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Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

This dish combines tender pasta coated in a sticky honey glaze with pan-fried chicken seasoned with black pepper and honey, finished with crispy toasted bread layers. It features a mix of textures—creamy, crunchy, and juicy—and a savory-sweet flavor profile.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Modern Cozy
Calories: 650
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 12 oz pasta (such as spaghetti or linguine) uncooked
  • 2 pieces chicken breasts boneless, skinless
  • 3 tbsp honey divided for sauce and chicken
  • 1 tsp cracked black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 slices French bread slices or your preferred bread
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Skillet or frying pan
  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Tongs or spatula
  • Toaster or oven for bread

Method
 

  1. Boil water in a large pot, then add pasta and cook until just al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with cracked black pepper and a pinch of salt. Drizzle with a tablespoon of honey, rubbing it into the meat.
  3. Heat a skillet over medium heat, then add a tablespoon of olive oil. Once shimmering, place the chicken breasts in the pan and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Baste with extra honey during the last minute for a sticky glaze.
  4. Remove the cooked chicken from the skillet, let rest briefly, then slice into strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. While the chicken cools slightly, toast the slices of bread until golden brown and crispy, either in a toaster or in a hot oven. Set aside.
  6. Add minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, then pour in the remaining honey. Stir to loosen any bits from the pan and cook briefly until the mixture is syrupy.
  7. Mix the cooked pasta into the skillet with the honey garlic sauce, tossing thoroughly until evenly coated and glossy, about 2 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  8. Layer the crispy bread slices on plates or arrange for serving. Top with sliced chicken pieces and spoon the honey-glazed pasta around or over the bread, creating a mix of textures and flavors.
  9. Finish with a light drizzle of honey or black pepper if desired, and serve immediately while the bread is still crispy and everything is warm.

Notes

For extra crunch, you can add toasted nuts or seeds on top. Feel free to substitute with whole wheat pasta or bread for a healthier twist.