If you are craving something that hits all the right notes with a perfect balance of sweetness and tang, then you are in for a treat with this Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe. It’s a delightful combination of tender, juicy chicken and perfectly cooked pasta all enveloped in a luscious honey Dijon sauce that brings bold flavors together in harmony. The dish is quick to whip up, making it an ideal weeknight dinner that feels special yet requires minimal effort.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making this Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe truly shine. Each element plays a vital role—from the spices that season the chicken to the honey and Dijon mustard that create that irresistible sauce.
- Chicken breasts: Choose fresh, boneless, and skinless chicken breasts cut into bite-sized chunks for quick cooking and easy eating.
- Olive oil: A good quality olive oil adds depth and helps sear the chicken beautifully.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential seasonings that bring out the natural flavors of the chicken.
- Garlic powder and paprika: These spices add warmth and mild smokiness to the chicken for an extra flavor layer.
- Penne pasta: Cooked al dente, it’s the perfect shape to soak up all that luscious sauce.
- Dijon mustard: The star tangy ingredient that pairs perfectly with honey to create a mouthwatering sauce.
- Honey: Brings a natural sweetness that balances the tang of the mustard beautifully.
- Soy sauce (optional): Adds a subtle umami boost, making the sauce even more flavorful.
- Fresh garlic cloves: Minced garlic brings an aromatic punch to the sauce.
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional): For those who enjoy a touch of heat, just a pinch works wonders.
- Butter (optional): Melting some in at the end gives a creamy, rich finish to the sauce.
- Fresh parsley or basil (optional): A sprinkle of fresh herbs adds vibrant color and freshness when serving.
How to Make Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your penne pasta until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta and set it aside, ready to soak up that irresistible honey Dijon sauce later on.
Step 2: Season the Chicken
While the pasta cooks, season your chicken chunks generously with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. This simple seasoning blend will ensure every bite of chicken bursts with flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken pieces. Sear until they develop a lovely golden crust and cook through, about 5-7 minutes. Once cooked, remove the chicken and set it aside—don’t worry, the magic is just beginning!
Step 4: Prepare the Honey Dijon Sauce
In the same skillet, add your minced garlic and sauté briefly until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, and soy sauce if using. Let this mixture simmer gently until it’s slightly thickened—this is where the sweet and tangy flavors start to meld into something truly special.
Step 5: Combine Chicken and Pasta
Return the golden chicken pieces to the skillet, stirring them around to coat every morsel in that divine sauce. Then add your cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until the pasta is fully coated and the dish looks irresistible.
Step 6: Add Butter for Creamy Bliss
If you want to elevate the dish even further, stir in a spoonful of butter now. It melts into the sauce, bringing a velvety creaminess that is nothing short of delicious.
Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for a burst of color and freshness. Your Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe is now ready to be enjoyed warm and full of flavor that feels just like a warm hug on a plate.
How to Serve Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs like parsley or basil are perfect for garnishing. They add not only a pop of beautiful green but also a subtle burst of freshness that balances the richness of the sauce and chicken.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple sides like a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables. The lightness of the greens complements the hearty pasta and chicken without overwhelming the Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe’s main flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in shallow bowls with a drizzle of extra honey Dijon sauce on top and a lemon wedge on the side to add a zesty option for those who love extra brightness in every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, so your Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe might even taste better the next day!
Freezing
If you want to freeze the dish, let it cool completely before transferring it into a freezer-safe container. It can be frozen for up to 2 months, making it a convenient option for busy weeks. Just remember that pasta may soften a bit after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed to loosen the sauce. Be sure to stir occasionally to heat evenly without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While penne works wonderfully by holding onto the sauce, feel free to use fusilli, farfalle, or even spaghetti if that’s what you have on hand. The essential flavor combo shines through with any pasta shape.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Definitely! The Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe reheats well and can be portioned out for lunches or dinners throughout the week, making it a great meal prep option.
Can I make this dish spicier?
Yes! Incorporating crushed red pepper flakes into the sauce adds a lovely kick that contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the honey. Start with 1/2 teaspoon and adjust according to your heat preference.
What can I substitute for soy sauce if I’m allergic?
You can simply omit the soy sauce or replace it with coconut aminos for a similar savory depth without the soy. The sauce will still be deliciously flavorful!
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, just skip the butter in the final step, and use olive oil or a dairy-free margarine if you want some richness. The honey Dijon sauce itself is naturally dairy-free.
Final Thoughts
This Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe has quickly become a beloved favorite for good reason. It combines ease, comfort, and incredible flavor all in one dish that feels both special and satisfying. I can’t wait for you to try it and fall in love with the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and savory that this recipe offers!
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Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Sweet & Tangy Honey Dijon Chicken & Pasta recipe is a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender chicken strips coated in a luscious honey Dijon sauce, tossed with perfectly cooked penne pasta. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a deliciously balanced dish with a hint of sweetness, a touch of tang, and a subtle kick from optional red pepper flakes.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts, cut into strips or bite-sized chunks
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Pasta
- 2 cups cooked penne pasta
Sauce
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce (optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional)
Garnish
- Fresh chopped parsley or basil (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add penne pasta and cook until al dente according to package instructions, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- Season the Chicken: In a bowl, combine chicken pieces with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika to evenly coat the chicken.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken strips and cook, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, and soy sauce (if using). Add crushed red pepper flakes if preferred. Let the sauce simmer gently for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the sauce. Stir to ensure every piece is coated. Add the cooked penne pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Add Butter (Optional): Stir in butter for an extra creamy texture and rich flavor. Allow it to melt fully into the sauce.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil, and serve the dish warm for the best taste.
Notes
- You can substitute penne pasta with any short pasta like rigatoni or fusilli.
- For a spicier touch, increase the amount of crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels if preferred.
- Butter adds richness but can be omitted for a lighter dish.
- Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop.
