Prepare to fall in love with a flavor-packed fusion dish that’s sure to surprise and delight your taste buds: Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta! Imagine juicy chicken, a creamy yet bright peppery sauce, and gooey mozzarella, all tossed with al dente pasta. This beauty brings together the cozy comfort of pasta with the sweet-spicy zing of honey and black pepper—and yes, there’s even a clever nod to panini by grilling the chicken for those irresistible toasty notes. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a dinner with friends, this pasta promises to be your new kitchen favorite.

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every element in this Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta has a purpose, from the tender chicken to the luxurious cream sauce and melty cheeses. These simple, carefully chosen ingredients all play their part in creating the perfect blend of flavors and textures—trust me, you don’t want to skip a single one.

Chicken breasts: The main protein, these cook up juicy and absorb all those sweet and peppery flavors beautifully.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken and adding a lovely, fruity richness.
Salt and black pepper: Enhances every layer—don’t be shy, seasoning makes all the difference here.
Garlic powder: A flavor booster that infuses chicken with a mellow, savory note.
Penne pasta: Its hearty shape is ideal for catching all that luscious sauce in every bite.
Butter: Adds depth and silkiness to your sauce for maximum comfort and flavor.
Flour: The secret to thickening that creamy sauce just right.
Heavy cream: Turns the sauce into a luxuriously rich, velvety coating for your pasta.
Parmesan cheese: Adds saltiness and an unmistakable nutty depth.
Honey: The sweet element that beautifully balances the peppery kick.
Cracked black pepper: Use a generous hand for that signature zingy warmth.
Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who want a spicier profile—totally optional, but highly recommended for a little extra fire.
Shredded mozzarella cheese: For ooey-gooey, stretchy, indulgent goodness in every forkful.
Fresh parsley or basil: A burst of color and freshness—don’t underestimate the power of herbs!

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add your penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s perfectly al dente—this step is key to giving your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta that satisfying bite. After draining, set the pasta aside while you move on to the star of the show: the chicken.

Step 2: Season and Sear the Chicken

Sprinkle the chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder for a punch of flavor. Heat that olive oil in a large skillet over medium. Lay the chicken in the pan and let it sear for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until the outside gets golden and the inside is cooked through. This locks in all those savory juices. Once done, take the chicken out of the pan and let it rest for a moment before slicing into strips.

Step 3: Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet—don’t wipe it out, all those cooked bits mean more flavor—melt your butter, then sprinkle in the flour. Stir it together for a minute to create a light roux; this will be the backbone of your sauce. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream, stirring constantly to keep things smooth and lump-free. Once it comes to a gentle simmer, bring on the flavor powerhouses: Parmesan cheese, honey, cracked black pepper, and, if you like it spicy, some red pepper flakes.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Cheese

Once your sauce is luscious, smooth, and ever-so-slightly thickened, tumble in the cooked pasta and shredded mozzarella. Toss it all together until the mozzarella melts into long, delightful strings and the pasta is perfectly coated. This creamy, cheesy mixture gives the Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta its signature indulgent feel.

Step 5: Add Chicken and Finish

Lay the sliced chicken over your pasta, letting the flavors mingle and the warmth bring it all together. For that authentic “panini” flair, take things up a notch by brushing the cooked chicken with a little honey and pressing it quickly on a panini grill before slicing. Sprinkle with plenty of fresh parsley or basil, and you’re ready to serve this craveworthy Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta straight from the skillet.

How to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Garnishes

The right garnish perks up the whole plate—shower your pasta with roughly-chopped parsley or ribbons of fresh basil for vibrant flavor and color. If you want to be extra fancy, add a few extra cracks of black pepper or a tiny swirl of honey over the top. These finishing touches make your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Side Dishes

For an unforgettable meal, pair your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta with warm, crunchy garlic bread or a crisp green salad tossed with a simple vinaigrette. The bread mops up every bit of luscious sauce, while a salad adds freshness that balances the richness of the pasta.

Creative Ways to Present

Take your presentation up a notch by serving individual portions in shallow bowls with chicken artfully fanned on top. Or, for a party, arrange everything in a big, rustic platter and let guests help themselves family-style. You can even drizzle a touch more honey over each serving for a glossy finish and a surprise sparkle on your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (it happens rarely), let the pasta cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3 days, and you’ll thank yourself for a lunch or quick dinner that tastes just as comforting the next day.

Freezing

While the sauce is at its creamy best fresh, you can freeze Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta if needed. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Just know that the cheese sauce may separate a bit upon thawing, but a good stir while reheating usually brings it back together.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave, adding a splash of extra cream or milk to revive smoothness. Stir well so everything gets wonderfully creamy again. Top with fresh herbs right before serving to refresh the flavors.

FAQs

Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of cooking the chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken is a terrific shortcut—just shred it and toss with the honey and pepper before adding to the pasta. This makes Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta even quicker without sacrificing any flavor.

Is there a lighter version of this recipe?

You can lighten things up by swapping half-and-half for the heavy cream and using part-skim mozzarella. The sauce won’t be quite as rich but you’ll still get that silky texture and crave-worthy finish.

What kind of honey works best for this dish?

A mild, liquid honey is perfect here. Avoid anything with strong floral or woody flavors so the honey sweetens without overpowering the savory notes of the Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

Can I substitute a different pasta shape?

Definitely! Penne is ideal but feel free to experiment with rigatoni, fusilli, or even spaghetti—anything with some surface area that holds onto creamy sauce is a good choice.

How spicy is the final dish, and can I tailor the heat?

The heat level is completely adjustable. Cracked black pepper brings gentle warmth, but the optional red pepper flakes are what really kick up the spice. Leave them out for a milder version or add extra if you love a bit of heat in your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to shake up your dinner routine with a true flavor adventure, you have to try this Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta. It’s rich, comforting, and brings just the right amount of sweet-spicy excitement. Give it a whirl—I have a feeling you’ll want to make it again and again!

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 26 reviews

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

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Description

Indulge in the deliciousness of this Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta. Tender chicken strips in a creamy honey and pepper sauce, tossed with penne pasta and gooey mozzarella cheese. It’s a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
1 teaspoon garlic powder

For the Pasta:

8 oz penne pasta
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon flour
1 ½ cups heavy cream
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
¼ cup honey
1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Prepare penne pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Cook in olive oil until golden and cooked through. Slice into strips.
Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter, whisk in flour to form a roux. Slowly whisk in heavy cream, then add Parmesan, honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Simmer until slightly thickened.
Combine Ingredients: Stir in cooked pasta and mozzarella until cheese is melted and pasta is coated. Top with sliced chicken.
Serve: Garnish with parsley or basil before serving.

Notes

For a panini twist, grill cooked chicken with honey glaze on a panini press before slicing.
Pair with garlic bread or a green salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: American