Name: Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken for Cozy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option); 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade); ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 oz cream cheese; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend; Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish; Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat); Balsamic drizzle (optional, for tanginess)

Introduction

The aroma wafting through your kitchen will be simply irresistible—like wrapping yourself in a warm, cozy blanket on a chilly evening. This Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream combines comfort food with ease, making it a perfect favorite for busy weeknights. Ready in about 30 minutes, it brings everyone together with creamy sauce, tender chicken, and the bright flavor of roasted red peppers.

A white plate filled with creamy orange pasta made of bow-tie-shaped noodles evenly coated in a thick, smooth sauce. Small pieces of red bell pepper add color throughout the dish, while green chopped herbs are sprinkled on top as garnish. The pasta appears soft and slightly ruffled at the edges, with some layers overlapping each other to create depth. Finely grated white cheese is lightly dusted across the entire surface, enhancing the rich texture of the sauce. The photo is set against a subtle white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 oz bowtie pasta (Substitution: Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.)

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (Tip: Slice thinly for even cooking.)

Salt & black pepper (Essential for enhancing the overall flavor profile.)

1 tsp garlic powder (Adds a mellow depth to the chicken seasoning.)

1 tbsp olive oil (Used for sautéing the chicken to a golden perfection.)

2 tbsp butter (Lends richness to the garlic cream sauce.)

4 cloves garlic, minced (Infuses the dish with a fragrant aroma.)

½ cup roasted red peppers (Substitution: Use jarred or homemade roasted peppers as desired.)

¾ cup heavy cream (The key to achieving that luscious creamy texture.)

2 oz cream cheese (Boosts the sauce’s richness for an indulgent finish.)

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Contributes a nutty flavor and thickens the sauce beautifully.)

½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (Adds an earthy touch to harmonize flavors.)

Fresh parsley or basil (Brightens the dish and adds a pop of color.)

Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (For those who enjoy a touch of heat or tanginess.)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta in a colander. Set aside.

Step 2: While pasta cooks, slice the chicken breast thinly. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then add to the skillet. Cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and warm through.

Step 4: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir constantly until the sauce is smooth and creamy.

Step 5: Add grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, then add the drained pasta. Toss everything carefully to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce needs loosening.

Step 7: Plate the dish hot and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for heat or drizzle balsamic for tanginess. Serve immediately and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, replace bowtie pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta.

Thinly slicing the chicken ensures it cooks evenly and remains tender.

Use jarred roasted red peppers for convenience or roast your own for deeper flavor.

Add a splash of white wine to the sauce for an extra layer of taste.

Swap out fresh herbs to suit your preference—thyme or oregano work well too.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can use any pasta shape you prefer, like penne, fusilli, or farfalle. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

You can substitute the cream, cream cheese, butter, and Parmesan with dairy-free alternatives such as coconut cream, vegan cream cheese, plant-based butter, and nutritional yeast for a similar flavor and texture.