Description
How to make sticky honey pepper jack chicken pasta with tender chicken, creamy cheese sauce and sweet heat that creates the perfect weeknight comfort meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta & Protein
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Honey Glaze
- 1/3 cup honey
- 3 tbsp soy sauce
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Creamy Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 8 oz pepper jack cheese, freshly grated
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring large pot of salted water to boil and cook penne according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup pasta water before draining completely.
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken thigh pieces completely dry and season generously with salt and pepper. This ensures beautiful golden searing and prevents the oil from splattering everywhere.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook 5-6 minutes until golden brown and cooked through, stirring occasionally for even browning.
- Make Glaze: Whisk together honey, soy sauce, vinegar, cornstarch and garlic in small bowl. Pour over chicken and cook 2-3 minutes until thickened and sticky.
- Create Sauce: Reduce heat to low and add cream, cream cheese, and broth. Whisk until smooth, then gradually add pepper jack cheese, stirring constantly until melted and creamy.
- Combine Everything: Add drained pasta to skillet and toss gently to coat with sauce. Add pasta water as needed for perfect consistency that coats every piece beautifully.
- Finish Dish: Remove from heat and sprinkle with red pepper flakes and fresh chives. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving immediately while hot and creamy.
Notes
- Pat chicken completely dry before seasoning to achieve proper golden searing.
- Reserve pasta water before draining as it’s essential for sauce consistency.
- Add cheese gradually on low heat to prevent graininess and curdling.
- Store leftovers in refrigerator for up to 4 days in airtight container.
- Reheat gently with splash of broth to restore creamy texture.
- Fresh grated pepper jack melts much better than pre-shredded cheese.
Allergy Information: Dairy, Gluten, Soy
Nutrition
- Calories: 485 calories
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Protein: 32g