Sweet and Spicy Pasta Dish (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ For the Chicken
01 -
2 large chicken breasts, boneless and skinless
02 -
2 tablespoons olive oil
03 -
Salt and pepper, to taste
→ For the Pasta and Sauce
04 -
12 oz penne pasta (or your preferred pasta)
05 -
1 tablespoon butter
06 -
1 tablespoon garlic, minced
07 -
2 tablespoons honey
08 -
1 tablespoon black pepper (adjust to taste)
09 -
1 cup heavy cream
10 -
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
11 -
1 tablespoon fresh parsley (optional for garnish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving 1 cup of pasta water, and set it aside.
02 -
Season both sides of the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside to rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips or bite-sized pieces.
03 -
In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Stir in the honey and black pepper. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the honey to slightly caramelize and thicken.
04 -
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Stir to combine and cook for another 3-4 minutes, until the sauce thickens slightly. If the sauce becomes too thick, add some of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the creamy honey pepper sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly in the sauce. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and the sauce becomes smooth. Add the sliced chicken to the pasta and toss again to combine everything.
06 -
Divide the pasta among plates, and garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve immediately while hot.
# Notes:
01 -
The sweetness from honey balances the heat from the black pepper, creating a unique flavor profile.
02 -
For extra flavor, you can marinate the chicken in a mixture of olive oil, honey, and black pepper for 30 minutes before cooking.
03 -
If you prefer a lighter version, you can substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream.
04 -
Add red pepper flakes for an extra kick of heat if desired.