Description
How to make sticky bold Cajun honey chicken pasta with tender chicken, aromatic spices and golden honey glaze that brings comfort to your dinner table.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Pasta Base
- 1 lb boneless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Cajun Spice Blend
- 2 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Sticky Honey Sauce
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring salted water to boil and cook penne until al dente according to package directions. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining – you’ll need this for the sauce.
- Season Chicken: Mix all Cajun spices in a bowl, then toss chicken pieces until evenly coated. The spices should cling to every piece for maximum flavor impact.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook seasoned chicken 5-6 minutes until golden and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Make Sauce: Add minced garlic to chicken and cook 30 seconds until fragrant. Whisk together honey, soy sauce, and vinegar, then pour into skillet.
- Create Glaze: Let sauce bubble and thicken for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently. Add butter and stir until melted, creating a glossy, sticky coating on the chicken.
- Combine Everything: Add drained pasta to skillet and toss with sauce until every piece is coated. Add pasta water gradually if needed to achieve perfect consistency.
- Serve Hot: Remove from heat and serve immediately while the sauce is still glossy and sticky. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for extra color and freshness.
Notes
- Don’t let honey sauce boil vigorously or it becomes bitter and loses its glossy finish.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 3 days; sauce improves as flavors meld together.
- Chicken thighs work better than breasts for staying tender and juicy throughout cooking.
- Reserve pasta water before draining to help create silky, cohesive sauce consistency.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste – start with less if sensitive to heat.
Allergy Information: Gluten, Soy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 52g
- Protein: 32g