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Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
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Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a quick and flavorful dinner that combines the sweet and spicy notes of honey and black pepper with tender chicken and perfectly cooked pasta. Inspired by the classic panini sandwich, this dish offers a comforting and unique fusion of flavors ideal for busy weeknights or impressing guests.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Pasta

  • 8 ounces penne or rigatoni pasta

Produce

  • 2 cloves garlic, freshly minced
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 bell pepper (any color), diced
  • Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

Dairy

  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella or provolone cheese

Pantry

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons honey (mild-flavored like clover or wildflower)
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, plus extra to taste
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat, let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into bite-sized pieces.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving some pasta water, and set aside.
  3. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same pan used for the chicken, add remaining olive oil if needed. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add diced onions and bell peppers. Cook for about 5 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
  4. Combine Ingredients and Sweeten: Return the sliced chicken to the pan with the vegetables. Add the drained pasta and drizzle honey over the mixture. Stir well to coat everything evenly. Season with an extra pinch of black pepper to enhance the flavor balance.
  5. Melt the Cheese: Lower the heat and sprinkle the shredded mozzarella or provolone evenly over the pasta mixture. Cover the pan with a lid and let the cheese melt until gooey and delicious.

Notes

  • Use freshly ground black pepper for the boldest flavor.
  • Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it tender; use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 165°F.
  • Start with a small amount of honey and adjust to taste to avoid overpowering sweetness.
  • Add reserved pasta water if the mixture feels dry to loosen the sauce.
  • Cover the pan while melting cheese to trap heat for an even melt.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken, Panini Pasta, Quick Dinner, Sweet and Spicy Pasta, Chicken Pasta Recipe, Weeknight Meal, Comfort Food

Find it online: https://gourmetglazing.com/honey-pepper-chicken-panini-pasta/