Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta (Sweet, Savory, & Satisfying!)

🕒 Prep Time: 10 minutes🍳| Cook Time: 20 minutes |⏱️ Total Time: 30 minutes

📝 Ingredients:

• 2 large chicken breasts, cubed
• 10 oz rigatoni pasta
• 1/3 cup honey
• 1½ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 medium carrots, sliced
• Salt to taste
• 2 tbsp chopped green onions (for garnish)

👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Boil the Pasta:
   In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Cook rigatoni until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   Season chicken with salt and a pinch of black pepper. In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium-high heat. Sauté chicken for 5–7 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove and set aside.
3. Sauté Veggies:
   In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil. Toss in sliced carrots and cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and stir for 1 minute until fragrant. 🥕
4. Whip Up the Honey Pepper Sauce:
   Reduce heat to medium. Melt in butter, then stir in honey, soy sauce, and cracked black pepper. Let simmer 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened and glossy.
5. Bring It All Together:
   Return chicken to the pan and add in the cooked pasta. Stir everything together until well-coated in the sweet and peppery sauce. Add a splash of reserved pasta water if needed for creaminess. 🍯
6. Garnish & Serve:
   Finish with chopped green onions for a fresh bite. Serve warm and enjoy every comforting, flavor-packed forkful! 🍽️

💡 Pro Tips:

• Pasta Swap: No rigatoni? Penne or rotini work great too!
• Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
• Add Veggies: Bell peppers or snap peas make tasty additions.

🥗 Nutrition Info (Per Serving):

Disclaimer:
Nutrition facts are estimated using online tools and may vary based on your ingredients and preparation. Please consult a nutritionist for precise dietary advice.