Name: Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Pasta Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
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 seasoning); 1 tbsp olive oil (Used for sautéing the chicken); 2 tbsp butter (For richness in the garlic cream sauce); 4 cloves garlic, minced (Infuses the dish with aroma); ½ cup roasted red peppers (Jarred or homemade, adds sweetness and depth); ¾ cup heavy cream (Creates luscious creamy texture); 2 oz cream cheese (Boosts sauce's richness and silkiness); ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds nutty flavor and thickens sauce); ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (Adds an earthy herbaceous touch); Fresh parsley or basil (For brightness and color); Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (Optional heat or tanginess)

Description

This Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowtie recipe combines tender seared chicken with a rich and creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, roasted red peppers, and perfectly cooked bowtie pasta. Quick to prepare and bursting with comforting flavors, it's an ideal dish for cozy weeknight dinners or special family meals.

Ingredients

Pasta

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

Chicken

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (Tip: Slice thinly for even cooking)
Salt & black pepper (Essential for seasoning)
1 tbsp olive oil (Used for sautéing the chicken)

Sauce

2 tbsp butter (For richness in the garlic cream sauce)
4 cloves garlic, minced (Infuses the dish with aroma)
½ cup roasted red peppers (Jarred or homemade, adds sweetness and depth)
¾ cup heavy cream (Creates luscious creamy texture)
2 oz cream cheese (Boosts sauce's richness and silkiness)
¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds nutty flavor and thickens sauce)
½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (Adds an earthy herbaceous touch)

Garnish and Optional

Fresh parsley or basil (For brightness and color)
Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (Optional heat or tanginess)

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Instructions

Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions for about 10–12 minutes until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of the starchy pasta water before draining the pasta. Set pasta aside.
Prepare Chicken: While pasta cooks, slice the chicken breast thinly for even cooking. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon garlic powder, then add to skillet. Cook 6–7 minutes, searing until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
Make Sauce Base: In the same skillet, melt 2 tablespoons butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and warm through.
Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in ¾ cup heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring constantly until smooth and silky. Then sprinkle in Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend, stirring gently until cheese fully melts and sauce thickens.
Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Add drained pasta and toss everything together to coat pasta evenly in creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add reserved pasta water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
Garnish and Serve: Plate the dish hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. For extra flavor, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with balsamic glaze. Serve immediately and enjoy a comforting, flavor-packed meal.

Notes

For gluten-free option, substitute with gluten-free pasta.
Slicing chicken thinly ensures quick, even cooking.
Reserved pasta water helps loosen sauce without diluting flavor.
Fresh herbs brighten the rich creamy sauce beautifully.
Add red pepper flakes for heat or balsamic glaze for a tangy contrast as desired.