storage Tips for Leftover Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply microwave or rewarm on the stovetop over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to keep it fresh and flavorful.
5. Serving Suggestions for a Perfect Meal
Pair this dinner-worthy dish with a fresh side salad or steamed vegetables for added nutrition. For a more indulgent touch, serve with a side of garlic bread or crusty rolls. You can also explore other chicken recipes, like the Garlic Parmesan Chicken.
6. FAQs About Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs can add extra tenderness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
What about making this dish spicy or milder?
Adjust the amount of crushed red pepper flakes to control the spice level, making it suitable for all preferences.
Can I substitute honey with maple syrup?
Absolutely! Maple syrup can be used as a substitute, adding a slightly different sweetness to the dish.
How quick is the preparation?
This recipe takes approximately 30 minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
7. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Fullstar Ultimate Veggie Prep Master – Perfect for slicing peppers and prepping ingredients quickly and evenly, streamlining your cooking process.
- KitchenAid Classic Iconic Stand Mixer – Makes mixing sauces or preparing pasta dough a breeze, especially if you want to customize your recipes.
- Ninja Air Fryer Pro Crisp & Roast 4-in-1 – A versatile tool to cook chicken evenly with less oil, adding a healthier twist to your dishes.
- Ninja SLUSHi Pro RapidChill Drink Maker – Keeps your drinks chilled while you cook or serve up some refreshing beverages to accompany your meal.
8. Final Tips to Elevate Your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
For an extra layer of flavor, try adding a splash of rice vinegar or a sprinkle of sesame seeds. Experiment with different pepper varieties for varying heat intensities, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or basil for a fresh finish.
9. Conclusion
Indulge in this vibrant and flavorful Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta that combines sweetness, spiciness, and everything in between. Easy to prepare yet impressive in taste, this spicy chicken pasta recipe will soon become a staple in your dinner rotation. Happy cooking!
Print
Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a vibrant and flavorful dish combining tender chicken, colorful bell peppers, and a sweet and spicy honey sauce, served over al dente pasta. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or impressing guests with bold flavors, this recipe offers a delightful culinary experience with a perfect balance of sweetness and heat.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 8 oz (225 g) pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt to taste
- Chopped green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the sliced chicken breasts, season with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic and sliced bell peppers until fragrant and slightly tender. Add the crushed red pepper flakes, soy sauce, honey, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to combine and create a flavorful sauce.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. Add the cooked pasta and toss again until evenly coated. Allow everything to heat through for a couple of minutes. Garnish with chopped green onions before serving.
Notes
- For added flavor, garnish with cilantro or basil.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- Use chicken thighs for extra tenderness if desired.
- Reheat leftovers in the microwave or stovetop with a splash of water or broth.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian Fusion
- Diet: Gluten-Free Option (use gluten-free pasta), Nut-Free
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 520 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 900 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg