Honey Pepper Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Components
01 -
2 skinless, boneless chicken breasts (large-sized)
02 -
Pinch of salt and pepper to preference
03 -
2 tablespoons of olive oil
→ Pasta and Sauce Components
04 -
1 tablespoon of butter
05 -
½ cup of Parmesan cheese, finely grated
06 -
12 oz of penne pasta (or a variety you like)
07 -
1 cup of heavy whipping cream
08 -
1 tablespoon of black pepper (adjust as you like)
09 -
1 tablespoon of minced garlic
10 -
Optional: 1 tablespoon of chopped parsley for decoration
11 -
2 tablespoons of honey for sweetness
# Instructions:
01 -
Start with a big pot of boiling, salted water. Follow the pasta box instructions and boil until just cooked. Save a cup of cooking water before draining, then set aside the pasta.
02 -
Rub both sides of the chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet on medium-high, and cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes each side. It should reach 165°F (74°C) inside when done. Move it out of the skillet, let it sit a bit, then chop it into slices or chunks.
03 -
Using the same skillet, turn the heat to medium and melt the butter. Toss in the garlic, stir around for a minute or two until fragrant. Mix in the honey and black pepper, then let it bubble gently for a bit so it becomes slightly thicker and sweet.
04 -
Pour in the heavy cream and let it gently simmer. Mix it all together, cooking for 3-4 minutes to thicken slightly. If it ends up too thick, gradually stir in small amounts of that saved pasta water to loosen it up.
05 -
Add the cooked pasta into the skillet, letting it mix well with the creamy honey-pepper sauce. Stir in the Parmesan until it's melted and blends smoothly. Toss in the chicken pieces and mix everything until nicely coated.
06 -
Portion the pasta onto plates. Sprinkle parsley on top if you're using it. Serve up while hot and watch everyone dig in.
# Notes:
01 -
Sweet honey tones balance the zing of black pepper for a standout taste combo.
02 -
Marinate the chicken for half an hour in olive oil, honey, and pepper mix to kick up the flavor.
03 -
For a lighter result, swap heavy cream for half-and-half.
04 -
Craving more heat? Add some crushed red pepper flakes to spice things up!