1. Step 1: Prepare the Pasta Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Add your pasta and cook until just shy of al dente, about 1-2 minutes less than package instructions. Before draining, reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta but don’t rinse it—the starchy exterior will help the sauce cling beautifully to your pasta later.

Step 2: Season and Cook the Chicken While your pasta cooks, pat the chicken strips dry with paper towels and season generously with ½ teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon of the black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken pieces in a single layer without crowding (work in batches if needed) and cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until just cooked through. Transfer to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced bell peppers and onions with a pinch of salt and cook for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften but still maintain some crispness. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. The aromatic vegetables create the foundation of flavor for your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta.

Step 4: Create the Honey Pepper Sauce Reduce heat to medium and add the honey to the skillet, stirring to coat the vegetables. Allow it to bubble slightly for about 1 minute, then add the remaining black pepper. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and let reduce by about one-third, approximately 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Finish the Dish Stir in the heavy cream and bring the mixture back to a gentle simmer. Add the butter and Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and incorporated. Return the chicken to the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Add the drained pasta and the Italian seasoning, tossing everything together to coat evenly in the sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 6: Serve Transfer your Honey Pepper Chicken Panini Pasta to a large serving dish or individual plates. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and additional Parmesan cheese if desired. Serve immediately while hot and creamy for the ultimate dining experience.