Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta
A quick and comforting pasta dish that combines honey, pepper jack cheese, and tender chicken, inspired by the flavors of a panini.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or shells recommended)
- 1 cup cooked chicken, sliced or shredded Rotisserie chicken is perfect.
Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup honey Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise Swap for plain Greek yogurt for a lighter option.
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Topping
- 1/2 cup pepper jack cheese, shredded Substitute cheddar or mozzarella for a milder flavor.
- Fresh parsley, chopped For garnish.
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a bowl, whisk together honey, mayonnaise, and olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust salt or honey as needed.
Cooking
- Heat a large skillet over medium. Add the cooked pasta and the sliced chicken.
- Pour the honey-mayo dressing over the pasta and chicken. Stir thoroughly to coat.
- Cook, stirring occasionally, until everything is heated through, about 3–5 minutes.
- Remove from heat. Top with shredded pepper jack so it melts slightly. Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately.
Notes
Use warm pasta for better sauce adherence. For storage, refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for 3–4 days. Freezing is not recommended with the mayonnaise dressing.