Description
How to make sticky garlic butter honey parmesan chicken penne with tender chicken and creamy sauce that creates the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Sticky Sauce Base
- 4 tbsp butter
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/3 cup honey
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Creamy Elements
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
Finishing Touches
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Red pepper flakes to taste
- Extra Parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining.
- Sear Chicken: Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
- Make Sauce: Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
- Add Liquids: Stir in honey, soy sauce, and apple cider vinegar. Let it bubble and reduce slightly for 2-3 minutes until it starts looking sticky and glossy.
- Create Creaminess: Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until completely smooth. Add Parmesan cheese and whisk until melted and sauce is creamy and thick.
- Combine Everything: Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss with sauce, adding pasta water as needed to reach desired consistency. The sauce should coat every piece beautifully.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and stir in fresh parsley and red pepper flakes. Taste and adjust seasoning, then serve immediately with extra Parmesan cheese on top.
Notes
- Don’t brown the garlic or it becomes bitter and ruins the sauce.
- Reserve pasta water before draining – it’s essential for proper sauce consistency.
- Add Parmesan cheese off heat to prevent clumping and ensure smooth texture.
- Sauce thickens as it cools, so serve immediately for best consistency.
- Leftovers keep for 4 days refrigerated and taste even better the next day.
- Double the recipe easily for meal prep or feeding a larger crowd.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Protein: 28g