Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

Let me tell you, Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe is one of those dishes that instantly becomes a favorite in my house. The combination of tender chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, and that luscious garlic cream sauce over perfectly cooked bowtie pasta just hits all the right notes. It’s comforting, elegant, and surprisingly easy to whip up any night of the week.

What I really love about this recipe is it’s versatile enough for a casual family dinner or a last-minute dinner party. Plus, the rich Parmesan and garlic cream sauce feel indulgent without being overly complicated. Trust me, once you try making Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe, you’ll want to keep this one in your regular rotation.

Ingredients You’ll Need

All these ingredients work beautifully together to create a balanced and flavorful dish, especially with a mix of fresh and pantry staples. A quick tip: if you can find good-quality jarred roasted red peppers, it really speeds things up without sacrificing flavor.

• Bowtie pasta: Its shape holds the creamy sauce perfectly, giving every bite that satisfying sauce-to-pasta ratio.
• Boneless skinless chicken breast: Thin slices cook quickly and evenly, making the dish smooth and tender.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning — don’t be shy here to bring out all the flavors.
• Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic base flavor that complements the fresh garlic.
• Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken; makes sure it doesn’t stick and crisps up gently.
• Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps mellow the garlic’s sharpness.
• Fresh garlic: Minced and fragrant — the heart of that garlic cream sauce.
• Roasted red peppers: Give a smoky sweetness that contrasts beautifully with the savory chicken.
• Heavy cream: The base of the creamy sauce — velvety and indulgent.
• Cream cheese (optional): If you want an extra silky texture and tang, toss this in.
• Grated Parmesan cheese: Sharp, salty, and melts beautifully into the sauce giving it depth.
• Italian or Southern herb blend: I love thyme, oregano, and rosemary here — adds that comforting herbal note.
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish): Brings freshness and color to the final dish.
• Optional red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle: If you like a little heat or a sweet tang, these finishers work wonders.

Variations

I pretty much always play around with this recipe depending on what’s in the fridge or what textures I’m craving. It’s super flexible, so I encourage you to make it your own too!

• Substitute chicken thighs: I sometimes use thighs for extra juiciness — they stay tender and add a deeper flavor.
• Use spinach or kale: Toss in some greens toward the end of cooking for a bright, healthy touch.
• Dairy-free version: Swap heavy cream for coconut cream and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan — still creamy, just different flavor notes!
• Spicy kick: Add extra red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne to give it that spicy excitement my family loves.
• Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add mushrooms or artichoke hearts for hearty texture.

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Bowtie Pasta Perfectly

Start by boiling your bowtie pasta in plenty of salted water until al dente—usually around 10-12 minutes. Don’t forget to reserve about a cup of pasta water before draining; it’s a secret weapon to loosen your sauce if it gets too thick later. I like to add the pasta last so the flavors meld beautifully with the creamy sauce and chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken Just Right

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and season the thinly sliced chicken with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Add the chicken to the pan and let it brown without moving it too much—this gives a nice golden crust. Cook for about 3-4 minutes on each side until it’s no longer pink inside. I always find thin slices cook faster and stay tender, so don’t rush this step.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

Once your chicken is cooked, remove it and set aside. Lower the heat and add butter to the same pan, letting it melt gently. Toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds, no more or it turns bitter! Pour in the heavy cream, stirring constantly, and add cream cheese if you’re using it for that silkier finish. Let it simmer for 3-4 minutes until it starts thickening slightly.

Step 4: Stir in Roasted Red Peppers and Parmesan

Add the sliced roasted red peppers to the creamy sauce and sprinkle in your Parmesan and herb blend. Stir gently until the cheese melts completely into the sauce, creating that amazing velvety texture. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in some reserved pasta water to loosen it up just how you like. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken with Sauce

Return the chicken to the pan along with the cooked bowtie pasta. Toss everything together ensuring every piece of pasta is coated lightly in that creamy garlic sauce. I find this step brings all the flavors together in the best way! Heat through for a minute or two and you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

Garnishes

I love topping this dish with lots of fresh herbs like parsley or basil—it gives a fresh contrast to that rich sauce. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan right before serving feels super indulgent. On occasion, I also add a light drizzle of good quality balsamic vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes to add complexity and a touch of heat.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually go with a crisp green salad tossed in a lemon vinaigrette to cut through the creaminess. Garlic roasted asparagus or simple steamed broccoli makes a nice vegetable addition without competing with the bold flavors. A crusty baguette for sopping up any leftover sauce is a must-have in my book!

Creative Ways to Present

When hosting, I sometimes serve Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe in individual shallow bowls topped with an edible flower or microgreens for a pop of color. It’s also lovely layered in a clear glass casserole dish so guests can see all the layers of pasta, chicken, cream, and peppers. Perfect for making a statement at weekend gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftovers for Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe store really well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. I find the flavors actually marry even better after sitting overnight. Just give it a quick stir before reheating to keep the sauce smooth.

Freezing

I’ve successfully frozen this dish twice by cooling it completely first, then portioning into freezer-safe containers. When thawed, the texture slightly softens but reheat it gently on the stove with a splash of cream or milk to bring the sauce back to life. It’s a great make-ahead option if you want dinner ready for busy nights.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I warm the Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe slowly over medium-low heat, adding a little cream or broth to loosen the sauce if needed. This prevents it from drying out or separating and keeps every bite silky and delicious like fresh.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

Honestly, Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe is one of those dishes that makes me feel like I’ve really got dinner covered — tasty, comforting, and impressive all at once. I hope you have as much fun making and eating it as I do! Don’t hesitate to personalize it your way and enjoy sharing it with the people you love. Once you try this recipe, it might just become your new go-to weeknight favorite.

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