Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 8 oz (226g) of your favorite pasta (penne, fusilli, or spaghetti)
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce or teriyaki sauce (for added umami)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for extra spice)
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Season lightly with salt and black pepper. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil and cook the chicken until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Cook the pasta in boiling, salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a small cup of pasta water for later if needed.
- In the same skillet used for the chicken, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in honey, soy sauce, and black pepper. If desired, add red pepper flakes. Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss to coat with the honey pepper sauce. Add cooked pasta and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, stir in a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your preferred consistency.
- Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or basil. Serve immediately for the best flavor. Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese for added richness.
Notes
- Use chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful dish.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to control spiciness.
- For a vegan version, substitute honey with maple syrup and use plant-based pasta.
- To save time, prepare ingredients ahead of cooking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Contains Poultry
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate (about 1 1/2 cups)
- Calories: 480 kcal Kcal
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 940 mg
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 66 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg