Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a sweet, savory, and creamy delight inspired by the flavors of a grilled panini — tender chicken, sautéed bell peppers, and a luscious honey pepper cream sauce tossed with pasta. It’s comfort food with a gourmet twist that’s ready in under 30 minutes!
Ingredients
- 8 oz penne or rigatoni pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, sliced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Sauté for 5–6 minutes until browned and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add bell peppers and sauté for 3–4 minutes until slightly softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
- Pour in chicken broth, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom of the pan. Reduce heat to medium and stir in heavy cream, honey, and black pepper. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until sauce thickens slightly.
- Return chicken to the skillet, add butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
- Add cooked pasta and toss until everything is evenly coated in the honey pepper sauce.
- Garnish with parsley and an extra drizzle of honey if desired. Serve warm.
Notes
- For extra depth, use grilled chicken instead of sautéed for a smoky, panini-style flavor.
- Try adding caramelized onions or crispy bacon for added richness.
- Can be made lighter by substituting half-and-half or milk for heavy cream.
- Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a fresh green salad.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American-Italian Fusion