Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a deliciously creamy and flavorful dish combining tender seasoned chicken breasts with penne pasta in a rich honey and cracked black pepper cream sauce. Enhanced with mozzarella and Parmesan cheese, it’s a perfect blend of sweet and spicy, ideal for a hearty weeknight meal or casual dinner gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Pasta and Sauce
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon flour
- 1 ½ cups heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil for garnish
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the penne pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
- Season Chicken: While the pasta cooks, season the chicken breasts evenly with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 6–7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and slice into strips.
- Make Roux and Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Whisk in the flour to create a roux and cook for about 1 minute to remove the raw flour taste. Gradually whisk in the heavy cream and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Add Flavorings: Stir in grated Parmesan cheese, honey, cracked black pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Continue stirring until the sauce is smooth and has slightly thickened.
- Combine Pasta and Cheese: Add the cooked penne pasta and shredded mozzarella cheese to the skillet. Toss well until the cheese melts completely and the pasta is coated evenly with the creamy sauce.
- Serve: Top the creamy pasta with sliced chicken strips and garnish with fresh parsley or basil leaves. Serve immediately for best taste.
Notes
- For an authentic panini flavor, lightly brush cooked chicken with honey glaze and grill on a panini press before slicing.
- Serve this dish with garlic bread or a crisp green salad to complete the meal.
- You can adjust the amount of cracked black pepper and red pepper flakes to control the spiciness.
