Sweet Honey Pepper Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Ingredients
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large in size)
02 -
A couple of tablespoons of olive oil
03 -
Salt and black pepper, as much as you like
→ Pasta & Sauce Ingredients
04 -
12 ounces of penne or any pasta you enjoy
05 -
A tablespoon of butter
06 -
One minced garlic clove (about 1 tablespoon)
07 -
Two tablespoons of honey
08 -
One tablespoon of black pepper, tweak the amount if you'd like
09 -
One cup of thick heavy cream
10 -
A half-cup of Parmesan cheese, grated
11 -
Optional: A tablespoon of fresh parsley for garnish
# Instructions:
01 -
Add a big pinch of salt to boiling water in a pot. Toss in the penne and cook it just until it’s firm but still tender (follow the box instructions). Hold onto a cup of that boiling water before draining the pasta. Set the pasta aside.
02 -
Sprinkle both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat up olive oil in a wide pan over medium-high heat. Brown the chicken for around 6 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked (it should hit 165°F inside). Let it rest for a few minutes outside the pan, then slice it into strips or chunks.
03 -
In the pan where the chicken was, set the stove to medium and melt some butter. Cook the garlic for 1 to 2 minutes, making sure it’s fragrant but doesn’t burn. Add honey and black pepper, then let it bubble for another 2 to 3 minutes until the honey thickens up a bit.
04 -
Pour the heavy cream into the pan. Let it cook gently until it starts to thicken, about 3 to 4 minutes. If things look too sticky or thick, just stir in some of the reserved pasta water until you like the texture.
05 -
Stir the cooked pasta into the creamy sauce. Mix it up until every piece of pasta is covered. Toss in the grated Parmesan and stir until smooth. Add the sliced chicken, mix it all again, and you’re good to go!
06 -
Divide the creamy pasta into servings. Sprinkle parsley on top if that's your thing. Best served hot and fresh!
# Notes:
01 -
Sweet honey tones balance out the sharp kick of black pepper for a delicious combo of flavors.
02 -
To boost chicken flavor, marinate it first in olive oil, honey, and pepper for 30 minutes.
03 -
Swap heavy cream with half-and-half if you’re looking for a lighter option.
04 -
Want more heat? Throw in red pepper flakes for some extra spice.