Have you ever craved a dish that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and spicy flavors? Imagine juicy, golden-brown chicken coated in a rich honey pepper glaze, paired with tender pasta, gooey melted cheese, and crispy panini bread. This Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, combining the best elements of a sandwich and pasta into one incredible meal.

Whether you’re looking for a satisfying dinner, a restaurant-style meal at home, or a dish to impress your family and friends, this recipe delivers. The combination of honey, black pepper, and melted cheese creates a depth of flavor that will keep you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

• A perfect balance of flavors – Sweet honey, spicy black pepper, and savory chicken create an irresistible taste.
• Easy to make – Simple steps and everyday ingredients make this dish accessible to all home cooks.
• Great for meal prep – Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable – Adjust the spice level, swap cheeses, or add veggies to make it your own.

Ingredients for Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe

For the Honey Pepper Sauce

• ½ cup honey
• 2 tablespoons black pepper (adjust to taste)
• 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 1 teaspoon soy sauce
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon butter

For the Chicken

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into strips)
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Pasta

• 8 oz penne pasta
• 1 tablespoon salt (for boiling water)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ½ cup heavy cream
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Panini

• 4 ciabatta rolls (or sourdough bread)
• 2 tablespoons butter (for grilling)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• ½ cup sliced red onions
• ½ cup arugula (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Honey Pepper Sauce

1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine honey, black pepper, apple cider vinegar, soy sauce, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.
2. Stir and bring to a simmer, cooking for about 5 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Remove from heat and stir in butter until melted. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Season the chicken strips with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Pour the honey pepper sauce over the chicken, tossing to coat evenly. Remove from heat.

Step 3: Prepare the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
4. Stir in butter, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning. Mix until creamy.

Step 4: Assemble the Panini

1. Preheat a panini press or large skillet over medium heat.
2. Spread butter on the outer sides of each ciabatta roll.
3. Layer shredded mozzarella, honey pepper chicken, sliced red onions, and arugula inside each sandwich.
4. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until the bread is golden and crispy, and the cheese is melted.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Plate the creamy pasta alongside the crispy honey pepper chicken panini.
2. Drizzle extra honey pepper sauce over the chicken for an extra kick of flavor.
3. Serve hot and enjoy every delicious bite!

Nutritional Information

Nutrient	Amount (Per Serving)
Calories	650 kcal
Carbohydrates	75g
Protein	40g
Fat	20g
Saturated Fat	8g
Sodium	600mg

Pro Tips for the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

1. Toast the bread properly – Buttering the outer sides ensures a crispy, golden crust.
2. Use fresh Parmesan – It melts better and adds richer flavor to the pasta.
3. Let the panini rest – Allowing it to sit for 1-2 minutes before cutting helps retain its shape.
4. Adjust the spice level – Add more or less black pepper and red pepper flakes based on your preference.
5. Experiment with cheese – Try provolone or Swiss for a different taste.

Variations and Substitutions

1. Spicy Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

• Add extra red pepper flakes and a dash of hot sauce for extra heat.

2. Honey BBQ Chicken Panini Pasta

• Swap the honey pepper sauce for a smoky honey BBQ sauce for a sweeter flavor.

3. Gluten-Free Version

• Use gluten-free pasta and bread to make this dish gluten-free.

4. Vegetarian Option

• Replace the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or crispy tofu.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauce in advance and store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

2. How do I store leftovers?

Store the pasta and panini separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

3. Can I freeze honey pepper chicken?

Yes! Freeze the cooked chicken in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

4. Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely! You can substitute penne with fettuccine, rigatoni, or any pasta of your choice.

5. What’s the best bread for the panini?

Ciabatta and sourdough work best, but you can also use French bread or a baguette.

6. How do I reheat the panini without making it soggy?

Reheat in a panini press or oven at 375°F for 5 minutes to keep it crispy.

Final Thoughts & Call to Action

Now that you have the Best Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta Recipe, it’s time to bring this restaurant-quality dish to your kitchen! Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this dish will satisfy all your cravings.

Try this recipe today and let us know how it turned out!

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