Description
This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is a delicious fusion of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. Crispy, golden chicken is coated in a sticky honey pepper glaze and served over creamy Alfredo pasta. Inspired by the popular restaurant-style dish, this easy homemade version is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion meal!
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- ½ cup buttermilk (for marinating)
- ½ cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 egg, beaten
- Vegetable oil (for frying)
- For the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- ⅓ cup honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon butter
- For the Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne or fettuccine pasta
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For Garnish:
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, soak the chicken pieces in buttermilk for 15-20 minutes to tenderize.
Coat and Fry the Chicken:
- In a shallow dish, mix flour, cornstarch, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Dip each piece of chicken in the beaten egg, then coat in the flour mixture.
- Heat about 1 inch of vegetable oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Fry the chicken until golden and crispy (about 3-4 minutes per side). Remove and drain on a paper towel.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce:
- In a saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic powder, and butter.
- Simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Toss the crispy chicken in the sauce and set aside.
Cook the Pasta:
- Boil the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Make the Alfredo Sauce:
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Stir in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook until smooth and creamy.
Assemble the Dish:
- Toss the pasta in the Alfredo sauce until fully coated.
- Top with the honey pepper chicken.
Garnish & Serve:
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- For a lighter option, bake or air-fry the chicken instead of frying.
- Add broccoli, spinach, or roasted bell peppers for extra veggies.
- Substitute grilled chicken instead of fried for a healthier twist.
- Adjust the pepper and honey levels to match your taste preference.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Cuisine: American, Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 650
- Fat: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 70g
- Protein: 35g
Keywords: Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta