Honey Mustard Chicken Pasta: A Creamy and Tangy Delight

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This honey mustard chicken pasta is the perfect combination of creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Tender chicken breast is coated in a luscious honey mustard sauce and tossed with al dente pasta for a satisfying meal that’s quick and easy to prepare. Whether you’re looking for a weeknight dinner or a dish to impress guests, this recipe delivers big on taste with minimal effort.

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

For the Sauce:

• ⅓ cup Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 cup heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme (or 1 tablespoon fresh)
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a bit of heat)
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces penne, fettuccine, or your pasta of choice
• 2 tablespoons butter
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.
3. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

2. Cook the Chicken

1. Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add chicken and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

3. Make the Sauce

1. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté minced garlic until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Stir in Dijon mustard, honey, chicken broth, heavy cream, thyme, and red pepper flakes. Bring to a gentle simmer.
3. Let the sauce cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in grated Parmesan cheese until melted and well combined.

4. Combine Everything

1. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce.
2. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
3. Cook for another 2 minutes, ensuring everything is well mixed and heated through.

5. Serve and Garnish

1. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
2. Serve immediately with extra Parmesan on top if desired.

Variations

• Make it lighter: Swap heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt.
• Add veggies: Stir in sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or sun-dried tomatoes.
• Use a different protein: Try shrimp, salmon, or tofu instead of chicken.
• Make it spicier: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce.
• Freeze: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it without the pasta. Thaw in the fridge before reheating and serving over freshly cooked pasta.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use honey mustard instead of Dijon mustard and honey?

Yes, but the flavor balance may be different. Store-bought honey mustard is often sweeter and less tangy than Dijon and honey combined. Adjust seasonings to taste.

What type of pasta works best?

Short pasta like penne or rigatoni holds the sauce well, but fettuccine and linguine also work beautifully.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes! Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream and a dairy-free Parmesan alternative.

How do I make the sauce thicker?

Let it simmer longer, or stir in a cornstarch slurry (1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water).

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work great and stay extra juicy.

What can I serve with this dish?

Pair it with garlic bread, a fresh salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I make this in advance?

You can cook the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then reheat and toss with freshly cooked pasta before serving.

Is this dish spicy?

Not inherently, but you can add spice with red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper.

How do I prevent the sauce from curdling?

Use low heat when adding cream and avoid rapid boiling. Stir continuously for a smooth consistency.

Can I add cheese besides Parmesan?

Yes! Try mozzarella for extra creaminess or a sharp cheddar for a deeper flavor.

Conclusion

This honey mustard chicken pasta is an easy, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. With its creamy, tangy sauce and tender chicken, it’s bound to be a new favorite in your recipe rotation. Try it once, and you’ll be coming back for more!

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