Description
Succulent honey pepper chicken mingles with perfectly grilled panini bread, creating a mouthwatering Italian-inspired pasta experience. Melted cheese, zesty peppers, and sweet honey elevate this dish, promising you a delightful culinary journey through bold Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
Pasta:
- 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or fusilli pasta
Seasonings and Sauces:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- Salt
- 2 cloves garlic
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh parsley
Instructions
- Craft a zesty marinade by whisking together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, cracked black pepper, and salt in a mixing bowl.
- Season chicken breasts with salt and freshly ground pepper, ensuring even coating.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Grill chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
- Drizzle prepared honey-pepper sauce over chicken, allowing flavors to caramelize for 2-3 minutes.
- Remove chicken and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- Drain pasta and reserve a small amount of cooking water.
- In the same skillet, sauté minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant, approximately 1-2 minutes.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet and simmer gently for 3 minutes, creating a velvety base.
- Gradually incorporate Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
- Season sauce with additional salt and pepper to enhance flavor profile.
- Fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, using reserved pasta water if needed to adjust consistency.
- Gently layer sliced honey-pepper chicken atop the pasta.
- Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley for a vibrant garnish and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Adjust honey levels based on sweetness preference to balance the dish’s flavor profile.
- Consider using low-sodium soy sauce for a healthier version without compromising taste.
- Marinate chicken beforehand for deeper flavor penetration and more tender meat texture.
- Substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut milk for lighter, dietary-friendly alternatives.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 840 kcal
- Sugar: 15 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 26 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 74 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 48 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg