Description
Honey pepper chicken panini pasta brings together Italian and American flavors in one delightful dish. Crispy chicken, melted cheese, and a sweet-spicy sauce create a mouthwatering meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Pasta and Dry Ingredients:
- 8 ounces (226 grams) penne pasta
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
Seasonings and Liquids:
- 1 cup buttermilk
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup honey
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Instructions
- Immerse chicken pieces in buttermilk for a thorough 30-minute flavor infusion at room temperature.
- Create a seasoned coating by blending flour with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, and granulated garlic powder in a shallow dish.
- Remove chicken from buttermilk, allowing excess liquid to drip off, then thoroughly dredge each piece in the spiced flour mixture, ensuring complete coverage.
- Heat oil to 350°F in a deep skillet, carefully fry chicken until exterior turns crispy golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, approximately 4-5 minutes per side.
- Prepare pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions, cooking until al dente, then drain and reserve.
- In a separate saucepan, melt butter over medium heat, then incorporate honey and crushed red pepper flakes, allowing them to meld together for 2 minutes.
- Gradually whisk in chicken broth, heavy cream, and finely grated Parmesan cheese, stirring continuously until sauce becomes smooth and slightly thickened.
- Gently fold cooked pasta into the creamy sauce, ensuring each strand is evenly coated with the luxurious mixture.
- Slice the crispy fried chicken into strategic strips and arrange artfully atop the sauced pasta.
- Sprinkle freshly chopped oregano and basil over the dish for a vibrant, aromatic finish before serving immediately.
Notes
- Let buttermilk marinate work its magic by ensuring chicken is fully submerged for maximum tenderness and flavor infusion.
- Toast panini bread lightly before assembling to prevent soggy texture and enhance crispy exterior.
- Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on heat tolerance, allowing personalized spice level for different palates.
- Consider gluten-free alternatives like almond flour or cornstarch for coating chicken to accommodate dietary restrictions.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 510 kcal
- Sugar: 8 g
- Sodium: 650 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 9 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0.2 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg