Sweet Spicy Pasta (Print Version)
# Ingredients:
→ Chicken Prep
01 -
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (large)
02 -
Salt and pepper as needed
03 -
2 tbsp olive oil
→ Pasta and Creamy Sauce
04 -
1 cup heavy cream
05 -
12 ounces of penne (or any short pasta you like)
06 -
1 tbsp butter
07 -
1 tbsp garlic (finely chopped)
08 -
2 tbsp honey
09 -
½ cup Parmesan (grated)
10 -
1 tbsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
11 -
1 tbsp chopped parsley (optional to finish)
# Instructions:
01 -
Start by boiling a pot of water, adding a generous pinch of salt. Cook the pasta as directed on the package until tender-firm (al dente). Reserve a cup of the starchy water before draining, then set the pasta aside.
02 -
Sprinkle both sides of each chicken breast with salt and pepper. In a hot skillet with olive oil, cook the chicken over medium-high heat for about 6 to 7 minutes per side. When the chicken's temperature internally hits 165°F (74°C), take it off the heat. Let it rest a few minutes before cutting it into pieces.
03 -
Using the same skillet, toss in the butter and let it melt over medium heat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for a minute or two until it smells fantastic. Next, mix in the honey and black pepper, letting it simmer for a couple of minutes so the honey can get thicker and caramelize a bit.
04 -
Pour in the heavy cream and let it bubble gently. Stir everything well while letting it cook for a few minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. If it thickens too much, mix in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen it up.
05 -
Throw the cooked pasta into the skillet with the creamy sauce and give it a good stir so the pasta is coated. Sprinkle in the Parmesan and stir again until it fully melts and the sauce is all smooth. Top it off with the cooked chicken slices and mix everything once more.
06 -
Scoop the pasta onto plates, sprinkle some parsley on top if you'd like, and serve it up while it's nice and hot.
# Notes:
01 -
The honey adds a gentle sweetness that perfectly goes with the bold kick of black pepper.
02 -
Want more flavor? Soak the chicken in olive oil mixed with honey and pepper for about 30 minutes before cooking.
03 -
To make it a bit lighter, swap the heavy cream for half-and-half.
04 -
For some extra heat, chuck in red pepper flakes while you make the sauce.