Servings: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients

For the Honey Garlic Chicken

• 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-size pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

Honey Garlic Sauce

• ⅓ cup honey
• ¼ cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred)
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon ketchup
• 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pasta

• 12 oz (340 g) spaghetti or fettuccine
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 2 tablespoons chopped parsley (optional)

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Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
2. Cook pasta until al dente according to package directions.
3. Reserve ½ cup pasta water.
4. Drain and set aside.

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Step 2: Make the Chicken

1. Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and garlic powder.
2. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C).
4. Remove chicken from the pan.

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Step 3: Make the Honey Garlic Sauce

1. Mix together:
   • Honey
   • Soy sauce
   • Garlic
   • Ketchup
   • Vinegar
2. Stir cornstarch with water until smooth.
3. Pour sauce into the skillet.
4. Bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Stir in the cornstarch slurry.
6. Cook for 1–2 minutes until thickened.
7. Return chicken to the skillet and toss until well coated.

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Step 4: Make the Cream Sauce

1. Melt butter in another pan.
2. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
3. Pour in heavy cream.
4. Simmer for 2–3 minutes.
5. Stir in Parmesan cheese.
6. Add Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.
7. Mix in cooked pasta.
8. If needed, add reserved pasta water a little at a time until the sauce reaches your desired consistency.

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Step 5: Serve

Plate the creamy pasta alongside the honey garlic chicken. Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

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Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)

Nutrition is an estimate and will vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

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Tips

• Marinate the chicken for 30 minutes for even more flavor.
• Freshly grated Parmesan melts more smoothly than pre-shredded cheese.
• Add spinach, broccoli, or mushrooms to the pasta for extra vegetables.
• For a little heat, add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes to the honey garlic sauce.

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Storage

• Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze the chicken for up to 2 months. (Cream-based pasta is best enjoyed fresh, as the sauce can separate after freezing.)
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of milk or cream to loosen the pasta sauce.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
A: Yes. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs stay juicy and work very well in this recipe.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Yes. Prepare the chicken and sauce up to 2 days in advance. Cook the pasta fresh for the best texture.

Q: How can I make it lighter?
A: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, reduce the Parmesan slightly, and serve with whole-wheat pasta.

Q: Can I make it gluten-free?
A: Yes. Use gluten-free pasta and substitute gluten-free tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.

Q: What side dishes go well with this meal?
A: Garlic bread, roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, a Caesar salad, or a simple green salad pair nicely.

Q: Why did my Parmesan sauce become grainy?
A: Remove the pan from high heat before adding the cheese, use freshly grated Parmesan, and stir until just melted to keep the sauce smooth.