The Zesty Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe You’ll Love

Weeknight dinners demand excitement, and this honey pepper chicken panini pasta recipe delivers a flavor-packed punch that will make taste buds dance.

Sweet honey blends seamlessly with zesty pepper, creating a harmonious blend of tastes in every bite.

The tender chicken, perfectly seasoned and grilled, adds depth to this irresistible dish.

Crispy panini edges provide a delightful crunch that complements the soft pasta beneath.

Each forkful promises a delightful journey of textures and sensations that will leave you craving more.

Layers of ingredients combine to craft a meal that feels both comforting and gourmet.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Qualities

• Savor Quick Comfort: Whip up this mouthwatering chicken pasta that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under an hour, perfect for busy weeknight dinners.
• Customize with Ease: Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes, making it adaptable for different taste preferences and family members.
• Transform Leftover Magic: Transform basic pantry ingredients into a delicious meal that elevates simple chicken and pasta into a crave-worthy dish packed with creamy, honey-infused goodness.
• Family-Friendly Feast: Kids and adults will love the crispy chicken, cheesy sauce, and balanced sweet-spicy flavor profile that makes this recipe a crowd-pleasing winner.

Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta Ingredients

• Chicken: Tender meat marinated in buttermilk for extra flavor and juiciness.
• Buttermilk: Tenderizing liquid that enhances chicken's softness and taste.

• All-Purpose Flour: Main dry coating for creating a crispy exterior.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Paprika: Seasoning blend for adding depth of flavor to the chicken coating.

• Butter: Rich base for creating a smooth sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds intense flavor to the sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid that provides depth and richness to the sauce.
• Heavy Cream: Creamy element that creates a smooth and luxurious sauce texture.
• Honey: Sweet ingredient that balances the spicy and savory flavors.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy component that adds a gentle heat to the dish.

• Pasta: Main carbohydrate base of the recipe.
• Mozzarella Cheese: Melty cheese that adds creaminess and richness to the dish.

• Olive Oil: Cooking fat used for frying the chicken.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings for enhancing overall taste.

Simple Steps for Panini Pasta

Step 1: Tenderize Chicken

Soak chicken pieces in buttermilk for half an hour to ensure maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.

Step 2: Create Crispy Coating

• All-purpose flour
• Salt
• Ground black pepper
• Paprika

Thoroughly coat each chicken piece in the seasoned flour mixture.

Step 3: Fry Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.

Cook chicken until it develops a crispy, golden-brown exterior.

Remove and set aside on a paper towel to drain excess oil.

Step 4: Craft Creamy Honey Sauce

In a saucepan, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Honey
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for 5 minutes, allowing flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Cook Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water according to package directions.

Drain thoroughly.

Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Toss cooked pasta in the creamy honey sauce.

Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese and stir until cheese melts and coats the pasta.

Step 7: Add Crispy Chicken Topping

Slice the golden-brown chicken and arrange on top of the cheesy pasta.

Step 8: Serve and Savor

Present the dish immediately while hot, ready to delight taste buds with its spicy-sweet combination.

Pro Tips for Honey Pepper Pasta

• Let buttermilk tenderize chicken for maximum flavor and juiciness before cooking.
• Ensure an even coating of seasoned flour by patting chicken gently and shaking off excess for perfectly crispy texture.
• Stir mozzarella slowly into warm sauce to create a smooth, creamy consistency without clumping.
• Adjust red pepper flakes according to heat preference, starting with a small amount and tasting gradually.
• Let chicken rest on a wire rack after frying to maintain crispiness and prevent soggy bottom.

Honey Pepper Pasta Variations and Swaps

• Gluten-Free Friendly: Replace wheat flour with almond flour or cornstarch for dredging chicken. Use gluten-free pasta and verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
• Dairy-Free Option: Substitute buttermilk with coconut milk, replace heavy cream with coconut cream, and use dairy-free cheese alternative or nutritional yeast instead of mozzarella.
• Spicy Vegetarian Transformation: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or roasted cauliflower, keeping the honey pepper sauce. Use vegetable broth for added flavor depth.
• Low-Carb Alternative: Replace pasta with spiralized zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice. Maintain the rich honey pepper sauce and crispy protein for a satisfying meal.

Serving Panini Pasta Dishes

• Panini Party Platter: Create a vibrant spread with sliced panini bread, extra crispy chicken strips, and small bowls of additional honey-pepper sauce for dipping.
• Salad Sidekick: Pair the pasta with a light arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness of the creamy honey-pepper sauce.
• Wine Companion: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or a light Sauvignon Blanc that complements the sweet and spicy flavor profile of the dish.
• Fresh Herb Finish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil on top to add a bright, aromatic touch and enhance the visual appeal of the pasta.

Storage Tips for Panini Pasta Leftovers

• Store leftover pasta in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and maintain flavor.
• Pack cooled pasta in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Separate chicken and sauce if possible to preserve texture.
• Place pasta in microwave-safe dish. Add splash of chicken broth or water to restore moisture. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm pasta in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of chicken broth or cream to prevent drying. Stir gently and continuously until heated evenly, approximately 3-5 minutes.

FAQs

• What makes the buttermilk marinade important for the chicken?

Buttermilk helps tenderize the chicken, making it more juicy and soft while adding a subtle tangy flavor that enhances the overall taste of the dish.

• Why use a mixture of flour, salt, black pepper, and paprika for coating?

This seasoned flour coating creates a crispy, flavorful exterior on the chicken, providing a delicious crunch and rich, spicy undertones that complement the honey pepper sauce.

• How does the honey and red pepper flakes work together in the sauce?

The honey adds a sweet, smooth base while red pepper flakes introduce a spicy kick, creating a perfect balance of sweet and heat that makes the sauce complex and exciting.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honey pepper chicken panini pasta brings Italian-American comfort to your kitchen with bold, sweet-spicy flavors. Crisp bread, tender chicken, and melted cheese create a perfect meal that satisfies cravings and delivers delightful culinary excitement you’ll crave again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Pasta and Flour:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
• 1 cup all-purpose flour

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 1 tablespoon honey
• 1 cup buttermilk
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

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Instructions

1. Submerge chicken pieces in buttermilk, allowing flavors to infuse for half an hour at room temperature.
2. Create a seasoned coating by blending flour with salt, ground black pepper, and smoky paprika.
3. Remove chicken from buttermilk, thoroughly coat each piece in the spiced flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
4. Heat olive oil in a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then carefully place chicken pieces to fry.
5. Cook chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown crust and internal temperature of 165°F.
6. Transfer crispy chicken to a paper towel-lined plate, letting excess oil drain.
7. In a separate saucepan, melt butter and gently sauté minced garlic until fragrant.
8. Pour chicken broth, heavy cream, pure honey, and red pepper flakes into the garlic butter, whisking to combine.
9. Simmer sauce for 5 minutes, allowing ingredients to meld and slightly thicken.
10. Prepare pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, cooking until al dente.
11. Drain pasta and immediately fold into the creamy honey-pepper sauce.
12. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese into the pasta, stirring until cheese melts smoothly.
13. Slice the crispy chicken into strips and arrange artfully atop the cheesy pasta.
14. Serve immediately while hot, garnishing with additional red pepper flakes if desired.

Notes

• Create a tender, juicy chicken by marinating in buttermilk for at least 30 minutes, which helps break down proteins and adds incredible flavor.
• Ensure crispy chicken coating by patting the meat dry before dredging and using a mix of flour with balanced spices for maximum crunch.
• Adjust honey and red pepper flakes to control sweetness and spice level, making the dish adaptable for different taste preferences.
• Transform this recipe into a gluten-free version by substituting regular flour with almond or rice flour, maintaining the same delicious texture and taste.

• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 575 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 45 g
• Fiber: 2.5 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg