Print

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
Print Recipe

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is a quick and satisfying dish combining tender chicken, sweet honey, and the smoky crunch of panini bread in a creamy pasta base. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting and flavorful meal blends creamy sauce with a peppery kick and crispy textural elements, making it a delicious twist on classic pasta dishes.

Ingredients

Scale

Proteins and Dairy

  • 2 chicken breasts, tender and lean
  • 4 ounces cream cheese or mascarpone

Produce and Herbs

  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped

Grains

  • 8 ounces pasta (penne or rigatoni)
  • 4 slices panini bread, toasted and chopped

Pantry Items

  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 1 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, freshly cracked black pepper, and a drizzle of honey. Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat and sauté the chicken until cooked through and golden brown on both sides. Remove from heat, then slice or cube the chicken for adding to the pasta.
  2. Cook the Pasta: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta (penne or rigatoni) until al dente. Drain well and set aside while preparing the sauce and panini bread.
  3. Toast the Panini Bread: Lightly toast the panini bread slices until crunchy and slightly charred. Cut the toasted bread into bite-sized pieces to add a smoky crunch to the dish.
  4. Make the Creamy Sauce: In the same pan, sauté the minced garlic in olive oil until fragrant. Stir in the cream cheese or mascarpone along with honey, mixing thoroughly to create a smooth, creamy sauce. Season generously with freshly cracked black pepper to add a zesty warmth.
  5. Combine Everything: Toss the cooked pasta, prepared chicken, and crunchy panini bread pieces into the creamy sauce. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly coated. Finish by stirring in freshly chopped basil or parsley for a bright, fresh burst of flavor.

Notes

  • Use fresh cracked black pepper for a more vibrant and potent flavor.
  • Toast panini bread to a golden brown to achieve perfect crunch without bitterness.
  • Cook pasta al dente to ensure it holds up when combined with sauce and chicken.
  • Warm the cream cheese sauce slowly to prevent curdling and maintain velvety texture.
  • Reserve a small amount of pasta cooking water to loosen thick sauce if necessary.

Nutrition

Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta, Panini Bread Pasta, Creamy Chicken Pasta, Quick Weeknight Dinner, Comfort Food, Easy Chicken Pasta

Find it online: https://marygourmet.com/honey-pepper-chicken-panini-pasta/