Name: Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American-Italian
Ingredients: Penne Pasta: 12 oz penne pasta Chicken: 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika Sauce: 1/4 cup honey, 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar, 1 tablespoon soy sauce Vegetables: 1 red bell pepper sliced, 1 yellow bell pepper sliced, 1 small red onion sliced Cheeses: 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese Garnish: fresh parsley for garnish

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If you’re craving a dish that brings the comfort of a cozy café straight to your kitchen, the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy strips of chicken, a glossy honey-balsamic glaze, and colorful sautéed peppers all tumbled together with perfectly cooked penne, then kissed with melty mozzarella and Parmesan. This pasta packs a dream team of flavors that hits all the right notes: sweet, peppery, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying. Whether you’re serving up a family feast or just need an easy but impressive weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers a bowl full of pure happiness every time.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe is all about using vibrant, everyday ingredients that work together in perfect harmony, lending color, depth, and pure comfort to every forkful. Each component is chosen for its ability to shine—whether it’s for bold flavor, eye-catching vibrance, or luscious texture.

Penne Pasta (12 oz): Sturdy and hollow, penne holds onto all the saucy goodness in every bite.
Olive Oil (2 tablespoons): Gives richness and helps everything caramelize beautifully.
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb, cut into thin strips): Cooking them thin means ultra-tender bites that soak up all that flavor.
Salt (1 teaspoon): Just enough to make every other flavor sing.
Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Adds a warm bite that balances the sweetness perfectly.
Garlic Powder (1/2 teaspoon): For a gentle, savory backbone that ties everything together.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Offers earthy warmth and that stunning color.
Honey (1/4 cup): The sweet star of the show, creating that irresistible sticky glaze.
Balsamic Vinegar (2 tablespoons): Brings depth and a tangy edge that brightens up every bite.
Soy Sauce (1 tablespoon): Umami magic, balancing sweetness and giving the glaze a boost.
Red Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Gorgeous color and fresh, sweet crunch.
Yellow Bell Pepper (1, sliced): Sunshine on your plate and a mellow, sweet flavor.
Red Onion (1 small, sliced): Slightly sharp, deeply savory, and soft when cooked.
Shredded Mozzarella Cheese (1/2 cup): Melts into gooey strands throughout the pasta.
Grated Parmesan Cheese (1/4 cup): For that sharp, salty finale.
Fresh Parsley (for garnish): A pop of color and a burst of freshness at the end.

How to Make Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. This gives you a perfect pasta base ready to soak up all that flavorful chicken and glaze.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While it heats, season your chicken strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook the chicken in the hot oil for about 5 to 6 minutes until golden brown on the outside and cooked through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside—you’ll come back to it in a moment!

Step 3: Sauté the Peppers and Onions

In the same skillet (no need to wash—those flavorful bits are gold!), add the sliced red and yellow bell peppers and the red onion. Sauté for about 4 to 5 minutes, or until the veggies are tender but still crisp at the edges. This step adds gorgeous color and a subtle sweetness that records summer and sunshine.

Step 4: Make the Honey Pepper Glaze

With the veggies still in the skillet, pour in the honey, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. Stir everything together over medium heat for about 2 minutes, letting the glaze bubble and thicken just enough to coat all the veggies. This is what will give your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe its signature glossy finish and marvelous flavor.

Step 5: Combine Everything & Add Cheese

Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the drained pasta. Give everything a gentle toss to make sure every piece is coated in that sweet, tangy glaze. Reduce the heat to low and sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the pasta, stirring until the cheese melts and everything becomes almost creamy. This step brings a truly irresistible, panini-inspired finish.

How to Serve Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

Garnishes

Just before serving, shower your pasta with a handful of freshly chopped parsley for brightness and a little fresh crunch. You can even add a few extra shavings of Parmesan if you love a salty finish—because who could possibly say no?

Side Dishes

This pasta is absolutely stellar on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, buttery garlic bread, or even roasted vegetables for extra heft. Any of these will turn your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe into a restaurant-worthy dinner spread everyone will remember.

Creative Ways to Present

Try piling your honey pepper chicken pasta into individual serving bowls for a casual family-style feel, or plate it in shallow dishes and top each portion with an extra drizzle of honey for eye-catching shine. It also makes a dazzling dish for a picnic spread when served at room temperature—the flavors get even better as they mingle!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making day-two pasta even more crave-worthy.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooled Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. For best texture, add just a sprinkle of extra cheese and fresh parsley after reheating to brighten things up.

Reheating

To reheat, simply scoop out a portion into a microwave-safe dish and cover loosely. Microwave in 45-second bursts, stirring in between. Or, warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or chicken broth to revive the sauce and keep everything juicy.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne works brilliantly by holding the glaze in every tube, you can swap in rotini, farfalle, or even rigatoni if that’s what you have on hand. Just be sure to cook it al dente for the best texture.

What’s the best way to make this dish spicier?

If you like a bit of heat, simply add 1/4 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes when sautéing the bell peppers and onion. It gives the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe a delightful little kick without overwhelming the honeyed flavors.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes! Chicken thighs are naturally juicier and a bit more flavorful. Just slice them into strips as you would the breasts, and follow the recipe as written. They’ll work beautifully in this dish.

How do I make this recipe gluten-free?

All you need to do is swap the regular penne pasta for your favorite gluten-free alternative. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as some gluten-free pastas cook a little faster.

Can I prep anything in advance?

Definitely! You can slice the chicken, peppers, and onions up to a day ahead and store them in the fridge. When dinner time rolls around, you’ll have a head start and dinner will come together even faster.

Final Thoughts

Every time I serve the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe, plates come back spotless and smiles linger around the table. If you’re ready for a home-cooked meal that impresses without stress, give this recipe a whirl—it could just become your new favorite, too!

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

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4.5 from 16 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta recipe combines tender chicken strips with sweet honey, tangy balsamic vinegar, and savory peppers, all tossed with penne pasta and melted cheeses for a delightful meal that balances flavors perfectly.

Ingredients

Penne Pasta:

12 oz penne pasta

Chicken:

2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breasts cut into thin strips, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder, 1/2 teaspoon paprika