If you are longing for a dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, then this Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is an absolute must-try. It combines tender, juicy chicken glazed with a sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce alongside luscious, velvety pasta swirled with garlic butter and Parmesan. Every bite is a perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and creaminess that will have you dreaming about it long after the last forkful. This recipe brings together simple everyday ingredients into a spectacular meal that’s perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing friends without stress.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavors just right begins with a handful of straightforward ingredients that each bring their own charm to the dish. The quality of your chicken, the freshness of the garlic, and the creaminess of the butter and cheese all work harmoniously to create a mouthwatering experience.
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for a leaner option.
- 1/3 cup honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps create that glossy sauce.
- 2 tbsp soy sauce: Brings depth and umami to balance the honey.
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to brighten the flavors.
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper: The star spice that perks up the chicken with its warm, pungent kick.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a little extra heat.
- 1 tbsp olive oil: A healthy fat that ensures a beautiful sear on the chicken.
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine: The perfect pasta shapes to catch the creamy sauce in every bite.
- 2 tbsp butter: Provides a rich base for the garlic sauce.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic infuses the sauce with bold flavor and aroma.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the luscious, silky texture of the pasta sauce.
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: Adds a nutty, savory finish that melts perfectly into the cream.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to elevate every element.
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish): Adds a fresh pop of color and an herbaceous note.
How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the pasta
Start by boiling your fettuccine or linguine until it is just al dente — this means it still has a slight firmness to the bite, which is ideal since it will soak up the creamy sauce later. Don’t forget to save half a cup of the pasta water before draining, as this starchy liquid will help loosen the sauce for perfect coating.
Step 2: Whisk together the honey pepper sauce
In a small bowl, combine the honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, freshly ground black pepper, and red pepper flakes if you want that extra zing. Whisking these together now lets the flavors mingle so they can create that magical sweet and spicy glaze.
Step 3: Sear the chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and add your chicken. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until the surface is golden and the inside is cooked through, juicy, and tender. Remove the chicken and set it aside while you prepare the sauce in the same pan.
Step 4: Create the honey pepper glaze
Pour the prepared honey pepper mixture into the skillet and let it simmer for 2 to 3 minutes, reducing until it thickens slightly into a glossy glaze. Return the chicken to the pan and turn it to coat fully in the sauce, then lower the heat and keep it warm to soak in all those irresistible flavors.
Step 5: Prepare the creamy garlic butter pasta sauce
In a separate saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat and sauté the minced garlic just until it releases its fragrant aroma — about one minute. You want it fragrant but not burnt, as garlic is the heart of this flavorful pasta sauce.
Step 6: Add cream and Parmesan cheese
Pour in the heavy cream and gently bring it to a simmer. Then stir in the grated Parmesan slowly, allowing it to melt smoothly into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting until the sauce tastes perfectly balanced and creamy.
Step 7: Combine pasta with sauce
Add the cooked pasta into the cream sauce and toss gently to coat. If the sauce feels too thick, loosen it with a little of the reserved pasta water, stirring until every strand is luxuriously covered.
Step 8: Serve the glazed chicken over pasta
Slice the honey pepper glazed chicken and arrange it atop the creamy garlic butter pasta. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil for a bright touch that perfectly complements the richness of the dish. And just like that, your incredible Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil add the perfect finishing touch to this dish. They provide a pop of color and a burst of freshness that cuts through the richness, making each bite exciting and balanced.
Side Dishes
This rich and flavorful main pairs wonderfully with simple sides such as a crisp green salad lightly dressed with lemon vinaigrette or roasted seasonal vegetables. A side of garlic bread or crusty baguette is also a fantastic choice to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a lovely dinner presentation, serve the chicken slices fanned out on top of the pasta in shallow bowls, with a sprinkle of Parmesan and herbs. Drizzle a little extra honey pepper sauce over the chicken for an appetizing glossy finish that invites everyone to tuck in.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken and pasta separate if possible to preserve texture, then reheat together when ready to enjoy.
Freezing
While the pasta sauce contains cream, it can still be frozen for up to 1 month, though texture may slightly change. Freeze the glazed chicken and the pasta separately in tightly sealed containers or freezer bags for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken and pasta gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to loosen the sauce if needed. Alternatively, warm in the microwave in short bursts to prevent drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are actually excellent for this recipe because they remain juicy and tender, absorbing the honey pepper glaze beautifully.
Is there a substitute for heavy cream in the pasta sauce?
You can use half-and-half or whole milk combined with a bit of flour or cornstarch to thicken the sauce, but the texture and richness will be slightly lighter than with heavy cream.
How spicy is the Honey Pepper Chicken sauce?
The heat comes mainly from black pepper and optional red pepper flakes, which provides a pleasant kick without overwhelming the sweetness. Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! You can make the honey pepper sauce and cook the chicken ahead. Reheat everything just before serving and prepare the pasta fresh for best texture.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Fettuccine or linguine are recommended because their slightly flat shape holds onto the creamy garlic butter sauce wonderfully, ensuring flavor in every bite.
Final Thoughts
This Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe truly feels like a special meal that anyone can make at home with modest ingredients and straightforward steps. The marriage of flavors and textures is utterly satisfying and comforting, perfect for weeknights or when you want to impress without the fuss. Give it a try and savor every delicious bite!
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Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Description
A delicious and comforting meal featuring tender honey pepper glazed chicken served over creamy garlic butter fettuccine pasta. The chicken is pan-seared and coated in a sweet and spicy honey soy sauce glaze, while the pasta is enriched with a silky garlic Parmesan cream sauce, making it a perfect weeknight dinner for the whole family.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Pasta:
- 8 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Chopped parsley or basil (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.
- Prepare the honey pepper sauce: In a small bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Cook the chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Glaze the chicken: In the same skillet, add the honey-pepper sauce. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until thickened slightly. Return chicken to the skillet, turning to coat in the glaze. Reduce heat to low.
- Make the garlic butter sauce: In a separate pan or saucepan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add cream and cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss pasta with sauce: Add cooked pasta to the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat, adding a bit of reserved pasta water to loosen if needed.
- Serve: Slice the glazed chicken and serve over the creamy pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
Notes
- For extra spice, increase the amount of red pepper flakes.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat or breasts for leaner protein.
- Reserve pasta water is key to achieve perfect sauce consistency.
- Garnish can be varied with fresh herbs like basil or parsley to add freshness.
- Ensure chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
