Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe strikes the perfect balance between savory and sweet, thanks to the honey pepper glaze that coats the chicken and pasta. The creamy mozzarella and cheddar cheese melt beautifully into the pasta, while the crispy panini bread adds texture. It’s a hearty dish that brings comfort and flavor in every bite, all while being quick and easy to prepare. Plus, it’s a fun twist on a traditional pasta dish with the added satisfaction of a grilled sandwich.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup cooked penne pasta
½ cup honey
1 tbsp black pepper
2 tbsp soy sauce
1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tbsp butter
1 tsp garlic powder
½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
4 slices ciabatta or panini bread
2 tbsp mayonnaise
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1 tbsp olive oil

Directions

Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. Grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium heat until golden brown and fully cooked through (about 6-7 minutes per side). Once cooked, slice the chicken into strips.
Make the Honey Pepper Sauce: In a saucepan, combine honey, black pepper, soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, butter, and garlic powder. Simmer the sauce on low heat until it slightly thickens, about 5-7 minutes.
Prepare the Pasta: Toss the cooked penne pasta in the honey pepper sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta evenly.
Assemble the Sandwich: Spread mayonnaise and Dijon mustard on one side of each slice of bread. Layer the bread with shredded mozzarella cheese, cheddar cheese, sliced chicken, and the honey pepper-coated pasta.
Grill the Panini: Press the sandwich in a panini press or cook in a skillet over medium heat, adding olive oil to the skillet if needed. Grill until the bread is golden brown and crispy, and the cheese has melted, about 3-4 minutes per side.
Serve: Slice the panini in half and serve warm. Enjoy your delicious honey pepper chicken panini pasta!

Servings and Timing

Servings: 2
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

Variations

Bread Choice: While ciabatta or panini bread is ideal, you can use any hearty bread such as sourdough, whole wheat, or even brioche for a slightly sweeter flavor.
Spicy Kick: If you like extra heat, increase the amount of black pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the honey pepper sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover honey pepper chicken panini pasta in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the sandwich separate from the pasta to prevent the bread from becoming soggy.
Reheating: Reheat the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a bit of water or broth to loosen the sauce. For the sandwich, reheat in a panini press or skillet until the bread crisps up again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before slicing.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

You can prepare the pasta and honey pepper sauce ahead of time. However, it’s best to assemble and grill the panini fresh for the crispiest results.

What kind of pasta works best for this recipe?

Penne pasta works wonderfully, but you can also use other short pasta types like rigatoni or fusilli to hold the honey pepper sauce well.

Can I make this dish without a panini press?

Yes, you can cook the panini in a skillet on the stove. Just press down with a spatula and cook until golden and crispy, flipping halfway through.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

To make this dish vegetarian, you can replace the chicken with a plant-based protein, such as tofu or tempeh, and follow the rest of the recipe as written.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free bread and pasta. Make sure to check labels to ensure all ingredients meet your dietary needs.

How can I adjust the sweetness of the honey pepper sauce?

You can adjust the sweetness by adding more or less honey, depending on your preference. If you like it spicier, increase the amount of black pepper or add a dash of hot sauce.

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to use different cheeses like provolone, gouda, or pepper jack for a unique flavor profile. Mozzarella and cheddar just happen to melt perfectly together!

Can I make this dish without mayonnaise?

Yes, you can skip the mayonnaise or replace it with a spread like avocado or a garlic aioli for a different twist.

How do I prevent the bread from getting soggy?

To prevent the bread from becoming soggy, ensure that the pasta and sauce are not too wet before assembling the panini. Also, grilling the sandwich immediately after assembling helps keep the bread crispy.

Conclusion

The honey pepper chicken panini pasta recipe is a delicious and fun take on a classic grilled sandwich. It combines the irresistible flavors of crispy chicken, creamy pasta, and a tangy honey pepper glaze, all nestled between toasted bread. Whether you’re serving it for a quick weeknight dinner or a special meal, this dish will surely satisfy your taste buds and become a family favorite.