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Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe

★★★★★

4.5 from 98 reviews
  • Author: Zoe
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a deliciously sweet and tangy Honey Dijon Chicken paired perfectly with tender penne pasta. This quick and easy skillet recipe combines juicy chicken strips cooked to golden perfection with a creamy honey Dijon sauce, accented by garlic, paprika, and a hint of lemon zest. Tossed with pasta and garnished with fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese, this comforting dish is perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken & Pasta

  • 2 large chicken breasts, sliced into strips (about 1.5 lbs)
  • 12 oz penne pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & black pepper, to season

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 cup Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • Salt & black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon zest

Garnish

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
  • A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a medium saucepan of salted water to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels and season them with salt and black pepper evenly on all sides. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Cook Chicken: Add the seasoned chicken strips to the hot skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  4. Make the Honey Dijon Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in the honey, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, and heavy cream. Season with paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk the sauce ingredients together until smooth.
  5. Simmer the Sauce: Let the sauce simmer gently for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly. Stir in the lemon zest to add brightness.
  6. Combine & Serve: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the chicken thoroughly. Add the cooked pasta and toss everything until evenly coated with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add some reserved pasta water gradually to loosen it.
  7. Garnish: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish. Optionally, garnish with grated Parmesan cheese and a pinch of red pepper flakes for an extra kick. Serve hot and enjoy!

Notes

  • Use chicken thighs if preferred for a juicier texture.
  • Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency.
  • For a lighter version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or milk, but sauce may be less thick.
  • Add vegetables like spinach or peas for extra nutrition and color.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American

Keywords: Honey Dijon chicken, creamy pasta, easy chicken dinner, penne pasta recipe, sweet and tangy chicken sauce

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Find it online: https://cookingwithzoe.com/sweet-and-tangy-honey-dijon-chicken-and-pasta-recipe/