Description
Sizzling honey pepper chicken panini pasta brings Italian-American comfort to your plate with bold, zesty flavors. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and spicy-sweet honey glaze create a mouthwatering fusion you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 14 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
Pasta and Bread:
- 1 cup pasta (penne or rotini)
- 2 slices ciabatta or panini bread
Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Instructions
- Prepare pasta following package guidelines, ensuring al dente texture, then drain and reserve.
- Generously coat chicken with a blend of aromatic seasonings, creating a robust flavor profile.
- Sauté chicken in hot olive oil at medium-high heat until golden brown and fully cooked, approximately 6-8 minutes per side.
- Create a vibrant glaze by combining honey, tangy soy sauce, sharp apple cider vinegar, and fiery red pepper flakes in a saucepan.
- Simmer glaze over medium heat until it reaches a rich, glossy consistency, stirring occasionally.
- Completely coat sliced chicken in the glossy honey pepper mixture, ensuring even coverage.
- Craft a luxurious cream sauce by melting butter and incorporating heavy cream, freshly grated Parmesan, and cracked black pepper.
- Whisk cream sauce until smooth and velvety, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Gently fold pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is elegantly coated.
- Spread a zesty combination of mayonnaise and Dijon mustard across ciabatta bread slices.
- Layer glazed chicken strips onto prepared bread, creating a decadent sandwich foundation.
- Toast panini in a preheated press or skillet until exterior becomes crisp and golden, approximately 3-4 minutes.
- Plate panini alongside creamy pasta, presenting a harmonious and indulgent meal.
Notes
- Swap regular pasta with gluten-free alternatives like rice or chickpea pasta to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity to personalize heat intensity, allowing everyone to enjoy the dish comfortably.
- Prepare chicken and sauce in advance, storing separately in refrigerator for quick assembly during busy weeknights.
- Replace chicken with tofu or plant-based protein for vegetarian-friendly version without compromising flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2
- Calories: 650 kcal
- Sugar: 9 g
- Sodium: 850 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0.3 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 40 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg