If you’re looking for a dish that brilliantly fuses comforting pasta with the irresistible flavors of a honey pepper chicken panini, then you’ve hit the jackpot with the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe. This dish is a sensational blend of tender, juicy chicken glazed in a sweet and peppery honey sauce, paired with a rich, creamy pasta that carries hints of garlic and mustard. Every bite bursts with warmth and savory-sweet balance, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser whether it’s for a cozy weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend treat.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Don’t let the simplicity of these ingredients fool you; each one is a building block that brings vibrancy, flavor, and texture to this incredible dish. From the tenderness of the chicken breasts to the creaminess of the sauce, every component plays a vital role in making this recipe shine.
- Chicken breasts: Use boneless and skinless for easy cooking and quick slicing to top your pasta perfectly.
- Olive oil: Delivers a fragrant base for cooking both chicken and the flavorful sauce.
- Honey: Adds a natural sweetness that balances the heat from the black pepper beautifully.
- Black pepper: Freshly ground for that sharp, pungent kick that makes the honey pepper combo unforgettable.
- Garlic powder & onion powder: Essential seasonings that deepen the savory profile of the chicken.
- Salt: Elevates all flavors without overpowering the dish.
- Penne pasta: The perfect shape to catch and hold the creamy sauce in every bite.
- Garlic cloves: Minced and sautéed to release their warm, aromatic flavor into the sauce.
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory base for the creamy sauce and ties the flavors together.
- Heavy cream: Creates the luscious, rich texture that coats the pasta luxuriously.
- Dijon mustard (optional): Adds a subtle tang and depth to the sauce – a wonderful little secret ingredient.
- Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for a salty, nutty finish.
- Fresh parsley: Brightens the dish with color and a hint of herbal freshness.
How to Make Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Begin by seasoning your chicken breasts generously with salt, freshly ground black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat—the sizzle that meets the pan is a promise of deliciousness ahead. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Let the chicken rest briefly; this helps lock in the juices so every bite is tender and juicy.
Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce
While the chicken rests, whisk together honey and freshly ground black pepper in a small bowl. Return the chicken to the skillet and drizzle the honey pepper sauce over it, letting it gently simmer for 2-3 minutes. This step infuses your chicken with that iconic sweet and spicy flavor that’s at the heart of the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
For the pasta, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne until just al dente—cooked with a slight bite. Drain it well but hold onto a bit of that pasta water just in case you want to adjust the sauce’s consistency later. Al dente pasta provides the ideal texture to balance the creamy sauce and tender chicken.
Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce
Using the same skillet (flavors already building beautifully), add two tablespoons of olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for about a minute until it releases its fragrant aroma—this little step builds the foundation for your sauce. Pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a simmer. Then stir in heavy cream and Dijon mustard if you’re using it, cooking for 2-3 minutes as the sauce thickens ever so slightly. Don’t forget to season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Toss your cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce, making sure every piece is luxuriously coated. Let the combination simmer briefly for 2-3 minutes so the pasta can soak up all that delightful sauce, creating comfort on a plate.
Step 6: Assemble the Dish
Slice your honey pepper-glazed chicken into thin strips and layer them generously atop the creamy pasta. Finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese and a handful of chopped parsley for a pop of color and fresh flavor. This final touch brings everything to life and makes your presentation irresistible.
How to Serve Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
To really make this dish sing, top it with extra freshly grated Parmesan and vibrant chopped parsley. The Parmesan delivers a sharp, nutty contrast while parsley adds a refreshing herbal note that brightens the richness of the sauce perfectly.
Side Dishes
A crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette pairs beautifully alongside this indulgent pasta. Alternatively, roasted or steamed vegetables like asparagus or broccoli bring a nutritious balance and a crisp-textured contrast that complements the creamy layers of the dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve this honey pepper chicken panini pasta in warmed shallow bowls, letting the creamy sauce pool around the pasta for a rustic, inviting look. For an elegant touch, drizzle a little honey over the plated chicken before serving to highlight the sweet pepper glaze visually and flavor-wise.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be cooled completely and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors may even deepen overnight, making your next meal just as delightful.
Freezing
While the creamy sauce is delicious fresh, freezing the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe is best done if you separate the chicken and pasta. Freeze the chicken and pasta in separate airtight containers for up to 2 months, then thaw gently in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Microwave reheating works too, but stirring halfway through helps maintain a creamy consistency and ensures everything warms evenly.
FAQs
Can I use another type of pasta instead of penne?
Absolutely! While penne is excellent at holding the creamy sauce, other pastas like rigatoni, fusilli, or farfalle will work wonderfully as well. Just choose your favorite shape and cook it al dente.
Is Dijon mustard really necessary in the sauce?
Dijon mustard is optional but highly recommended. It adds a subtle tang and complexity that elevates the creamy sauce from good to memorable without overpowering the honey pepper flavors.
How spicy is the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe?
The black pepper provides a gentle kick, balancing perfectly with the sweetness of honey. If you prefer more heat, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for an extra spicy edge.
Can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pasta for your favorite gluten-free variety. The sauce and chicken preparation remain the same and just as delicious.
What wine would pair well with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the creamy sauce and honey pepper chicken beautifully, cutting through richness while enhancing the flavors.
Final Thoughts
Sharing the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe with you has been a joy because it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Its balance of sweet, spicy, and creamy elements creates a meal that’s as comforting as it is exciting. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’s going to become a staple you reach for again and again. Go ahead and treat yourself—your taste buds will thank you!
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Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A flavorful and creamy Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta combining tender pan-seared chicken breasts glazed with a honey and black pepper sauce, tossed with al dente penne pasta and a rich garlic cream sauce. This comforting dish is garnished with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley for a perfect dinner treat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 chicken breasts (boneless and skinless)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
For the Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional, for extra flavor)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Make the honey pepper sauce: In a small bowl, combine the honey and freshly ground black pepper. Return the sliced chicken to the skillet and pour the honey pepper sauce over it. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to coat the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Cook the pasta: While the chicken is cooking, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet used for the chicken, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken broth and bring to a simmer. Stir in the heavy cream and Dijon mustard if using, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Combine pasta and sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy sauce and toss to coat evenly. Let the pasta simmer an additional 2-3 minutes to absorb the flavors.
- Assemble the dish: Plate the creamy pasta and top with the sliced honey pepper chicken. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta!
Notes
- You can substitute penne with any pasta shape you prefer.
- Dijon mustard is optional but adds a subtle tangy depth to the cream sauce.
- Letting the chicken rest after cooking ensures it remains juicy.
- Use freshly ground black pepper for the best flavor impact.
- Parmesan cheese adds a nice salty contrast but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
