Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Introduction

Looking for a pasta dish that strikes the perfect balance between sweet, savory, and spicy? This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is the answer! The tender, juicy chicken is coated in a sweet honey glaze, with a kick of black pepper that complements the creamy pasta. All of this comes together to make a dish that’s not only flavor-packed but also easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or impressing guests, this dish will quickly become a favorite at the dinner table!

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Ingredients (in Grams)

For the Chicken

• 450g boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into strips)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon honey

For the Pasta

• 200g fettuccine or spaghetti (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)

For the Honey Pepper Sauce

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 120ml heavy cream
• 30g grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

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Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, paprika, and honey.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the seasoned chicken and cook for about 6-7 minutes or until browned and cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.

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Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

1. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
2. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add black pepper, honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Stir well to combine.
4. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly.
5. Pour in the heavy cream and grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

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Step 4: Combine Pasta & Chicken

1. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce.
2. Stir in the cooked chicken and toss again to combine.
3. If the sauce is too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
4. Taste and adjust the seasoning, adding more black pepper or salt if needed.

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Step 5: Serve & Garnish

1. Serve the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta in bowls.
2. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

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Nutrition Information (Per Serving – Based on 4 Servings)

• Calories: 520 kcal
• Protein: 32g
• Carbohydrates: 48g
• Fat: 23g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sugar: 10g

(Nutritional values may vary based on ingredients used.)

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Tips and Tricks

1. Want More Veggies?

• Add spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers to the sauce for an extra boost of nutrition and color!

2. Make It Spicy!

• If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes or a diced jalapeño to the sauce.

3. Dairy-Free Version

• Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use dairy-free Parmesan to make this dish dairy-free.

4. Add Extra Protein

• Grilled shrimp or tofu can be used in place of chicken for a different twist.

5. Perfect Pasta

• For the best results, cook the pasta just al dente so it can soak up the sauce without becoming mushy.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Sweet, Savory & Creamy – The perfect combination of flavors.
✔ Quick & Easy – Ready in 30 minutes or less!
✔ One-Pot Meal – Minimal cleanup required.
✔ Customizable – Add your favorite veggies or protein.