Sweet & Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

Crafting a delectable honey pepper chicken panini pasta brings culinary magic right to your kitchen table.

Crisp ingredients dance together, creating a symphony of flavors that spark excitement.

Tender chicken pieces nestle between layers of perfectly toasted bread and silky pasta strands.

Sweet honey and zesty pepper create a perfect balance that makes taste buds sing.

Soft mozzarella melts seamlessly, adding creamy richness to every delightful bite.

Weeknight dinners will never be the same once you master this incredible combination.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this mouthwatering masterpiece.

Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

• Chicken: Tender protein that forms the centerpiece of the recipe.

• Flour, Eggs, Breadcrumbs: Create a crispy golden coating for the chicken.

• Pasta: Serves as the foundation for the dish.

• Honey, Black Pepper, Soy Sauce, Apple Cider Vinegar: Combine to create a sweet and tangy glaze.

• Butter, Heavy Cream, Mozzarella: Work together to create a rich and creamy pasta texture.

• Olive Oil: Provides a medium for cooking the chicken and adds subtle flavor.

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Select your favorite pasta shape and cook it according to package directions.

Drain the pasta and set it aside for later use.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Chicken Coating

Create a three-part breading station using flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs.

• Flour
• Egg wash
• Breadcrumb mixture

Step 3: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken pieces until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust and are completely cooked through.

Step 4: Craft Honey Pepper Sauce

• Honey
• Freshly cracked black pepper
• Soy sauce
• Apple cider vinegar

Simmer the mixture until it transforms into a glossy, thickened sauce.

Step 5: Create Creamy Pasta Base

• Butter
• Heavy cream
• Shredded mozzarella cheese

Stir until the pasta becomes wonderfully creamy and smooth.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

Slice the crispy chicken into delectable strips.

Generously drizzle the honey pepper sauce over the chicken.

Nestle the sauced chicken atop the creamy pasta.

Serve immediately and enjoy the explosion of flavors.

Honey Chicken Pasta – Notes to Remember

• Pat chicken dry before flouring to ensure crispy, even breading that sticks perfectly.
• Adjust honey and black pepper ratios to create a sweet-spicy glaze that complements the chicken's richness.
• Toss hot pasta with butter immediately after draining to keep noodles separated and glossy.
• Grate fresh mozzarella and add gradually while stirring pasta to achieve smooth, creamy texture without lumps.
• Prepare chicken and sauce separately, storing them in refrigerator to quickly assemble a delicious meal later.

Chicken Pasta – Playful Twists to Try

• Gluten-Free Chicken Panini Pasta: Replace wheat flour with almond flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs for a celiac-friendly version.
• Vegetarian Protein Swap: Substitute chicken with crispy tofu or tempeh, using the same honey pepper coating for a plant-based alternative.
• Dairy-Free Creamy Pasta: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and nutritional yeast in place of mozzarella to create a lactose-free dish.
• Low-Carb Zucchini Noodle Option: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles for a lighter, lower-carbohydrate meal that maintains the same delicious flavor profile.

Chicken Pasta for Dinner Tonight

• Flavor Fusion Plate: Serve the panini-style chicken atop the creamy pasta, allowing the honey pepper sauce to drizzle beautifully across both elements for a stunning presentation.
• Gourmet Sandwich Companion: Slice the chicken panini-style and place alongside the pasta, creating a delightful duo that lets diners enjoy two textures and tastes in one meal.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the dish to add a bright, green pop of color and subtle herbal freshness that complements the rich, sweet-spicy chicken.
• Side Salad Match: Pair the hearty pasta and chicken with a light, crisp mixed green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette to balance the creamy and sweet flavors of the main dish.

Save Your Chicken Pasta Like This

• Store chicken panini pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken, pasta, and sauce to maintain optimal texture and prevent sogginess.
• Pack cooled pasta and chicken in freezer-safe containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Avoid freezing cream-based sauce to prevent separation.
• Place pasta and chicken in a microwave-safe dish, sprinkle few drops of water, cover with microwave-safe lid. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for this recipe?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal because they’re lean, cook quickly, and absorb the honey pepper sauce perfectly.

• Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, substitute all-purpose flour with gluten-free flour and use gluten-free breadcrumbs to create a celiac-friendly version.

• How spicy is the honey pepper sauce?

The sauce has a mild black pepper kick that’s balanced by sweet honey, creating a subtle warmth without overwhelming heat.

• Is this recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The crispy chicken and creamy pasta with a sweet-tangy sauce make it appealing to children and adults alike.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta in Focus

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this delicious panini pasta dish in minimal steps, perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something satisfying and flavorful.
• Master Layered Flavors: Enjoy the delightful combination of crispy breaded chicken, creamy pasta, and sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce that creates a restaurant-quality meal at home.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crunchy chicken, cheesy pasta, and mouthwatering sauce that makes dinnertime exciting and delicious for everyone.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to suit personal preferences, making this recipe versatile and adaptable to different taste buds.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Honey pepper chicken panini pasta combines Italian and American flavors for a delightful culinary journey. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and sweet-spicy sauce create a mouthwatering meal you can easily enjoy at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Dry Ingredients:

• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

Liquids and Seasonings:

• 2 eggs, beaten
• 1/4 cup honey
• 2 tablespoons black pepper
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare pasta al dente according to package guidelines, then drain and reserve.
2. Create a three-stage breading station: dust chicken with flour, dip into whisked eggs, then coat thoroughly with breadcrumbs.
3. Warm olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat (375°F), frying chicken pieces until exterior turns golden brown and crisp, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
4. Craft honey pepper sauce by combining honey, freshly cracked black pepper, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar in a saucepan, simmering on low heat until mixture reduces and thickens (about 8-10 minutes).
5. Transform pasta into a luxurious side by melting butter, incorporating heavy cream, and folding in shredded mozzarella until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
6. Slice crispy chicken into diagonal strips, generously drizzle with honey pepper glaze, and arrange artfully atop creamy pasta.
7. Garnish with additional cracked pepper or fresh herbs for enhanced presentation and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
• Pat chicken dry before breading to ensure extra crispy exterior and better coating adherence.
• Replace breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or gluten-free alternatives for a low-carb or gluten-sensitive version.
• Consider adding fresh herbs like parsley or basil to the pasta for an enhanced flavor profile and visual appeal.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 530 kcal
• Sugar: 10 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 9 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 43 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg