why make this recipe
Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne is a tasty dinner option that balances sweet and spicy flavors while being simple to make. It combines tender chicken with creamy, melting cheese and perfectly cooked penne pasta. This dish is not only delicious but also relatively quick, making it perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings.
how to make Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne
Ingredients:
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Directions:
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine honey, chicken broth, and soy sauce over medium heat. Stir until mixed well.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix until evenly coated.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta until well combined.
- Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Serve hot.
how to serve Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne
Serve Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne hot as a main dish. You can add a side salad or some steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For extra flavor, consider garnishing with chopped scallions or additional shredded cheese.
how to store Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne
To store leftovers, allow the dish to cool completely. Then, place it in an airtight container and refrigerate. It can stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the microwave or on the stovetop with a little bit of chicken broth to keep it moist.
tips to make Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne
- For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer before adding the chicken.
- You can use rotisserie chicken to save time on cooking.
- Add some vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for extra nutrition and color.
variation
Feel free to switch up the cheese! If pepper jack isn’t your favorite, try cheddar or mozzarella. You can also use different types of pasta, like rigatoni or fusilli, to change the texture and shape.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh chicken instead of cooked?
Yes, you can use fresh chicken. Just cook it in the skillet first, then shred or dice it before adding the other ingredients.
2. How spicy is this dish?
The spiciness mostly comes from the pepper jack cheese. If you prefer less heat, you can use mild cheese instead.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time. However, it’s best to store the pasta separately from the sauce to avoid sogginess. Combine them just before serving.
Sticky Honey Pepper Jack Chicken Penne
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1 lb cooked chicken, shredded or diced Can use rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- 12 oz penne pasta
- 1/2 cup honey
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded Can substitute with cheddar or mozzarella.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth Use to keep dish moist when reheating.
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
- In a large skillet, combine honey, chicken broth, and soy sauce over medium heat. Stir until mixed well.
- Add the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix until evenly coated.
- Stir in the cooked penne pasta until well combined.
- Sprinkle with shredded pepper jack cheese, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Serve hot.