If you’re searching for a weeknight dinner that feels special but doesn’t take all night to prepare, Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is about to claim a top spot on your table. This dish brings together juicy chicken, sweet honey, cracked black pepper, and a creamy sauce tossed with vibrant bell peppers and al dente penne. It’s a wonderful mix of sweetness, peppery spice, and velvety richness, guaranteed to bring cheers at dinnertime—not to mention it looks gorgeous served family-style for a cozy night in or casual entertaining.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Pulling together this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is as simple as grabbing a few kitchen staples and some fresh produce. Each ingredient brings its own character, from the robust flavor of the chicken to the bright bell peppers, making every forkful both colorful and crave-worthy.

Penne pasta: The classic tube shape perfectly holds creamy sauce and peppery bits; don’t substitute if possible.
Boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into strips for quick, even cooking and tender bites in every mouthful.
Olive oil: Adds a subtle fruitiness and helps brown the chicken nicely without sticking.
Salt: Balances and enhances every other flavor in your dish.
Black pepper: Essential for that signature spicy warmth—use freshly ground for best results.
Smoked paprika: A little smokiness adds depth, so your chicken isn’t one-note.
Butter: Richness and silky texture start here; great for sautéing veggies.
Red bell pepper: Sweet and vibrant red bells are a pop of color and flavor.
Green bell pepper: Slightly grassy and less sweet, green bells balance the softer flavors.
Garlic: Just enough to infuse the sauce with garlicky goodness, not overpowering.
Heavy cream: Creates that irresistibly smooth and creamy sauce base.
Chicken broth: Lightens up the sauce without sacrificing flavor—it’s a hidden MVP.
Honey: The star ingredient bringing natural sweetness and beautiful gloss.
Dijon mustard: A gentle tang and subtle heat, this is the secret player that rounds everything out.
Crushed black pepper: For that final peppery kick—go generous if you love heat!
Grated Parmesan cheese: Melted into the sauce, it adds natural saltiness and depth.
Cornstarch + water (optional): For those who like a thicker, clingier sauce—it’s the trick for lush results.
Chopped parsley: A fresh finish; don’t skip this if you have it for color and a pop of herbal flavor.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a generous pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Toss in your penne pasta and cook it according to package directions until it’s just al dente—this is key so your noodles don’t turn mushy once tossed in the creamy sauce. Once done, drain the pasta and set aside, but don’t forget to reserve a splash of the pasta water just in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

Step 2: Sear and Season the Chicken

While your pasta cooks, season your chicken strips thoroughly with salt, black pepper, and smoky paprika to build a super flavorful base. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are beautifully golden on the outside and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, but keep the glorious browned bits in the pan—that’s your flavor gold!

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Garlic

Return your skillet to the heat and add a tablespoon of butter. Once melted, toss in the red and green bell peppers. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes—just until they’re softened but still a little crisp, for the best texture. Add the minced garlic and cook, stirring, for about 30 seconds. You’ll know it’s perfect when your kitchen smells absolutely irresistible.

Step 4: Build the Creamy Honey-Pepper Sauce

Reduce the heat slightly, then pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Drizzle in the honey and Dijon mustard, and sprinkle in the extra crushed black pepper. Stir well, making sure everything is fully combined. Let it simmer gently for 5 minutes, so the flavors can mingle and the sauce thickens slightly while staying silky-smooth.

Step 5: Bring Everything Together

Now stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until it melts into the sauce. If you want a thicker texture, mix the cornstarch and water together in a small bowl, then stream it in while stirring. Add the cooked chicken back to the pan, letting it soak up the flavors for another minute or two. Toss in the cooked penne pasta and mix well so every noodle is coated in that luscious, pepper-speckled creaminess. Cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, just to bring everything together and ensure the dish is piping hot.

Step 6: Garnish and Finish

Finally, remove from the heat and scatter a generous handful of chopped parsley over the pasta. This bursts with green vibrancy and adds a fresh finish to your Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta masterpiece.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Garnishes

This is one of those dishes that already looks fabulous coming out of the pan, but don’t skip a final sprinkle of bright green parsley and extra black pepper right before serving. A dusting of grated Parmesan cheese over each plate adds even more creaminess and a burst of umami. You can also add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for a bit of zing if you like your flavors extra lively.

Side Dishes

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is truly a main event, but it shines even brighter when paired with simple sides. Consider a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette to balance the creamy richness, or classic garlic bread for sopping up all that dreamy sauce. Roasted seasonal vegetables or steamed broccolini are easy, colorful pairings that round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For family-style dinners, pile the pasta onto a big serving platter and top with more chicken and peppers for a color pop. If you’re feeling a bit more formal, twirl individual portions into shallow bowls and garnish with big Parmesan shavings and a sprig of parsley right in the middle. This dish also makes a fantastic potluck contribution if you assemble it just before heading out—everyone loves a creamy, honey-kissed pasta surprise!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself lucky enough to have leftovers, transfer the cooled Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. The sauce may thicken as it chills, but it still tastes absolutely delicious and reheats without losing its silky texture.

Freezing

For longer storage, this pasta can be frozen but with a tiny caveat: cream sauces may separate a bit after thawing. If you do freeze it (up to 2 months), thaw completely in the refrigerator before reheating, and give it a good stir. Adding a splash of cream or milk can help restore its dreamy consistency.

Reheating

For best results, reheat individual portions gently on the stovetop over low heat, thinned with a tablespoon or two of milk, cream, or even a splash of reserved pasta water. Microwave reheating works in a pinch, but low-and-slow warming keeps the chicken tender and the sauce mouthwateringly smooth.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is the classic choice for catching sauce, feel free to use rigatoni, fusilli, or even fettuccine—just be sure to cook it al dente so it holds up to the creamy goodness.

Is this dish spicy?

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta has a warm, peppery kick but isn’t overwhelmingly spicy. If you’re a spice lover, add more freshly cracked black pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Can I make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta ahead for a party?

Yes, this pasta is a great make-ahead party option! Prepare it up to a day in advance, refrigerate, then gently reheat on the stovetop. You may want to add a little cream or milk to loosen the sauce before serving.

What vegetables can I add to this pasta?

Bell peppers are traditional, but you can easily add sautéed mushrooms, spinach, peas, or even sun-dried tomatoes for bonus flavor and nutrients. Just stir them in during the sautéing step or add before tossing with the sauce.

What’s the best way to balance the sweet and peppery flavors?

Adjust the honey and black pepper during step four when the sauce comes together. Taste and tweak until you have the perfect balance for your palate—you’re the chef, after all!

Final Thoughts

When you’re craving comfort and excitement in one creamy, colorful bowl, Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta absolutely delivers. It’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests, and every bite sings with flavor. Give it a try—and don’t be surprised if it becomes a new family favorite!

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe

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4.6 from 11 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

Indulge in the perfect blend of sweet and spicy with this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta. Tender chicken strips in a creamy honey sauce with a hint of black pepper, served over penne pasta.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

Sauce:

1 tablespoon butter
1/2 cup red bell pepper (sliced)
1/2 cup green bell pepper (sliced)
2 cloves garlic (minced)
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup chicken broth
1/4 cup honey
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon crushed black pepper
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon cornstarch + 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

Garnish:

Chopped parsley for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Boil penne pasta until al dente, then drain and set aside.
Sear the chicken: Season chicken strips and cook in olive oil until browned and cooked through, then set aside.
Make the sauce: Sauté bell peppers, garlic, then add cream, broth, honey, mustard, and spices. Simmer, then add Parmesan and chicken back to the pan.
Combine: Toss in cooked pasta, thicken with cornstarch if desired, and heat through.
Serve: Garnish with parsley before serving.