Sizzling Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe for Foodies

Mouthwatering flavors dance together in this incredible honey pepper chicken panini pasta that promises a culinary adventure.

Tender chicken pieces blend seamlessly with sweet and spicy notes.

Crisp panini bread adds a delightful crunch to every delectable bite.

Weeknight dinners never looked this exciting or tasted this amazing.

Simple ingredients combine to create something extraordinary.

Each forkful delivers a perfect balance of zesty and smooth textures.

You’ll fall in love with this easy-to-make meal that transforms ordinary ingredients into an unforgettable dining experience.

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Must-Try Elements

• Enjoy a mouthwatering combination of crispy panko-crusted chicken, creamy pasta, and sweet-spicy honey pepper sauce that creates an incredible taste experience.
• Learn professional cooking skills like breading chicken, making a glossy sauce, and creating a perfectly creamy pasta base with simple yet sophisticated methods.
• Impress your family or guests with a restaurant-style dish that looks and tastes gourmet but can be prepared easily at home with basic ingredients.
• Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, using different cheeses, or swapping proteins to make it perfectly suited to your personal taste preferences.

Shopping List for Honey Pepper Panini Pasta

• Pasta: A classic base that provides a hearty foundation for the dish.
• Chicken: The protein star that is coated, fried, and topped with a flavorful sauce.
• Mozzarella: A creamy cheese that melts beautifully and adds richness.

• Flour, Egg, Panko Breadcrumbs: These ingredients create a crispy, golden exterior for the chicken.

• Honey, Soy Sauce, Vinegar: A combination that creates a sweet and tangy honey pepper sauce.
• Butter, Cream, Parmesan: These ingredients build a smooth and rich pasta sauce.

• Garlic, Peppers, Parsley: These add depth, heat, and a fresh finish to the dish.
• Salt: Enhances the overall flavor of the recipe.

Equipment for Making Honey Pepper Panini Pasta

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly with plenty of space.
• Skillet or Frying Pan: Needed for frying chicken and sauteing garlic.
• Saucepan: Crucial for simmering honey pepper sauce.
• Cutting Board: Used for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp Knife: Required for precise chicken and ingredient cutting.
• Tongs: Helpful for handling and turning chicken while frying.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Important for accurate ingredient amounts.
• Colander: Necessary for draining pasta after cooking.
• Broiler-Safe Dish: Used for final assembly and melting cheese.
• Whisk: Useful for mixing sauces and coating chicken.

Cooking Instructions for Honey Pepper Panini Pasta

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Cook pasta in a large pot of salted water until it reaches al dente texture.

Before draining, carefully scoop out and set aside some pasta water for later use.

This starchy liquid will help create a silky sauce later.

Step 2: Prepare Crispy Chicken

Slice chicken into thin, even cutlets.

• Seasoned flour
• Beaten eggs
• Panko breadcrumbs

Dredge each chicken piece through flour, dip in egg, then coat completely with panko.

Fry in hot oil until the exterior turns a beautiful golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Step 3: Craft Spicy Honey Glaze

• Honey
• Soy sauce
• Vinegar
• Cracked black pepper

Simmer the ingredients until they blend smoothly.

Swirl in butter to create a glossy, rich finish that will coat the chicken beautifully.

Step 4: Create Creamy Pasta Base

Melt butter in a skillet and sauté minced garlic until fragrant.

Pour in heavy cream and sprinkle Parmesan cheese.

Toss cooked pasta in the sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed.

Step 5: Build and Finish the Dish

Layer the creamy pasta on a serving plate.

Arrange sliced crispy chicken on top.

Generously drizzle the spicy honey glaze over the chicken.

Sprinkle mozzarella cheese and broil until the cheese melts and becomes bubbly.

Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

Tips for Saucy, Flavorful Panini Pasta

• Salt the water generously to enhance flavor and cook pasta just until al dente for the ideal texture.
• Press panko breadcrumbs firmly onto chicken to create a crispy, even coating that adheres well during frying.
• Adjust honey and pepper levels to create a perfect sweet-spicy balance that complements the chicken’s richness.
• Reserve pasta water before draining to help create a silky, smooth sauce that clings perfectly to the noodles.
• Broil panini briefly to create a golden, bubbling cheese top without overcooking the entire dish.

New Ideas for Panini Pasta Fans

• Gluten-Free Delight: Replace panko breadcrumbs with crushed gluten-free cornflakes or almond flour. Use gluten-free pasta and check soy sauce for gluten content.
• Vegetarian Option: Swap chicken with crispy tofu or grilled portobello mushrooms. Coat alternative protein in same breading method for similar texture.
• Spicy Kick Variation: Add red pepper flakes or sriracha to honey pepper sauce for extra heat. Incorporate diced jalapeños into pasta or as a topping for bold flavor.
• Dairy-Free Adaptation: Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Replace Parmesan and mozzarella with nutritional yeast and dairy-free cheese alternatives.

Panini Pasta Plating Suggestions

• Panini-Style Feast: Slice the golden-crusted chicken panini-style and arrange atop creamy pasta for a restaurant-worthy presentation that impresses guests.
• Sauce Dipping Station: Serve extra honey pepper sauce on the side in small ramekins, allowing diners to customize their sauce intensity and add extra flavor kicks.
• Herb Brightness Boost: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley or basil over the dish just before serving to add vibrant color and a fresh herbal note that cuts through the richness.
• Wine Pairing Magic: Complement the sweet and spicy flavors with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio that balances the dish’s complex taste profile.

Storage Wisdom for Honey Pepper Panini Pasta

• Store leftover pasta and chicken separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty plastic bags. Pasta and chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the sauce to prevent separation.
• Place pasta and chicken on a microwave-safe plate. Sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until heated thoroughly.
• Warm pasta in a skillet with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. Add chicken and sauce, stirring gently over medium-low heat until everything is hot and creamy.

FAQs

• What makes the honey pepper sauce unique?

The sauce combines sweet honey with tangy vinegar and soy sauce, creating a complex flavor profile that perfectly balances the crispy chicken and creamy pasta.

• Can I use a different type of protein instead of chicken?

Absolutely! You can substitute chicken with pork cutlets, turkey breast, or even tofu for a similar crispy coating and flavor experience.

• Do I need any special equipment to make this dish?

All you need is a large pot for pasta, a skillet for frying chicken, and a broiler-safe dish to melt the cheese and finish the recipe. Standard kitchen tools work great.

• Is this recipe considered spicy?

The honey pepper sauce has a mild kick from the peppers, but it’s more about creating a balanced, slightly zesty flavor rather than intense heat. The sauce is more sweet and tangy than truly spicy.

Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

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4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Honey pepper chicken panini pasta blends Italian and American flavors for a delightful culinary experience. Layers of grilled chicken, melted cheese, and zesty honey pepper sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Crispy Chicken Ingredients:

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 pound/453 grams)
• 1/2 cup (60 grams) all-purpose flour
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 large egg, beaten
• 1 cup (120 grams) panko breadcrumbs
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) vegetable oil, for frying

Honey Pepper Sauce Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (170 grams) honey
• 1 tablespoon soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter

Creamy Pasta Ingredients:

• 12 ounces (340 grams) penne or rigatoni pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50 grams) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 cup (100 grams) shredded mozzarella cheese
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in generously salted water for 8-10 minutes until perfectly al dente. Carefully extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy cooking liquid before draining.
2. Transform chicken into thin cutlets by slicing horizontally. Create a three-stage coating process: dust with seasoned flour, dip in beaten egg, then thoroughly coat with crispy panko breadcrumbs.
3. Deep fry chicken cutlets in hot oil at 375°F, turning once, until exterior turns golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring complete cooking.
4. Craft honey pepper sauce by combining honey, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and cracked black pepper in a simmering saucepan. Whisk in cold butter until sauce becomes glossy and emulsified.
5. Prepare creamy pasta base by sautéing minced garlic in butter until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and freshly grated Parmesan, creating a rich sauce.
6. Gently fold cooked pasta into cream sauce, using reserved pasta water to adjust consistency if needed. Ensure each pasta strand is luxuriously coated.
7. Layer pasta in oven-safe dish, strategically place sliced chicken on top, then generously drizzle with honey pepper sauce. Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly.
8. Broil for 2-3 minutes until cheese melts and develops golden brown bubbles. Finish with freshly chopped parsley for vibrant color and fresh flavor.

Notes

• Pasta Water Magic Reserve the starchy pasta water to help create a silky, clingy sauce that perfectly coats each noodle.
• Chicken Coating Pro Tip Double-dip chicken in flour, egg, and breadcrumbs for an extra crispy, golden-brown exterior that stays crunchy.
• Sauce Balancing Act Adjust honey pepper sauce sweetness by adding more vinegar for tang or more honey for richness, depending on personal preference.
• Cheese Melting Hack Place panini under broiler for just 1-2 minutes to achieve that irresistible bubbly, slightly browned mozzarella without overcooking the dish.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 860
• Sugar: 24 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 42 g
• Saturated Fat: 19 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 81 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 41 g
• Cholesterol: 190 mg