Description
Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties are a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender, golden-browned chicken breast with al dente bowtie pasta tossed in a rich garlic cream sauce infused with roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese. This cozy dinner comes together in about 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights, and is elevated by fresh herbs and optional spicy or tangy garnishes for a crowd-pleasing meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (use gluten-free pasta for gluten-free option)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Sauce
- 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
Garnishes
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Balsamic drizzle (optional, for tanginess)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 10–12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of starchy pasta water before draining and set pasta aside.
- Prepare and Cook Chicken: While pasta cooks, slice chicken thinly. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken pieces and cook 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Make Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and warm through. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth and creamy.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle grated Parmesan and Italian herb blend into the sauce. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens, developing a rich, velvety texture.
- Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss thoroughly to coat everything evenly in the creamy sauce. Adjust thickness by gradually adding reserved pasta water if needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the dish hot, garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for heat or drizzle with balsamic vinegar for extra tang. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish gluten-free.
- Slicing chicken thin ensures even cooking and a tender bite.
- Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce consistency for perfect coating.
- Roasted red peppers can be substituted with jarred or homemade versions depending on availability.
- Optional garnishes like red pepper flakes add a spicy kick, while balsamic drizzle adds tang.
- The dish comes together in about 30 minutes, ideal for quick weeknight meals.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan chicken, roasted red pepper, creamy pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, weeknight dinner, easy chicken pasta, creamy garlic sauce
