Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
Sweet heat chicken bites tossed with ultra-creamy, garlicky pasta
Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken with Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta is one of those dishes that feels restaurant-level but comes together easily at home. Juicy chicken bites are glazed in sweet honey and cracked black pepper, then served over buttery, garlic-infused pasta coated in a silky cream sauce. It’s cozy, indulgent, and absolutely irresistible—perfect for date night, family dinners, or when you just want comfort with flair.
Ingredients
For the Honey Pepper Chicken Bites
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1 lb chicken breast, cubed
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Salt, to taste
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Black pepper, to taste
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½ tsp paprika
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1 tbsp olive oil
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3 tbsp honey
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1 tbsp soy sauce
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1 tbsp butter
For the Creamy Garlic Butter Pasta
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12 oz pasta (penne, fettuccine, or spaghetti)
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3 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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Optional: red pepper flakes or fresh parsley
Directions
1️⃣ Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain and set aside.
2️⃣ Season & Cook the Chicken
Season chicken cubes with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3️⃣ Make the Honey Pepper Glaze
In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter, honey, and soy sauce. Stir until melted and slightly thickened. Return chicken to the pan and toss until fully coated. Let simmer 1–2 minutes, then remove from heat.
4️⃣ Make the Creamy Garlic Butter Sauce
In a separate large pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds until fragrant.
Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently for 3–4 minutes. Stir in Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and black pepper.
5️⃣ Combine with Pasta
Add cooked pasta to the sauce, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce.
6️⃣ Serve
Plate creamy pasta and top generously with honey pepper chicken bites. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
Serving Ideas
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Pair with garlic bread or a side salad
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Add roasted broccoli or green beans
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Serve with a glass of white wine or lemonade