why make this recipe
Hot Honey Chicken Pasta is an exciting dish that offers a delightful mix of flavors and textures. The crispy chicken, coated in a sweet and spicy hot honey sauce, pairs perfectly with creamy cheese and tender fusilli pasta. This recipe is not only easy to make but also pleasing to the eyes and palate, making it a fantastic choice for family dinners or casual gatherings. Plus, it uses simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.
how to make Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
Ingredients :
- ¾ cup fusilli pasta (dry)
- 5 ounces chicken breast (cut into chunks)
- ⅓ cup crushed cornflakes
- 1 large egg (lightly whisked)
- 2 tablespoons flour
- ⅜ ounce grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 wedges Laughing Cow white cheddar cheese
- Hot Honey Sauce:
- ¼ cup hot sauce (like Frank’s)
- ⅓ cup honey substitute or regular honey
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar substitute
- ¼ teaspoon smoked paprika
Directions :
- Start by coating the chicken chunks. Lightly dredge each piece in flour, then dip it into the whisked egg before rolling it in crushed cornflakes. This creates a crunchy exterior when fried. Line up the coated chicken on a plate while you preheat the air fryer.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer at 370°F and cook for about 20 minutes. Flip or shake halfway through to ensure even cooking. The cornflake crust will be crispy and golden.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil. Cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, usually 8–10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking. Once cooked, drain the pasta and return it to the pot. Keep it warm while you prep the sauce.
- To prepare the sauce, combine hot sauce, honey (or substitute), brown sugar substitute, and smoked paprika in a small saucepan. Set the heat to medium-high and whisk the ingredients as the sauce heats up. Once it boils, reduce the heat to a simmer and cook for another 2–3 minutes. This thickens the sauce slightly to coat the chicken perfectly.
- Add the grated Parmesan, Laughing Cow cheddar wedges, and a small amount of hot honey sauce to the pot of pasta. Stir gently until the cheese melts into a velvety coating. The pasta will absorb the flavors while staying creamy.
- Once the chicken is cooked and crispy, transfer it to a bowl. Pour about half of the remaining hot honey sauce over the chicken and toss until it’s fully coated. The sauce will seep into the crust, balancing sweetness with spice.
- Plate the cheesy pasta as a base, then top it with the glazed chicken. Drizzle extra sauce over the dish for added flavor. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, chopped cilantro, or red pepper flakes if you want additional heat. Dig in and enjoy the explosion of flavors!
how to serve Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
Serve the Hot Honey Chicken Pasta warm. You can add extra Parmesan cheese, fresh cilantro, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes on top for garnish. Pair it with a simple salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
how to store Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for about 3-4 days. When reheating, you can warm it in the microwave or on the stove. You may want to add a splash of water or some extra sauce to keep it moist.
tips to make Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
- Make sure not to overcrowd the air fryer when cooking the chicken. This ensures they become crispy on all sides.
- If you prefer a milder taste, adjust the amount of hot sauce in the recipe to suit your heat tolerance.
- Feel free to add vegetables like broccoli or bell peppers to the pasta for added nutrition and flavor.
variation (if any)
You can switch out the chicken for shrimp or tofu for a different protein option. For a vegetarian version, skip the chicken and add some sautéed mushrooms or your favorite veggies.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different type of pasta?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
You can bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F for about 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy.
3. Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes, you can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour and cornflakes with gluten-free alternatives.
Hot Honey Chicken Pasta
Ingredients
Method
- Begin by coating the chicken chunks in flour, then dip each piece into the whisked egg before rolling it in crushed cornflakes.
- Line up the coated chicken on a plate while preheating the air fryer.
- Place the chicken in the air fryer at 370°F and cook for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- The cornflake crust should turn crispy and golden.
- While the chicken cooks, bring a pot of water to a boil and cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions, roughly 8-10 minutes, until al dente.
- Drain the pasta and return it to the pot to keep warm.
- In a small saucepan, combine hot sauce, honey (or substitute), brown sugar substitute, and smoked paprika on medium-high heat.
- Whisk the ingredients until boiling, then reduce heat and simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan, Laughing Cow wedges, and a small amount of hot honey sauce to the pot of pasta and stir gently until the cheese melts.
- Once the chicken is crispy, transfer it to a bowl and pour half of the remaining hot honey sauce over it, tossing to coat.
- Plate the cheesy pasta, top it with the glazed chicken, and drizzle with extra sauce.
- Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan, chopped cilantro, or red pepper flakes if desired.