Description
Honey pepper chicken panini pasta blends Italian and American flavors for a delightful culinary experience. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and sweet-spicy sauce create a memorable meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Main Carbohydrates:
- 1 cup (240 milliliters/8 ounces) penne pasta
- 1 ciabatta roll
Sauces and Seasonings:
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters) honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters/2 ounces) shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup (60 milliliters/1 ounce) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt to taste
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package directions; drain and reserve.
- Generously season chicken with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder for robust flavor.
- Sear chicken in hot olive oil over medium-high heat until golden and completely cooked through, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Slice cooked chicken into thin, diagonal strips for elegant presentation.
- Create honey pepper sauce by whisking together honey, cracked black pepper, soy sauce, and vinegar in a saucepan over medium heat until slightly reduced and glossy, about 4-5 minutes.
- Coat chicken strips thoroughly in the vibrant honey pepper glaze, ensuring even coverage.
- Craft a creamy Parmesan sauce by melting butter, incorporating heavy cream, and stirring in grated Parmesan until smooth and velvety.
- Fold cooked pasta into the luxurious cream sauce, mixing until every strand is deliciously coated.
- Plate pasta and arrange glazed chicken strips on top, then sprinkle with melted mozzarella for extra indulgence.
- For a gourmet twist, assemble ingredients inside a crispy, toasted ciabatta roll, pressing in a panini press until golden and crunchy.
Notes
- Enhance chicken flavor by marinating in honey pepper sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to deepen taste profiles.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding cornstarch for gluten-free diners who want a more robust coating.
- Swap chicken with tofu or plant-based protein alternatives for vegetarian guests while maintaining similar seasoning techniques.
- Create make-ahead potential by preparing components separately and assembling just before serving to maintain optimal texture and temperature.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 670 kcal
- Sugar: 10 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 17 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 130 mg