There's something undeniably comforting about a plate of Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta. The combination of crispy, golden-brown chicken, sweet and slightly spicy honey pepper sauce, and perfectly cooked pasta creates a dish that's both satisfying and full of bold flavors.
I first discovered this incredible dish at a small café, where they served it as a unique take on a classic chicken panini. The flavors were so irresistible that I knew I had to recreate it at home—with a pasta twist! Now, it's a go-to meal in our household, perfect for weeknights when we want something indulgent yet easy to make.
Why You'll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
Get ready to fall in love with a dish that hits all the right notes—sweet, spicy, crispy, and creamy. Whether you're cooking for family or impressing guests, this pasta delivers big flavor with minimal effort.
First off, the honey pepper sauce is a game-changer. It perfectly balances sweetness and heat, coating the pasta and crispy chicken in a mouthwatering glaze.
This recipe is also quick and easy. In just about 40 minutes, you'll have a restaurant-quality meal without the hassle of complicated steps.
It's incredibly versatile. You can swap out proteins, use different types of pasta, or even add veggies to customize it to your liking.
And let’s not forget—it’s family-friendly. The sweet and savory sauce makes it a hit with kids and adults alike, so you won’t have to worry about picky eaters!
Ingredients Notes

The magic of Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta lies in its well-balanced ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in bringing together the dish’s signature flavors.
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for this recipe, as they crisp up beautifully when pan-fried. If you prefer a juicier option, you can use chicken thighs instead.
Pasta: Penne or rigatoni are ideal choices since their ridges help catch all that delicious honey pepper sauce. However, any pasta shape will work!
Honey Pepper Sauce: A blend of honey, black pepper, and red pepper flakes creates the perfect sweet and spicy contrast. The addition of garlic and soy sauce deepens the flavors, making it irresistibly rich.
Cheese: A touch of Parmesan adds a nutty, salty finish to the dish. For extra creaminess, you can stir in a bit of shredded mozzarella.
Special Equipment: A large skillet for cooking the chicken, and a saucepan for preparing the pasta are all you need to bring this dish to life.
How To Make This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

Making this dish is easier than you think! Let’s break it down step by step.
Start by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water. Cook until al dente, then drain and set aside. The salt in the water helps season the pasta from the inside out.
While the pasta is cooking, prepare the chicken. Slice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces, season with salt and pepper, and coat lightly with cornstarch. This helps create that crisp, golden texture once cooked.
In a large skillet, heat some olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook until golden brown and crispy on the outside while remaining juicy on the inside. Once done, set them aside on a paper towel-lined plate.
Next, make the honey pepper sauce. In the same skillet, add butter, garlic, honey, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and soy sauce. Stir and let the mixture simmer until it thickens slightly and coats the back of a spoon.
Finally, toss everything together. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and stir to coat it in the sauce. Gently fold in the crispy chicken, ensuring each piece gets coated in the delicious honey pepper glaze. Finish with a generous sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.
Storage Options
If you have leftovers (which is rare with this dish!), you can store them easily for another meal.
Keep any extra pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully over time, making it even tastier the next day!
For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta for up to 2 months. Just make sure to let it cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container.
When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to loosen up the sauce. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat or microwave in short bursts, stirring in between.
Variations and Substitutions
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize! Here are some variations you can try:
- Swap the protein: Not a fan of chicken? Try shrimp, tofu, or even crispy pork for a different twist.
- Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a plant-based version.
- Go gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and replace the soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos.
- Add extra heat: Love spice? Increase the red pepper flakes or drizzle in some sriracha for an extra kick.
- Make it extra creamy: Stir in a splash of heavy cream or cream cheese for a richer, silkier sauce.
Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! No matter how you customize it, the combination of honey, pepper, and crispy chicken will always be a winner.
This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta is sure to become a new favorite in your household. Whether you're making it for a cozy dinner or serving it up for guests, it’s a dish that delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Give it a try and let me know how you like it!
PrintBest Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe
This honey pepper chicken panini pasta recipe is a perfect balance of sweet and spicy flavors. Featuring crispy chicken, a creamy sauce, and bold spices, this dish is a comforting yet exciting meal. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this easy-to-make recipe will quickly become a favorite!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop & Frying
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ¼ cup honey
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp butter
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 8 oz penne pasta
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- ½ cup chicken broth
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
Instructions
- Marinate chicken in buttermilk for 30 minutes.
- In a bowl, mix flour, salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
- Coat marinated chicken in the flour mixture, then fry until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook pasta according to package instructions; drain and set aside.
- In a saucepan, melt butter and stir in honey and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add chicken broth, heavy cream, and Parmesan cheese. Stir until smooth.
- Toss in cooked pasta, stirring to coat evenly.
- Slice fried chicken and place on top of the pasta.
- Garnish with oregano and basil before serving.
Notes
- Adjust honey and red pepper flakes for desired sweetness and heat.
- Use grilled chicken for a lighter option.
- Add sautéed bell peppers or spinach for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 620
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 750mg
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