Sweet, spicy, and creamy collide in the most irresistible way with this Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta. If you love dishes that balance comfort and bold flavor, this one brings it all to the table—crispy chicken, luscious sauce, and tender pasta all drenched in a peppery honey glaze. It’s restaurant-quality food made simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, but impressive enough to serve to guests.

Every bite is coated with a creamy, subtly sweet sauce that clings to the pasta and makes the seasoned chicken sing. This pasta dish is a true flavor bomb, with garlic, chili flakes, black pepper, and that beautiful golden drizzle of honey that pulls it all together. It’s everything you want in a bowl: rich, comforting, and with a spicy kick.
What Kind of Pasta Should I Use?
Fusilli is a perfect match here because the grooves hold onto the sauce beautifully, but penne or rigatoni also work well. You want a short, sturdy pasta that can soak up every drop of that luscious honey pepper sauce without turning mushy.
Ingredients for the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless, sliced into strips, seasoned and pan-seared until golden. It adds juicy protein and soaks up the glaze beautifully.
Fusilli Pasta: The spiral shape locks in all the creamy sauce. Swap for penne or rotini if needed.
Garlic: Freshly minced for deep, savory flavor.
Honey: The sweet balance to the black pepper kick. Choose raw or local honey for more depth.
Black Pepper: Use freshly cracked for bold, spicy notes.
Heavy Cream: Creates the rich, silky sauce base.
Parmesan Cheese: For creaminess and salty bite in the sauce.
Butter: Helps blend the sauce and enhances richness.
Chili Flakes: Adds a low, slow burn that keeps you going back for more.
Parsley: Chopped fresh parsley brightens the dish and makes it pretty on the plate.
How To Make the Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Step 1: Sear the Chicken
Season chicken breast strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
Boil the fusilli in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
Step 3: Build the Sauce
In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and chili flakes. Let them bloom for 30 seconds. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until simmering. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
Step 4: Add the Honey and Pepper
Drizzle in the honey and add a generous crack of black pepper. Stir well and taste—adjust with more honey or pepper to your liking.
Step 5: Combine
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Add the seared chicken on top and spoon some sauce over it.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve hot.

How to Serve and Store Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
Serve this dish right after tossing everything together for the creamiest experience. It pairs well with crusty bread or a fresh green salad. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of cream or milk and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What to Serve With Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta?
Garlic Bread
Crunchy, buttery garlic bread makes the perfect partner to mop up every bit of the creamy sauce.
Roasted Parmesan Green Beans
A crisp and cheesy veggie side to balance out the richness.
Lemon Churro Cookies
If you’re craving a unique dessert, these offer tangy-sweet finish with a cinnamon crunch.
Cheesy Spinach Stuffed Shells
Double down on pasta night with a side of baked shells filled with creamy spinach goodness.
Caesar Salad
Fresh, crunchy romaine with creamy dressing cuts through the heavy sauce beautifully.
Roasted Broccoli and Sweet Potatoes
Simple, oven-roasted veggies for a colorful and healthy contrast.
Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup
Start the meal with a comforting, cheesy soup to complement the pasta.
Sparkling Lemon Water
A refreshing drink to keep your palate refreshed and your dinner light.
Want More Pasta Dinner Ideas?
If you love this creamy honey pepper chicken pasta, you’ll definitely want to explore these next-level comfort dishes:
- Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for a rich and hearty spin.
- Garlic Butter Chicken with Rigatoni and Parmesan brings that irresistible garlic punch.
- Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe if you’re looking for simple, satisfying indulgence.
- Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta makes a quick and cozy one-pot option.
- Marry Me Chicken Pasta Recipe for a dish that’s romantic and rich.
Save This Pin For Later
📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go heavy on the honey or spice it up even more? Did you swap in rotini or stay loyal to fusilli?
I love hearing how you make these recipes your own. Ask questions or share your spins—we’re all in this delicious journey together.
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Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Bring restaurant flair to your weeknight dinner with this irresistible Honey Pepper Chicken Pasta. It’s a quick and flavorful recipe that blends sweet honey, bold cracked black pepper, creamy sauce, and seared chicken—all tangled in tender fusilli pasta. Ideal for easy dinner nights, cozy comfort meals, or when you’re craving something indulgent yet totally doable. This dish ranks high among quick dinner ideas and creamy pasta favorites, perfect for anyone seeking food ideas with flair.
Ingredients
1 lb chicken breast, boneless and skinless, sliced into strips
8 oz fusilli pasta
3 cloves garlic, minced
3 tbsp honey
1 tsp freshly cracked black pepper
1 cup heavy cream
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 tbsp butter
1/2 tsp chili flakes
2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Salt, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
1. Season chicken breast strips with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the chicken until golden and cooked through. Set aside and keep warm.
2. Boil the fusilli in salted water until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining.
3. In the same skillet, melt butter, then add garlic and chili flakes. Let them bloom for 30 seconds.
4. Pour in the heavy cream and stir until simmering. Add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and smooth.
5. Drizzle in the honey and add a generous crack of black pepper. Stir well and taste—adjust with more honey or pepper to your liking.
6. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet along with a splash of reserved pasta water. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce.
7. Add the seared chicken on top and spoon some sauce over it.
8. Finish with chopped parsley and serve hot with extra Parmesan if desired.
Notes
Don’t skip the pasta water—it helps the sauce cling to the pasta and stay creamy.
Use freshly cracked black pepper for the boldest flavor kick.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 590
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 32g
- Saturated Fat: 17g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 44g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 135mg
Keywords: honey pepper pasta, chicken pasta, easy dinner, creamy pasta, quick dinner ideas
