Do Share Recipe

Hot Honey Chicken Pasta Recipe – Sweet, Spicy & Creamy

I still remember the first time I made this hot honey chicken pasta—I was hooked on the spot! The combination of crispy, golden chicken with a sweet and spicy hot honey drizzle paired with perfectly cooked pasta is just irresistible.

It’s that dish you crave after one bite, and the best part? You can tweak it to match your spice tolerance and taste preferences. Whether you’re whipping it up for a cozy dinner or impressing guests, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

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Ingredients for Hot Honey Chicken Pasta Recipe

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

Note: This recipe serves 1–2 people.

Variations to Try

There’s room to get creative with this hot honey chicken pasta, making it adaptable to various dietary needs or flavor cravings.

Gluten-free: Use gluten-free pasta and replace flour with gluten-free alternatives.
Low-carb: Try zucchini noodles instead of pasta, and almond flour instead of regular flour.
Extra cheesy: Add a handful of your favorite shredded cheese to the sauce for extra richness.
Dairy-free: Swap out cheese and butter for plant-based options like vegan cheddar or coconut milk.
Spicy twist: Include a touch of cayenne or crushed red pepper flakes for a bolder kick.

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Cooking Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

Equipment You Need

Air fryer: To achieve crispy, golden chicken chunks.
Small saucepan: For preparing the hot honey sauce.
Mixing bowls: To dredge the chicken and coat it.
Pot: For boiling the pasta.
Whisk: To mix the sauce ingredients seamlessly.

How to Make Hot Honey Chicken Pasta?

This recipe combines crispy chicken, creamy cheese, and a tangy-sweet sauce. Follow these steps to recreate the magic.

Step 1: Coat and Prepare the Chicken

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.

Step 2: Boil the Pasta

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.

Step 3: Make the Hot Honey 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.

Step 4: Combine Pasta and Sauce

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.

Step 5: Toss the Chicken in the Sauce

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.

Step 6: Assemble and Serve

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!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe?

This dish has a lot going for it, making it a family favorite and go-to comfort meal.

The perfect balance of creamy, sweet, and spicy flavors.
Crispy chicken adds a delightful crunch to every bite.
Versatile for customizing heat, texture, and diet preferences.
Meal prep-friendly so you can enjoy it anytime!

How to Serve Hot Honey Chicken Pasta?

This pasta is a showstopper all on its own but shines even brighter with thoughtful presentation. Place the pasta in a deep bowl and arrange the chicken pieces on top. Drizzle extra hot honey sauce in a zigzag pattern for a restaurant-like touch.

Garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or cilantro not only enhances the visuals but also adds a fresh note to the dish. Serve with crusty bread or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

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Nutritional Information

This dish offers a satisfying balance of nutrients per serving.

Calories: 696
Protein: 65g
Carbohydrates: 137g
Fat: 20g

Make Ahead and Storage

Hot honey chicken pasta is as convenient as it is delicious. You can prepare it ahead of time for busy days.

Refrigeration: Store the cooked chicken and pasta separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the pasta on the stove with a splash of water and toss the chicken in the oven or air fryer to restore its crispiness.

Freezing: Freeze the chicken and pasta separately for longer storage. Place them in freezer-safe bags and enjoy within a month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Make a fresh batch of hot honey sauce to revive the dish and tie the flavors together.

Tips for Making the Recipe

I’ve made this pasta recipe quite a few times, and here are some tips that I’ve learned along the way.

Use fresh Parmesan cheese for the best flavor and creamy texture.
Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket; cook the chicken in batches if needed.
Adjust the sauce’s spiciness to your taste by adding more or less hot sauce.
Stir the pasta frequently while cooking to ensure even tenderness.
Keep some sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling when serving.

Hot honey chicken pasta is the kind of dish that wins hearts and indulges taste buds. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight comfort meal or a show-stopping dinner for guests, the combination of crispy, saucy chicken with creamy pasta is sure to impress. Give it a try, and have fun tweaking it to make it your own. Enjoy!

Ben Carraoli