Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Perfection
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a quick and easy weeknight meal that balances sweet and savory flavors with a spicy kick. Tender chicken is coated in a luscious honey pepper glaze, tossed with perfectly cooked pasta and your favorite vegetables for a satisfying and customizable dish ready in under 30 minutes.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Large skillet
- Small bowl
- Whisk
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 pound pasta penne, rotini, or your favorite shape
- ¼ cup honey
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons freshly cracked black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes adjust to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 1 bell pepper, sliced
- ½ cup snap peas
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or green onions, for garnish optional
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, toss the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
- Add the Sauce to the Chicken: Pour the honey pepper sauce over the cooked chicken in the skillet. Stir to coat the chicken evenly. Let the sauce simmer for a minute or two, until it thickens slightly.
- Cook the Pasta: While the chicken is cooking, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain the pasta and set aside.
- Add the Vegetables: Add broccoli florets, bell pepper, and snap peas to the skillet with the chicken and sauce. Cook until the vegetables are tender-crisp, about 5-7 minutes.
- Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the chicken, sauce, and vegetables. Toss to combine, making sure the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy! Serve immediately and garnish with fresh parsley or green onions, if desired.
Notes
Don't overcook the chicken; cook until just cooked through for tender, juicy results. Adjust the spice level to your preference by adding more or less red pepper flakes. For a richer sauce, stir in a dollop of cream cheese or sour cream at the end. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the microwave or in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out.