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Honey-Pepper Glazed Chicken Pasta with Panini Bites

This dish features tender pasta and crispy panini bites coated in a glossy honey-pepper glaze, combining sweet and spicy flavors. The chicken, pasta, and bread components provide contrasting textures of tenderness, crunch, and chewiness, resulting in a visually appealing, caramelized exterior and flavorful interior.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Fusion
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups cooked pasta any pasta shape
  • 1 cup moist cooked chicken shredded or sliced
  • 4 slices panini bread firm and crusty, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 3 tablespoons honey preferably runny
  • 1 teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper adjust to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
  • 1 clove garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce optional, for depth
  • to taste salt

Equipment

  • Skillet
  • Pot
  • Tongs

Method
 

  1. Start by heating the skillet over medium heat and toasting the panini bread pieces until they are golden brown and crispy, about 3-4 minutes. Remove and set aside.
  2. Add olive oil to the same skillet and sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 30 seconds, until you smell a warm aroma.
  3. Add the shredded cooked chicken to the skillet and stir until warmed through, coating it slightly with the oil and garlic aroma, about 2 minutes.
  4. Pour in the cooked pasta, and toss everything together to combine, allowing the flavors to mingle for 1-2 minutes.
  5. Reduce heat to low and drizzle in the honey, then add the cracked black pepper and soy sauce if using. Stir carefully until the ingredients are evenly coated and the glaze begins to thicken, about 2 minutes. You'll notice the mixture becoming glossy and fragrant.
  6. Add the crispy panini bites back into the skillet, folding them gently into the glazed pasta and chicken mixture. Allow them to soak up some of the sauce while remaining crispy on the edges, about 1-2 minutes.
  7. Adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed, then remove from heat. Serve the dish hot, garnished with additional black pepper if desired, and enjoy the combination of crispy, tender, and saucy textures.

Notes

Feel free to customize with extra vegetables or spice for added depth. For a vegetarian version, substitute chicken with grilled tofu or vegetables.