Honey Pepper Chicken Panini

This honey pepper chicken panini pasta is perfect for home cooks who want a flavorful and comforting meal on busy weeknights. It combines juicy chicken coated in a sweet and peppery marinade with tender pasta tossed in a creamy Parmesan sauce. The dish comes together quickly but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen.

I threw this together on a whim when I had leftover chicken and was craving something cozy but different. It quickly became a favorite in our household.

Ingredients

• Honey: brings a natural sweetness that balances the pepper and soy sauce
• Low sodium soy sauce: adds umami without overpowering saltiness
• Apple cider vinegar: adds a touch of acidity to brighten the marinade
• Freshly ground black pepper: delivers robust heat and flavor that stale spice cannot match
• Red chili flakes: provide optional warmth, adjust to your spice tolerance
• Chicken breast or thighs: are tender and soak up the marinade well; choose fresh and firm pieces
• All-purpose flour with paprika: for a light, flavorful dredge that crisps chicken gently
• Olive or vegetable oil: for a golden sear locking in juices
• Penne or rigatoni pasta: holds the sauce nicely; pick a good quality brand for best texture
• Unsalted butter: to create a silky base for the sauce without added saltiness
• Garlic cloves: for aromatic depth, crush just before using for maximum flavor
• Heavy cream: gives the sauce richness and smoothness; fresh cream makes a difference
• Chicken broth: adds savory depth and keeps sauce from being too heavy
• Freshly grated Parmesan cheese: melts smoothly and brings a nutty, sharp tang
• Bell peppers: add color and fresh crunch, select vibrant and firm peppers
• Fresh spinach leaves: for a mild earthy note and a touch of green freshness
• Chopped parsley for garnish: adds a burst of herbaceous brightness and visual appeal

Instructions

Build The Marinade:

Combine honey soy sauce apple cider vinegar freshly ground black pepper optional red chili flakes and garlic powder in a bowl. Whisk these together thoroughly to create a balanced sweet and savory mix. Marinate the chicken in this mixture for at least 15 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat deeply.

Prepare The Chicken:

In a separate bowl mix the flour paprika salt and black pepper thoroughly. Remove chicken from marinade allowing excess to drip off then dredge each piece in the flour mixture coating evenly. This step creates a flavorful crust and helps seal in juices when cooking.

Sear The Chicken:

Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Carefully add the coated chicken pieces and cook undisturbed for several minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook until the chicken is cooked through with no pink inside. Remove from skillet and let rest before slicing into strips.

Cook Pasta Al Dente:

Boil the pasta following package directions but stop cooking just before it becomes too soft. Drain well reserving half a cup of pasta cooking water which will be used later to adjust sauce consistency for perfect coating.

Make The Sauce:

Reduce heat to medium and melt the butter in the same skillet used for chicken. Add minced garlic and sauté gently until fragrant paying close attention not to burn it as burnt garlic adds bitterness. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth bringing the mixture to a gentle simmer.

Add Parmesan Cheese:

Gradually stir in freshly grated Parmesan cheese until completely melted and the sauce becomes smooth. This gentle melting avoids clumps and ensures a creamy luscious texture.

Combine Pasta And Chicken:

Add the drained pasta sliced chicken bell peppers and fresh spinach to the sauce in the skillet. Toss everything together gently making sure the sauce covers all the ingredients evenly. Add the reserved pasta water a little at a time if the sauce feels too thick or sticky.

Season And Garnish:

Taste for seasoning and add salt and freshly ground black pepper to preference. Sprinkle chopped parsley over the finished dish for a fresh pop of color and herbaceous flavor to brighten each bite.

One of my favorite parts of this dish is the way the honey and black pepper combine to create a sweet heat that lingers just right. It reminds me of family dinners where we all gathered around the table sharing stories and passing bowls of this comforting pasta. The parsley garnish really ties it together visually and flavor-wise.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to three days in the refrigerator. Reheat gently over low heat adding a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce if it thickens too much. Avoid microwaving on high as it can dry out the chicken.

Ingredient Swaps

For a gluten free option swap all-purpose flour with a gluten free blend or corn starch for dredging the chicken. Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce for a soy free version. Light coconut milk can replace heavy cream but the sauce will be less thick.

Serving Ideas

Serve this pasta with a crisp green salad or simple garlic bread to complement the richness of the sauce. A side of roasted vegetables adds additional texture and nutrition making it a complete well rounded meal.

This dish is a rewarding project for anyone who enjoys the pairing of sweet heat and creamy sauces because it hits all the right notes of flavor and texture with minimal fuss. Enjoy experimenting with ingredient swaps and seasonal add ins to make it your own.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Combine honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, red chili flakes, and garlic powder. Marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate deeply.

→ What pasta works best for this dish?

Penne or rigatoni are ideal choices as their ridges hold the creamy sauce well and complement the texture of the chicken and vegetables.

→ Can I adjust the spice level?

Yes, simply vary the amount of red chili flakes to your desired heat intensity, or omit them for a milder profile.

→ How do I achieve the perfect creamy sauce consistency?

Simmer heavy cream and chicken broth until slightly thickened, then stir in Parmesan cheese. Add reserved pasta water gradually to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.

→ What are some good garnish options?

Chopped fresh parsley provides a bright, herbaceous note that balances the richness of the sauce while adding visual appeal.