Description

This stunning pasta dish brings together tender, crispy chicken bites, a sticky honey-pepper glaze, and a rich creamy sauce that clings to every piece of pasta. It delivers cozy comfort with a bold punch of flavor, blending sweet heat with savory depth in every forkful. Inspired by upscale restaurant vibes but totally achievable at home, this meal shines whether you’re whipping up a quick family dinner or serving guests something special. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular request.

Ingredients

Scale

Honey Pepper Sauce

⅓ cup natural honey
¼ cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
1 teaspoon garlic powder

Chicken

1 lb skinless chicken breast or thigh meat
½ cup plain flour
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
¼ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
3 tablespoons cooking oil (olive or vegetable)

Pasta & Cream Sauce

12 oz penne, rigatoni, or similar pasta
2 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
½ cup heavy cream
½ cup chicken stock
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Extras

½ cup diced bell peppers
½ cup fresh spinach
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Make the Glaze
- Add honey, soy sauce, vinegar, black pepper, chili flakes, and garlic powder to a small pot. Warm over low to medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let it gently bubble and thicken for about 3–5 minutes until glossy. Remove from heat and set aside.
Cook the Chicken
- Cut chicken into small, bite-sized chunks. In a bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss the chicken pieces in the seasoned flour until evenly coated.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Lay the chicken pieces in a single layer and cook until crisp and golden, turning occasionally — about 8–10 minutes total. Once fully cooked, remove and keep warm.
Prepare the Pasta
- Bring salted water to a rolling boil. Cook pasta until just tender but still firm to the bite. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining.
Create the Creamy Sauce
- Using the same pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook briefly until aromatic. Pour in cream and chicken broth, stirring gently. Sprinkle in Parmesan slowly while stirring until the sauce becomes smooth and velvety. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Bring It All Together
- Add the drained pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly. If the mixture seems too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it.
- Return the chicken to the pan, drizzle the honey-pepper glaze over everything, and stir until fully combined and glossy.
Final Touch
- Plate the pasta and sprinkle with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot and enjoy the sweet, savory magic.

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Dinner

Nutrition

Serving Size: Approximately 1.5 cups
Calories: 480 kcal
Sugar: 12 g
Fat: 16 g
Carbohydrates: 52 g
Fiber: 3 g
Protein: 30 g