Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

by

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta: Sweet, Savory & Irresistible

This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is the perfect blend of crispy, golden-brown chicken, sweet and spicy honey pepper glaze, and creamy pasta. It’s a restaurant-quality dish that combines sweet, smoky, and savory flavors into one unforgettable meal.

Whether you’re making it for a special dinner, a family meal, or just craving comfort food, this dish is easy to make and absolutely delicious!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✔ Crispy, Juicy Chicken – Lightly breaded and pan-seared to golden perfection.
✔ Sweet & Spicy Glaze – A balance of honey, black pepper, and butter.
✔ Creamy, Flavorful Pasta – Tossed in a buttery garlic parmesan sauce.
✔ Better Than Takeout – Fresh, homemade, and restaurant-worthy.
✔ Customizable – Swap pasta types or adjust spice levels to taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (butterflied and halved)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ cup flour
  • 1 egg, beaten
  • ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
  • 2 tablespoons butter (for pan-frying)

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

  • ¼ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper (adjust for spice preference)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons butter

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne pasta (or your favorite pasta)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ¼ cup reserved pasta water

For Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley, chopped
  • Extra Parmesan cheese

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

  1. Boil penne pasta in salted water until al dente.
  2. Reserve ¼ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prepare & Cook the Chicken

  1. Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
  2. Dredge each piece in flour, then dip into beaten egg, and coat with panko breadcrumbs.
  3. Heat butter in a skillet over medium heat, then pan-fry the chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy.
  4. Remove from pan and let rest before slicing.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

  1. In a small saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and butter.
  2. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Step 4: Make the Creamy Pasta Sauce

  1. In the same pan used for the chicken, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
  2. Add heavy cream, Parmesan, black pepper, and salt, stirring to combine.
  3. Mix in cooked pasta, adding reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess.

Step 5: Assemble & Serve

  • Slice crispy chicken and drizzle with honey pepper glaze.
  • Place chicken on top of the creamy pasta.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan.

Serving Suggestions

🍞 With Garlic Bread – Perfect for soaking up extra sauce.
🥗 With a Side Salad – A light contrast to the rich flavors.
🌶 Extra Heat? – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Make-Ahead & Storage Tips

  • Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for 3 days.
  • Reheat: Warm pasta with a splash of milk to keep it creamy.
  • Freeze: Freeze chicken and sauce separately for up to 2 months.

Why This Recipe is a Must-Try

This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is rich, flavorful, and perfectly balanced between sweet, savory, and spicy. It’s crispy, creamy, and absolutely mouthwatering—a meal that feels indulgent yet is easy to make at home.

Try it tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality dish in your own kitchen!

Leave a Comment