Save Indulge in a quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender chicken, a glossy honey garlic sauce, and creamy Parmesan—all with a hint of heat and sweetness. This Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a sophisticated yet simple American-Asian fusion meal that brings gourmet flair to your kitchen in just 35 minutes, making it the perfect solution for busy weeknights when you still want something special.
Save The secret to this dish lies in the sauce. By simmering the spaghetti directly in a mixture of chicken broth and heavy cream, the pasta absorbs incredible depth of flavor while releasing starches that help create a naturally thick, velvety coating. The final addition of the honey-garlic glaze transforms the meal into a restaurant-quality experience.
Ingredients
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb / 450 g), pounded to even thickness
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ⅓ cup (113 g) honey
- ¼ cup (64 g) soy sauce
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- ½ teaspoon garlic salt
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 cups (480 ml) chicken broth
- ½ cup (120 ml) heavy whipping cream
- 8 ounces (225 g) spaghetti, uncooked
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ cup (25 g) Parmesan cheese, grated
- Chopped fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes for garnish
Instructions
- Step 1
- Season the chicken breasts evenly with paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Step 2
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts.
- Step 3
- Cook for 5 minutes on one side. Flip, reduce the heat to medium-low, and cook another 5–7 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Step 4
- Remove chicken from the skillet and tent with foil to keep warm.
- Step 5
- In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, garlic salt, and red pepper flakes (if using). Set aside.
- Step 6
- In the same skillet over medium-high heat, pour in chicken broth and heavy cream. Stir to combine and bring to a gentle boil.
- Step 7
- Add uncooked spaghetti, fanning it out or breaking it in half so it lays mostly flat. Stir with tongs to coat and submerge.
- Step 8
- Reduce heat to medium-low. Cover and simmer for 10–12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente and most of the liquid is absorbed.
- Step 9
- In a small bowl, whisk cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Step 10
- Pour the honey garlic sauce over the pasta. Stir well, then immediately add the cornstarch slurry. Simmer uncovered for 2–3 minutes, stirring often, until the sauce thickens and coats the pasta.
- Step 11
- Remove from heat and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.
- Step 12
- Slice the cooked chicken and arrange on top of the pasta.
- Step 13
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately.
Zusatztipps für die Zubereitung
Using a large skillet with a tight-fitting lid is essential for simmering the pasta correctly in the cream base. Be sure to stir the spaghetti occasionally with tongs to ensure it doesn't clump together, and always use a whisk for the cornstarch slurry to prevent any lumps from forming in your glossy sauce.
Varianten und Anpassungen
For a lighter alternative, you can substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half. If you prefer a different pasta shape, fettuccine or linguine work wonderfully as they offer a similar surface area for the sauce to cling to. To save even more time, you can skip searing the chicken and use shredded rotisserie chicken instead.
Serviervorschläge
Serve this dish immediately while the sauce is at its creamiest. For an elegant touch, pair the meal with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc, which complements the honey and garlic notes. Finish each plate with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and extra red pepper flakes if you enjoy a more pronounced heat.
Save With 555 calories per serving, this Sticky Honey Garlic Chicken Pasta is a satisfying and well-rounded meal. Whether you're cooking for family or entertaining guests, this fusion dish offers a delightful complexity of flavors that belies its easy preparation. Enjoy the perfect harmony of sweet, spicy, and savory in every bite.
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The sauce thickens as it cools, so it's best served fresh. However, you can season and cook the chicken up to 2 days ahead, then reheat gently while preparing the pasta and sauce.
- → What pasta works best for this dish?
Spaghetti is traditional, but fettuccine, linguine, or penne also work beautifully. Long noodles help capture the glossy sauce, while shorter shapes make for easier eating.
- → How can I reduce the sweetness?
Decrease honey to ¼ cup and add an extra teaspoon of soy sauce or apple cider vinegar. The acidity helps balance the sugar while maintaining the glossy finish.
- → Is this suitable for meal prep?
Yes, though the pasta will absorb more sauce over time. Store portions in airtight containers and add a splash of chicken broth when reheating to restore the creamy consistency.
- → Can I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free spaghetti and tamari instead of soy sauce. Ensure all other ingredients, particularly the chicken broth and seasonings, are certified gluten-free.