Honey Pepper Chicken Panini (Printable Version)

Sweet honey and pepper glaze pairs with tender chicken and creamy Parmesan pasta, finished with vibrant veggies.

# Ingredients Required:

→ Marinade

01 - 81 ml honey
02 - 60 ml low-sodium soy sauce
03 - 15 ml apple cider vinegar
04 - 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
05 - 1/2 tsp red chili flakes (optional)
06 - 1 tsp garlic powder

→ Chicken Coating

07 - 227 g boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
08 - 60 g all-purpose flour
09 - 1/2 tsp paprika
10 - 1/4 tsp salt
11 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Cooking Fats

12 - 45 ml olive oil or vegetable oil
13 - 28 g unsalted butter

→ Pasta

14 - 340 g penne or rigatoni pasta

→ Sauce

15 - 3 garlic cloves, minced
16 - 120 ml heavy cream
17 - 120 ml chicken broth
18 - 100 g freshly grated Parmesan cheese
19 - Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Vegetables & Garnish

20 - 120 ml chopped bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
21 - 120 ml fresh spinach leaves
22 - 15 ml chopped fresh parsley

# Guide to Cooking:

01 - In a bowl, blend honey, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, black pepper, red chili flakes (if using), and garlic powder. Submerge the chicken pieces and marinate for at least 15 minutes.
02 - In a separate bowl, combine flour, paprika, salt, and pepper. Dredge the marinated chicken in the flour mixture until evenly coated.
03 - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Pan-sear chicken until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove and slice into strips.
04 - Prepare pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 120 ml of pasta water before draining.
05 - Melt butter in the skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until fragrant, then add heavy cream and chicken broth. Bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in Parmesan cheese until smooth.
06 - Add cooked pasta, sliced chicken, bell peppers, and spinach to the sauce. Toss to integrate. Adjust consistency with reserved pasta water if necessary.
07 - Season with salt and pepper to taste. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

# Extra Suggestions:

01 - For a healthier variation, substitute whole wheat pasta and reduce heavy cream quantity. Extend marinating time for deeper flavor. Adjust red chili flakes to preferred spice level.