The Best Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe in 30 Min

If you love a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and spicy flavors, then this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is about to be your new go-to recipe! Creamy, slightly smoky, and bursting with the rich taste of honey and black pepper, this dish is a restaurant-quality meal you can whip up in just 30 minutes.

But here’s the best part—you don’t need to be a professional chef to make it. This recipe is incredibly simple, uses affordable ingredients, and comes together fast, making it ideal for busy weeknights, family dinners, or even a quick meal prep option.

Did you know? This dish is inspired by Applebee’s famous Honey Pepper Chicken Mac and Cheese, but this homemade version is even better—richer, fresher, and way more budget-friendly! If you’ve tried my Cheesy Chicken Pasta or my Garlic Butter Steak Bites and Potatoes, you already know how much I love bold flavors in quick meals. This pasta is no exception.

So, grab your ingredients and let’s dive into making the most flavorful, creamy, and satisfying pasta dish in just 30 minutes!

What is Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta?

Let’s talk about the name—Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta. Sounds fancy, right? But what’s behind it? Simply put, it’s tender, crispy chicken tossed in a sweet and spicy honey-pepper glaze, served over creamy pasta. It’s the perfect combination of crunch, creaminess, and bold flavor in every bite!

But why honey and pepper? Well, honey adds a rich, caramelized sweetness, while black pepper gives it a warm, spicy kick—the ultimate contrast that makes this dish unforgettable.

And as the saying goes, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.” So, whether you’re making this for a special dinner, a family meal, or just treating yourself, you’re in for a seriously delicious experience.

Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

1. It’s Restaurant-Quality at a Fraction of the Cost

Instead of spending $15+ per plate at Applebee’s, you can make this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta at home for half the price with fresh ingredients and no preservatives!

2. Quick and Easy – Just 30 Minutes!

No need to spend hours in the kitchen! With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow steps, you’ll have a creamy, flavor-packed meal on the table in no time.

3. The Perfect Flavor Balance

• Crispy chicken: Adds a crunchy, savory texture
• Honey-pepper sauce: Sweet, spicy, and absolutely irresistible
• Creamy pasta: A rich, cheesy sauce that ties everything together

If you love recipes like Cheesy Chicken Pasta or Cajun Shrimp Pasta, this dish will be your new favorite comfort food!

How to Make Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

Quick Overview

This easy 30-minute meal combines crispy honey-pepper chicken with creamy, cheesy pasta for an irresistible dish. You’ll bread and cook the chicken, make the honey pepper glaze, then toss everything together with creamy Alfredo-style pasta.

Key Ingredients for Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

For the Chicken:

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced thin)
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup flour
• ½ cup panko breadcrumbs
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Oil for frying

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter

For the Pasta:

• 12 oz penne or rigatoni
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon salt

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

1. Slice chicken breasts into strips. Soak in buttermilk for 10 minutes.
2. In a bowl, mix flour, panko, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
3. Coat chicken in the flour mix, then fry in hot oil (about 350°F) until golden brown and crispy.

Step 2: Make the Honey Pepper Sauce

1. In a pan, melt butter, then add honey, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, and red pepper flakes.
2. Simmer for 2 minutes until thickened.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta

1. Boil pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
2. In the same pot, heat heavy cream, parmesan cheese, garlic powder, and onion powder until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Toss crispy chicken in honey-pepper glaze.
2. Mix creamy pasta and top with the glazed chicken.
3. Garnish with extra parmesan and fresh parsley.

Enjoy your restaurant-quality meal at home!

What to Serve Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta With

This pasta is rich and creamy, so pair it with something light:

• Garlic Bread – Because carbs on carbs = happiness!
• Simple Side Salad – A fresh contrast to balance the flavors.
• Roasted Veggies – For a healthy, crispy touch.

Looking for more pasta ideas? Try my Creamy Sausage Rigatoni or Garlic Butter Chicken Bites with Parmesan Pasta!

Top Tips for Perfecting Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

• Use fresh chicken – It crisps up better than frozen!
• Adjust spice level – Add more red pepper flakes for extra heat.
• Don’t overcook the pasta – Keep it al dente for the best texture.
• Double the sauce – If you love extra honey-pepper flavor, make more!

Storing and Reheating Tips

How to Store

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freeze only the chicken (without sauce) for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat

• Stovetop: Add a splash of milk and reheat on low.
• Microwave: Heat in 30-second bursts, stirring in between.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta

A perfect fusion of crispy honey-pepper chicken and creamy pasta! This Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta is sweet, savory, and incredibly satisfying. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s the ultimate weeknight dinner that combines crunchy fried chicken with a luscious, peppery cream sauce

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, italian-inspired

Servings 4 servings

Calories 750 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 1 egg beaten
• 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
• ¼ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly cracked
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Pasta:

• 8 oz penne or fettuccine pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ½ cup parmesan cheese grated
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• ½ teaspoon salt adjust to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

For the Honey Pepper Sauce:

• ½ cup honey
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons butter

Instructions

 

Cook the Pasta:

• Boil water in a large pot, add salt, and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Prepare the Chicken:

• Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika.
• Dredge chicken in flour, dip in beaten egg, and coat in panko breadcrumbs.
• Heat butter in a pan over medium heat and fry the chicken until golden brown and crispy. Set aside on a paper towel.

Make the Sauce:

• In the same pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
• Pour in chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring well.
• Add parmesan cheese, black pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and salt. Stir until smooth and thickened.

Assemble:

• Toss cooked pasta in the sauce until well coated.
• Drizzle honey and black pepper over the crispy chicken.
• Serve the chicken on top of the pasta and garnish with fresh parsley.

Keyword creamy chicken pasta, easy weeknight meal, family-friendly Recipe, homemade comfort food, sweet and savory pasta

FAQ

1. Can I use a different pasta shape?

Absolutely! Penne, rigatoni, or even fettuccine all work great.

2. Can I make this dish less spicy?

Yes! Simply reduce the black pepper and omit red pepper flakes.

3. Can I bake the chicken instead of frying?

Yes! Bake at 400°F for 20 minutes, flipping halfway.

4. What cheese works best for the sauce?

Parmesan is classic, but cheddar or gouda also taste amazing.

5. Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Just store the components separately and combine before serving.

6. Can I use pre-cooked chicken?

You can, but fresh crispy chicken makes all the difference!

7. What’s the best honey to use?

Raw organic honey gives the best depth of flavor.

Now it’s your turn! Try this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta and let me know what you think. Leave a comment below and don’t forget to share it with your friends!

Happy cooking!