Description
This Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring tender slices of chicken breast, roasted red peppers, and bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luscious garlic cream sauce enriched with Parmesan and cream cheese. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner or a special occasion, this recipe combines classic Italian flavors with a creamy texture and a hint of herbaceous freshness.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
- Salt and 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), sliced
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary)
Garnish and Optional
- Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
- Optional: red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the bowtie pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices and cook until golden and cooked through, about 4-5 minutes per side depending on thickness. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Garlic and Roasted Peppers: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add butter, and melt it. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the sliced roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to incorporate the flavors.
- Make the Cream Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in the cream cheese (if using). Keep stirring until the cream cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Add the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian or Southern herb blend, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Combine and Heat Through: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and mix with the creamy sauce. Then add the cooked bowtie pasta and toss everything together until well combined and heated through.
- Serve and Garnish: Plate the creamy chicken and bowtie pasta. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes for some heat or drizzle with balsamic reduction for a tangy finish.
Notes
- For a lower-fat version, substitute heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk, though the sauce will be less rich.
- If fresh roasted red peppers are unavailable, jarred roasted red peppers work well and add convenience.
- Adjust garlic and herbs to taste for a personalized flavor balance.
- Cooking chicken slices thinly ensures fast and even cooking.
- The cream cheese is optional but adds extra richness and creaminess to the sauce.
Keywords: Parmesan chicken pasta, roasted red pepper pasta, garlic cream sauce, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy chicken pasta