Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Introduction
This Pepper Chicken Pasta with Honey is a delightful blend of savory and sweet flavors that comes together quickly for a satisfying meal. Tender chicken and vibrant bell peppers are coated in a honey-soy sauce, making it perfect for a busy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
- 3-4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for extra heat
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Once done, drain and set aside.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with black pepper, then sauté them until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 3: Add the minced garlic and sliced red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and the peppers are slightly softened.
- Step 4: Stir in the honey and soy sauce. Allow the mixture to simmer gently until the sauce thickens slightly, coating the ingredients well.
- Step 5: Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the sauce and chicken. Add chili flakes if you like extra heat. Mix thoroughly so the pasta is evenly coated.
- Step 6: Serve the pasta hot, garnished with chopped green onions for a fresh finish.
Tips & Variations
- For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken in honey and soy sauce for 30 minutes before cooking.
- Swap red bell pepper with yellow or orange for a milder sweetness and colorful dish.
- Add a handful of spinach or kale at the end for extra greens and nutrients.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.
- If you prefer less sweetness, reduce the honey to 2 tablespoons.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it has thickened too much.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and offer a juicier, more flavorful alternative. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! This dish keeps well in the fridge and can be portioned into containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
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Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pepper Chicken Pasta with Honey is a delightful combination of tender chicken breasts cooked with a sweet and savory honey-soy sauce, complemented by fresh bell peppers and garlic, served over perfectly cooked fettuccine pasta. The dish boasts a balance of flavors with a touch of black pepper and optional chili flakes for added heat, making it an easy, flavorful meal perfect for weeknight dinners.
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup pure honey
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: chili flakes for extra heat
Vegetables and Pasta
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- Fettuccine pasta (or pasta of your choice)
- Green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Sauté the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken breasts with freshly ground black pepper and cook them until golden brown and fully cooked through, about 6-8 minutes per side depending on thickness.
- Add Garlic and Bell Peppers: Add the minced garlic and thinly sliced red bell peppers to the skillet with the chicken. Cook until fragrant and the peppers begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Prepare the Sauce: Stir in 1/4 cup of pure honey and 1/4 cup of low-sodium soy sauce into the skillet. Let the mixture simmer gently until it thickens slightly, coating the chicken and vegetables evenly.
- Toss Pasta with Sauce: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well to coat the noodles with the honey-soy sauce and to combine with the chicken and peppers. If desired, sprinkle in chili flakes for extra heat and toss again.
- Garnish and Serve: Transfer the pasta to serving plates and garnish with chopped green onions. Serve hot and enjoy this flavorful and satisfying meal.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quicker cooking and easy slicing.
- Adjust the honey quantity to your preferred sweetness level.
- Low-sodium soy sauce keeps the dish balanced in saltiness; regular soy sauce can be used but reduce additional salt accordingly.
- For extra spice, chili flakes can be added according to taste.
- Green onions add a fresh, mild onion flavor and a pop of color as a garnish.
- Any pasta shape can be used in place of fettuccine based on preference.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: pepper chicken pasta, honey chicken pasta, easy chicken pasta recipe, sweet and savory pasta, weeknight dinner, honey soy sauce chicken
