If you’re looking for an irresistible mashup of sweet, smoky, cheesy, and savory flavors, look no further than the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta. This crave-worthy dish brings the best parts of a classic chicken panini into a vibrant, saucy pasta skillet, loaded with colorful bell peppers, gooey mozzarella, and just the right touch of honey-kissed heat. It’s the kind of weeknight sensation that tastes like it came from your favorite café, but is totally within reach in your own kitchen!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta lies in its easily available yet flavor-packed ingredients. Each component plays a delicious role: the chicken for heartiness, the honey for sweetness, and those gooey cheeses for ultimate melt factor. Let’s take a closer look at what you need to bring this dish to life.

12 ounces penne pasta: Penne’s ridges trap that luscious sauce perfectly, but feel free to sub in any short pasta you love.
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips): Chicken strips cook quickly and soak up every bright, sweet, and peppery note in the sauce.
2 tablespoons olive oil: A great base for browning the chicken and infusing the whole dish with richness.
1 teaspoon garlic powder: Garlic powder gives a boost of flavor without any peeling or mincing required.
1 teaspoon smoked paprika: This adds bold, smoky warmth and gives the dish its signature panini vibes.
½ teaspoon salt: Balances the sweet elements and enhances all those savory aspects.
½ teaspoon black pepper: Classic sharpness that gently turns up the flavor.
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes: For a subtle heat that sneaks up in every bite; add more if you like it spicy!
½ cup honey: The sweet foundation that makes this chicken pasta shine.
¼ cup soy sauce: Gives a deep, salty umami character that balances the honey’s sweetness.
¼ cup chicken broth: Helps create a silky, emulsified sauce.
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar: A splash of acid that perks up all the other flavors.
2 tablespoons butter: Finishes the veggies and brings just the right gloss to the dish.
1 red bell pepper (sliced): Adds color and a natural sweetness that pairs perfectly with the honey.
1 green bell pepper (sliced): For a touch of bitterness and more visual pop.
1 small red onion (sliced): Its gentle sharpness echoes that classic panini flavor.
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: This cheese gives the ultimate gooey, creamy stretch!
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese: For nutty, umami-rich depth and irresistible flavor.
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped): The finishing touch for freshness and a splash of green.

How to Make Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start this Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta by boiling your penne (or favorite short pasta) until it’s just al dente. Be sure to salt your water generously to make every noodle pop with flavor. Once the pasta is perfectly cooked, drain and set it aside—it’s going to soak up all that saucy goodness in just a bit.

Step 2: Brown the Chicken

Heat those 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. While it warms up, toss your chicken strips with garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. When the pan’s hot, add the chicken and let it sear for about 5–6 minutes, flipping as needed, until it’s golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep it cozy while you move on.

Step 3: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, drop in the butter, and as it melts, pour in your sliced red and green bell peppers and red onion. Sauté everything for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally till those veggies soften up and get glossy at the edges. This step builds the signature panini-style flavor base and fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas.

Step 4: Build the Sweet and Peppery Sauce

Now comes the flavor bomb: Stir in the honey, soy sauce, chicken broth, apple cider vinegar, and crushed red pepper flakes. The mixture will gently bubble, transforming into a slightly thickened, shiny sauce that clings to every veggie. Let it simmer for 3–4 minutes—watch that sauce come together!

Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta

Add your cooked chicken back to the skillet, and then tumble in the drained pasta. Toss everything together so every bite gets glossy with that sweet, peppery sauce—and don’t be shy about mixing well to coat all the nooks and crannies.

Step 6: Melt In the Cheeses

Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan all over the top. Cover the skillet and reduce the heat to low. Let the cheese melt and mingle for a few minutes until everything is gloriously creamy and melded. This is where it goes from good to unforgettable, capturing that gooey panini magic in pasta form!

Step 7: Finish With Freshness

Right before serving, shower the skillet with chopped fresh parsley. A little herbaceous pop lightens each forkful, making your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta look as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Garnishes

For the finishing touch on this lively skillet, garnish with more fresh parsley, an extra sprinkle of Parmesan, or even a dash of crushed red pepper if you’re feeling bold. Lemon zest can add a bright sparkle too, making the flavors jump even more.

Side Dishes

Pair your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta with a crisp green salad tossed in a bright vinaigrette or some garlicky roasted broccoli. Crusty warm bread is perfect for mopping up every last drop of sauce—you won’t want to leave a single bite behind!

Creative Ways to Present

Take the panini-inspired theme even further by serving pasta family-style on a big platter, or spooning it into ovenproof bowls and broiling an extra layer of cheese on top until bubbly. For a fun twist, stuff leftovers into a toasted baguette for a true panini-pasta hybrid!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta keeps beautifully! Make sure to cool the pasta completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator, and the flavors deepen as they sit.

Freezing

This pasta is surprisingly freezer-friendly. Package cooled portions in freezer-safe bags or containers, squeezing out any excess air. Label and date them, then freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or a drizzle of water to your pasta before gently warming it on the stovetop or in the microwave. Stir occasionally for even heat and melty cheese. Avoid overheating to keep the chicken juicy and the pasta tender.

FAQs

Can I use a different type Main Course

Absolutely! While penne is classic for scooping up sauce, any short pasta like rigatoni, fusilli, or rotini will work wonderfully in Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

Is it possible to make this dish vegetarian?

Yes! Simply swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or pan-fried tofu, and use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a satisfying veggie version.

What cheese can I substitute for mozzarella?

Provolone is a fantastic option for a more panini-like taste, or you can use a mild fontina or even gouda for extra creaminess in your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

How can I make it spicier?

Turn up the heat by adding more crushed red pepper flakes or finishing your plate with a drizzle of hot sauce. Adjust to your spice-loving heart’s content!

Can I prep any elements ahead of time?

Definitely. You can pre-cook the pasta and slice the chicken and vegetables up to 1 day ahead. Store them separately in the fridge to make assembling your Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta a breeze come dinnertime.

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re craving something comforting and bold or hoping to impress friends with a truly standout pasta night, the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta brings the wow-factor in every bite. Give it a try—you’ll fall for those sweet, savory, cheesy flavors and want it in your regular rotation!

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.7 from 24 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 40 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this scrumptious Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta recipe. Savory chicken strips, sweet honey, and a hint of spice come together in a creamy, cheesy pasta dish that’s sure to satisfy your cravings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta:

12 ounces penne pasta

Chicken:

1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts (sliced into strips)

Sauce:

2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
½ cup honey
¼ cup soy sauce
¼ cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
2 tablespoons butter
1 red bell pepper (sliced)
1 green bell pepper (sliced)
1 small red onion (sliced)
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Cook pasta until al dente, then drain. Set aside.
Cook the Chicken: Season and cook chicken until browned and cooked through. Set aside.
Prepare the Sauce: Sauté vegetables, add honey, soy sauce, broth, vinegar, and spices. Simmer until thickened.
Combine: Return chicken to skillet, add pasta, and toss in sauce. Sprinkle cheeses and cook until melted.
Serve: Garnish with parsley and enjoy!