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Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta dish with vibrant ingredients and flavors

Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta

A quick and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender shredded chicken, a sweet honey-black pepper dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan, perfect for busy weeknights.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Total Time 10 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 2 cups cooked pasta (penne, fusilli, or rigatoni)
  • 1 cup cooked chicken, shredded (rotisserie, poached, or grilled)
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup honey
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (freshly cracked) Freshly cracked is best
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • to taste Salt
Garnish
  • to taste Fresh basil for garnish (optional)

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Place the cooked pasta and shredded chicken in a large bowl. Toss briefly to combine and warm the pieces slightly.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk the honey, olive oil, freshly cracked black pepper, and a pinch of salt until the dressing looks slightly emulsified. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Assembly
  1. Pour the dressing over the pasta and chicken. Use tongs or two forks to toss everything until the strands and chicken are evenly coated.
  2. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan over the tossed pasta and gently fold so the cheese melts slightly into the warm pasta.
  3. Transfer to plates and garnish with torn fresh basil leaves, if using. Serve immediately while warm.

Notes

Use gluten-free pasta if needed; swap Pecorino Romano for Parmesan for a sharper finish; use maple syrup instead of honey for a different sweetness profile. For more heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Store in an airtight container for up to 3–4 days in the refrigerator.