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Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

It’s a crowd favorite because it offers layers of flavor and texture: juicy grilled chicken, a sticky honey pepper glaze, and pasta that soaks up all the goodness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving something hearty and delicious, this dish hits the mark.

Ingredients

For the Honey Pepper Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts, butterflied or pounded thin
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Honey Pepper Glaze:

  • ⅓ cup honey
  • 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

For the Pasta:

  • 8 oz penne pasta (or any pasta of choice)
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream or half-and-half
  • ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Optional: chopped parsley or chili flakes for garnish

Instructions

How to Make It – Step-by-Step

1. Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta until al dente, drain, and set aside.

2. Grill the Chicken

  • Season chicken with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil.
  • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Cook chicken 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred. Set aside to rest.

3. Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

  • In a small saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic.
  • Simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring, until slightly thickened.
  • Slice the grilled chicken and brush or drizzle with the honey pepper glaze.

4. Prepare the Creamy Pasta

  • In the same pot used for pasta, melt butter over medium heat.
  • Add garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in cream and Parmesan, simmer until slightly thickened.
  • Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Assemble & Serve

  • Plate pasta, top with sliced honey pepper chicken, and drizzle extra glaze.
  • Garnish with parsley or chili flakes for a little kick.

Notes

Pro Tips for the Best Flavor

🔥 Use cracked black pepper – It adds texture and real peppery kick.

🌿 Marinate the chicken – Let it soak in olive oil, pepper, and garlic for extra flavor before grilling.

🧄 Don’t skimp on garlic – Both the glaze and pasta benefit from fresh garlic for a robust taste.

  • Author: niold.com