Chef Mitchell preparing Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta
👨‍🍳 Expert Chef

Recipe by Mitchell

🎓 10+ Years Experience ⏰ 1000+ Recipes Created 🍽️ Culinary School Graduate

❤️ My Recipe Story

"I discovered this Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta recipe during my culinary travels through America. The combination of flavors struck me, and I knew I had to perfect it. Over the years, I've adjusted the ingredients and techniques to create a dish that resonates with my love for sweet and savory meals. This recipe is now a family favorite that I’m excited to share!"

With over a decade of experience in American cuisine, I specialize in creating flavorful dinner recipes. My culinary journey has taken me through various kitchens, where I've honed my skills to bring delicious, easy-to-make dishes to your table. I believe every home cook can create restaurant-quality meals, and I'm here to guide you.

View All Mitchell's Recipes →
Delicious Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta served on a plate

Why This Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta Recipe Works

This recipe stands out due to its perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. The honey glaze enhances the chicken while the fresh vegetables add nutrition and texture. It is also a versatile dish that can be adjusted according to your taste, making it suitable for anyone.

By cooking the chicken until golden brown and then adding the vegetables and glaze, you achieve a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible. The cooking technique ensures that the pasta absorbs the delicious sauce, creating a cohesive and delightful dish.

💡 Professional Tip

For the best results, ensure your chicken is cooked at medium-high heat to achieve a golden brown exterior while keeping the inside juicy. Allow the sauce to simmer for a few minutes to fully develop the flavors. Don’t forget to taste and adjust the seasoning as needed!

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, you can prepare the chicken and sauce ahead of time. Simply store them separately in the refrigerator and combine them with freshly cooked pasta when ready to serve. This way, you can save time during dinner preparation.

If you need a substitute for honey, you can use maple syrup or agave nectar. Both provide a similar sweetness, though the flavor will slightly differ. Adjust the quantity based on your sweetness preference.

The dish is done when the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the pasta is cooked al dente. The glaze should be thick enough to coat the chicken and pasta evenly without being runny.

Yes, you can freeze the components separately. Store the chicken and sauce in airtight containers for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw and reheat before combining with fresh pasta for the best texture.

This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with garlic bread or a light vinaigrette to complement the sweetness of the glaze.

Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta can last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. Be sure to reheat thoroughly before enjoying leftovers.

Yes, you can certainly prepare it in advance. Cook the chicken and prepare the glaze, then store them separately from the pasta. Combine them when ready to serve for optimal freshness.

The best way to reheat is to use a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Stir occasionally until heated through. Microwaving is also an option but may yield uneven heating.

Recipe Troubleshooting Guide

✅

Too Dry

Problem: If the pasta or chicken seems dry, it might be overcooked.

Solution: Next time, ensure to monitor cooking times closely and consider adding a splash of broth or extra glaze to moisten the dish before serving.

✅

Not Crispy Enough

Problem: The chicken may not have been seared correctly.

Solution: Make sure to cook the chicken in batches if your skillet is small, allowing space for browning, and avoid overcrowding to achieve the desired crispiness.

✅

Overcooked

Problem: The chicken might become tough if overcooked.

Prevention: Keep a close eye on cooking times, and use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature, ensuring it reaches 165°F without exceeding.

✅

Undercooked Center

Problem: If the chicken is undercooked, it may pose a health risk.

Recovery: Return the undercooked chicken to the skillet and cook it longer, ensuring it reaches the recommended internal temperature of 165°F before serving.

✅

Burnt Exterior

Problem: If the chicken appears burnt on the outside, it may have been cooked at too high a temperature.

Prevention: Adjust the heat to medium and ensure you keep a close watch on the chicken while it cooks, flipping it regularly for even browning without burning.

✅

Flavor Balance

Too Sweet: If the dish is too sweet, add a splash of vinegar or some citrus juice to balance the flavors.

Too Salty: To counteract over-salting, add more unsalted ingredients like cooked pasta or vegetables to dilute the flavor.

Bland: If the dish is bland, enhance the flavor with additional spices or more glaze, tasting as you go until you achieve your desired flavor profile.

Fresh ingredients for Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta

Essential Ingredients for Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta

The key ingredients for this Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta are simple yet flavorful. Using fresh chicken breast ensures tenderness, while honey provides that signature sweetness. A variety of colorful vegetables not only enhance taste but also add visual appeal to the dish.

Quality ingredients make a significant difference in flavor. Opt for high-quality honey and fresh vegetables to elevate your dish. When choosing pasta, select your favorite type, whether it be fettuccine, penne, or any other variety you prefer.

Essential Ingredient Notes

  • Chicken Breast: Using fresh chicken breast is essential for achieving tenderness. Look for organic or free-range options for the best flavor and quality. Always cut it into even pieces for uniform cooking.
  • Honey: Choose pure, natural honey without additives for an authentic taste. The floral notes of honey will enhance the dish's flavor profile, making it truly special. Avoid overly processed honey for the best results.
  • Pasta: Select a pasta that will hold the sauce well, like fettuccine or penne. Cook it al dente for the perfect texture that complements the chicken and glaze. Fresh pasta also works beautifully if available.
Cooking process for Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta

Step-by-Step Cooking Process

Cooking Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta involves a straightforward process that yields delicious results. Start by preparing all your ingredients, ensuring everything is ready before you begin cooking. This will streamline your cooking experience.

The key to achieving perfect results lies in properly cooking the chicken and allowing the glaze to thicken. Stir frequently and adjust the heat as needed to maximize flavor and texture in every bite.

Key Technique for Perfect Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta

The most important technique in this recipe is properly glazing the chicken. Cooking it until golden brown before adding the glaze allows for a depth of flavor that enhances the overall dish. Make sure to simmer the sauce for a few minutes to reach the ideal consistency.

Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta

Prep 15 min
Cook 45 min
Serves 6 servings
Level Easy

📋 Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 1 cup butter
    Room temperature
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
    Low sodium recommended
  • 1/4 cup honey
    Pure honey
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon ginger
    Minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
    For thickening
  • 1/4 cup water
    For slurry

For the Sauce

  • 2 lbs chicken
    Cut into pieces
  • 12 oz pasta
    Fettuccine or penne
  • 1 cup honey
    Natural honey
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
    For frying
  • 1 teaspoon salt
    To taste
  • 1 teaspoon black pepper
    To taste
  • 1/4 cup green onions
    Chopped, for garnish
  • 1/4 cup sesame seeds
    Toasted, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Ingredients

    Start by cutting the chicken into bite-sized pieces and preparing all the vegetables required for the dish.

  2. Cook Pasta

    In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

  3. Make the Glaze

    In a bowl, combine honey, soy sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, and ginger. Mix well and set aside.

  4. Cook Chicken

    In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.

  5. Add Vegetables

    Add bell peppers, broccoli, and carrots to the skillet with the chicken. Sauté for an additional 5 minutes.

  6. Thicken the Sauce

    In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Add the honey glaze to the skillet and stir in the cornstarch mixture until thickened.

  7. Combine with Pasta

    Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the glaze.

  8. Garnish and Serve

    Serve warm, garnished with chopped green onions and toasted sesame seeds.

Recipe Notes & Tips

Storage Tips

To store Honey Glazed Chicken Pasta, place it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. If you plan to keep it longer, consider freezing it in separate portions for better texture when reheating.

Serving Suggestions

This dish is best served warm with a side of green salad or garlic bread. You can also pair it with a light vinaigrette to complement the sweet and savory flavors of the pasta.

Recipe Variations

Feel free to customize this recipe by adding your favorite vegetables or substituting chicken with shrimp or tofu for a different twist. You can also experiment with different types of pasta for variety.