Description

Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a delicious and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with a sweet and savory honey garlic sauce. The chicken is sautéed to golden perfection and then tossed in a sauce made from honey, garlic, soy sauce, and a touch of vinegar for balance. The sauce coats the chicken beautifully, infusing it with rich, aromatic flavors. Served over pasta such as spaghetti, penne, or fettuccine, this dish brings together the perfect blend of sweetness and umami, offering a satisfying and savory meal that’s sure to impress.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken and Pasta:

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Chicken breasts are the star of the dish, providing a lean source of protein. You can also use thighs if you prefer a juicier cut.
8 oz pasta: Any type of pasta works well with this dish. Spaghetti, fettuccine, or penne are all excellent choices, but feel free to use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta if preferred.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Olive oil is used to sear the chicken, giving it a golden, crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Salt and pepper: These basic seasonings enhance the flavor of the chicken and pasta.
Fresh parsley (optional): Chopped parsley adds a pop of color and freshness to the finished dish, balancing the richness of the sauce.

For the Honey Garlic Sauce:

4 cloves garlic, minced: Garlic is the key flavor in this dish, adding depth and aroma to the honey-garlic sauce.
1/4 cup honey: Honey is the star ingredient in the sauce, providing a natural sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of garlic and chicken.
2 tablespoons soy sauce: Soy sauce adds a savory, umami flavor that balances the sweetness of the honey. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer.
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar: The acidity from apple cider vinegar cuts through the sweetness of the honey, adding a nice tang to the sauce.
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): If you like a bit of heat, red pepper flakes are a great addition. They complement the sweetness of the honey and the savoriness of the garlic.
1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional): For a thicker sauce, cornstarch is used to slightly thicken the honey garlic sauce, giving it a rich and glossy texture.

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil Water: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
Drain the Pasta: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and set aside. Be sure to save a little bit of pasta water (about 1/2 cup) to help create the sauce later if needed.
Toss the Pasta: Drizzle a little olive oil over the drained pasta and toss it to prevent sticking. Set aside while you cook the chicken.

Step 2: Prepare the Chicken

Season the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with a paper towel and season both sides with salt and pepper. This will help the chicken sear nicely and develop a flavorful crust.
Cook the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the chicken breasts. Cook for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside to rest.
Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken has rested for a few minutes, slice it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Set aside while you make the sauce.

Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet you used for the chicken, add the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
Add Honey and Soy Sauce: Pour in the honey and soy sauce, stirring to combine. Let the mixture simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
Add Vinegar and Red Pepper Flakes: Stir in the apple cider vinegar and red pepper flakes (if using). The vinegar will add a tangy kick, balancing the sweetness of the honey. Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes.
Thicken the Sauce: If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens to your desired consistency.

Step 4: Combine Chicken, Pasta, and Sauce

Add the Chicken to the Sauce: Once the sauce has thickened, add the sliced chicken back into the pan. Stir to coat the chicken in the honey garlic sauce.
Toss the Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the pan with the chicken and sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to thin it out and help the sauce adhere to the pasta.
Simmer: Let the pasta and chicken simmer together for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Garnish with Fresh Parsley: Once everything is combined, transfer the Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta to serving plates. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Serve Immediately: Serve the pasta immediately while it’s hot and enjoy the sweet and savory flavors of this delightful dish.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: 450 kcal
Fat: 15g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Protein: 35g