Description
Culinary magic unfolds with honey pepper chicken panini pasta, blending Italian passion and American comfort. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and zesty honey pepper sauce create a mouthwatering experience you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Seasoning and Flavoring Ingredients for Chicken:
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) honey
- 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt, to taste
Pasta and Cream Sauce Ingredients:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons (28 grams) unsalted butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
- 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare pasta according to package instructions, ensuring it’s cooked al dente. Drain and set aside, keeping a small amount of starchy water for potential sauce adjustment.
- Season chicken breasts with a blend of salt, garlic powder, and cracked black pepper. Sear in a hot skillet with olive oil until golden and thoroughly cooked, approximately 6-7 minutes per side.
- Allow chicken to rest briefly, then slice into elegant strips against the grain for optimal tenderness.
- Create a glossy honey pepper glaze in the same skillet by combining honey and soy sauce, whisking until the mixture slightly caramelizes and thickens.
- Gently coat the sliced chicken in the vibrant glaze, ensuring each piece is generously covered with the sweet and spicy mixture.
- In a separate pan, craft a velvety sauce by melting butter and sautéing minced garlic until aromatic. Pour in heavy cream and simmer gently.
- Integrate Parmesan cheese and dried basil into the cream sauce, stirring continuously to develop a smooth, rich consistency. Season with salt and pepper.
- Combine the pasta with the luxurious cream sauce, tossing carefully to distribute evenly. Use reserved pasta water to adjust sauce thickness if needed.
- Plate the creamy pasta, arranging the honey pepper glazed chicken strips on top. Enhance with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and additional Parmesan for an elegant finish.
Notes
- Use high-quality chicken breasts for the most tender and flavorful result, ensuring even cooking by pounding them to a uniform thickness.
- Control the honey glaze’s sweetness by adjusting the honey-to-soy sauce ratio, allowing for personalized flavor intensity.
- Create a gluten-free version by using gluten-free pasta and tamari instead of traditional soy sauce, maintaining the dish’s delicious profile.
- Enhance meal prep by cooking extra chicken and sauce, which can be stored separately in the refrigerator for 3-4 days and quickly reheated for future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 760
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 37 g
- Saturated Fat: 21 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 150 mg