Easy Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

Hey friends! If you’re anything like me, you know the struggle of balancing life, work, family, and all the other busy things that come with it. On top of everything, cooking a healthy, homemade meal that actually tastes great sometimes feels like a luxury, right? Well, I’ve got the perfect solution for you: Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

This recipe is not only quick and simple but also loaded with flavor that’ll have everyone at the table asking for seconds. It’s one of those meals that makes you feel like you’ve spent hours cooking—when in reality, it only takes around 30 minutes. Sounds like a win, doesn’t it?

The sweet and spicy honey pepper sauce, tender chicken, and creamy pasta come together beautifully in just one skillet. Plus, it’s a fantastic weeknight dinner that won’t have you slaving away in the kitchen for hours, and who doesn’t love that? Let’s get into it!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before we get cooking, let’s make sure we have everything you need. Here’s your shopping list for this mouthwatering Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta:

• 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 lb) – I prefer boneless and skinless for convenience, but feel free to use bone-in if that’s what you have.
• 8 oz pasta – I usually go for penne or rotini, but anything you have on hand will work great.
• 2 tablespoons olive oil – For cooking the chicken and creating a golden crust.
• 1/4 cup honey – The star of this dish! Sweet, smooth honey that makes the sauce incredible.
• 1 tablespoon fresh cracked black pepper – Don’t hold back here; the pepper adds the perfect amount of heat to balance out the sweetness of the honey.
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced – Garlic is the base of any good sauce, and this one is no exception.
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard – For a little tanginess that brightens the whole dish.
• 1/2 cup heavy cream – Creamy goodness that turns the sauce into something truly special.
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley – A sprinkle of fresh parsley for garnish makes this dish look fancy (and tastes great too).
• Salt to taste – You’ll need this to season your chicken and pasta, so don’t forget it!

That’s it! Simple, fresh ingredients that you can easily find at your local grocery store. This recipe is perfect for a quick dinner that still feels a bit indulgent.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

I’m all about recipes that are quick and easy, and this one definitely checks those boxes. Don’t worry if you’re not a kitchen pro—this dish is perfect for beginners and seasoned cooks alike. The process is simple, and the results are so rewarding. Let’s go step-by-step!

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

We’re going to start by cooking the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Once the water is bubbling away, toss in your pasta. Cook according to the package directions, which should be about 8-10 minutes for most kinds of pasta.

When the pasta’s done, drain it and set it aside for now. You don’t need to rinse it; we want the natural starches to help the sauce stick to the noodles later. You can also toss the pasta with a little olive oil to keep it from sticking together while you finish the rest of the dish.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

While the pasta’s cooking, it’s time to get the chicken going. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Season your chicken breasts with salt and fresh cracked black pepper on both sides.

Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and cooked through. Use a meat thermometer if you need to—your chicken is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps keep it juicy and tender. After resting, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set it aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

Okay, here’s where the magic happens. In the same skillet (no need to clean it first—those browned bits on the bottom add extra flavor), reduce the heat to medium. Add the minced garlic and cook it for about a minute. Keep an eye on it and make sure it doesn’t burn; garlic can go from fragrant to burnt in no time!

Next, pour in the honey, Dijon mustard, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir everything together until the honey and mustard are fully combined, and the sauce starts to come together. Let it simmer for a minute or two until it starts to thicken just a bit.

Now, pour in the heavy cream and stir well to combine. Let the sauce simmer for about 2-3 minutes until it’s thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it gets too thick, you can always add a splash of pasta water or more cream to reach your desired consistency. You want the sauce to be smooth and creamy, but not overly thick.

Step 4: Combine Everything

Now that the sauce is ready, it’s time to bring everything together. Add your cooked pasta to the skillet and toss it in that rich, creamy honey pepper sauce. Stir well to coat all the pasta with the sauce—it’s what makes this dish so irresistible!

Then, add the sliced chicken back into the pan and give everything a quick stir to combine. Let it heat through for another minute or so, just to make sure everything’s nice and hot. And just like that, your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve It Up!

Transfer your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta to serving plates and garnish with freshly chopped parsley. This adds a pop of color and fresh flavor that pairs perfectly with the creamy pasta. Serve immediately, and get ready to enjoy!

Pro Tip for the Best Results

I have a little secret when it comes to cooking chicken. To make sure it’s juicy and tender, avoid overcooking it. Chicken breasts cook quickly, and if you cook them too long, they can become dry. If you’re unsure, a meat thermometer is your best friend—once it hits 165°F, it’s ready.

Also, don’t forget to let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing. It helps the juices redistribute, so every bite is tender and juicy. Trust me, it makes a difference!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• It’s quick and easy. This meal comes together in under 30 minutes, so it’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want something fast but flavorful.
• Flavor-packed. The honey and pepper sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and spicy. It’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-delicious.
• One-pan cleanup. If you love minimal cleanup, this recipe is for you. You only need one skillet and a pot for the pasta—yes, please!
• Kid-friendly. My kids love this meal, and I bet yours will too. The sweet honey sauce and creamy pasta make it a family favorite.
• Customizable. Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies to the dish! Bell peppers, spinach, or mushrooms would be delicious.

Variations to Try

If you want to play around with this recipe, here are a few variations to make it your own:

• Add some veggies. I love adding sautéed bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to this dish. You can toss them into the pan with the garlic in step 3.
• Make it spicy. If you like a bit more heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for an extra kick.
• Use a different protein. If you’re not a fan of chicken, feel free to swap it out for turkey, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.

Final Thoughts

I’m so glad you found this recipe! Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta has quickly become a favorite in our household because it’s easy, delicious, and perfect for those busy nights when you need a meal that’s comforting and flavorful. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or friends, this dish is sure to impress.

Don’t forget to snap a pic and share it with me if you try this recipe—I’d love to see how it turns out. And remember, cooking doesn’t have to be complicated to be amazing!

Happy cooking, everyone, and enjoy every single bite!