A Comforting Weeknight Dinner You’ll Want to Make Again and Again
There’s something incredibly heartwarming about coming home after a long day and preparing a meal that feels like a hug in a bowl. That’s exactly what this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream dish offers — comfort, richness, and a touch of elegance. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a quiet evening, preparing a romantic dinner for two, or feeding guests during a casual weekend gathering, this dish fits the moment perfectly.
The inspiration for this recipe comes from Southern-style comfort food blended with a Mediterranean twist — the sweetness of roasted red peppers, the tang of Parmesan cheese, and the creaminess of garlic-infused sauce bring it all together. Bowtie pasta, or farfalle, adds a playful touch, making it ideal for both kids and adults.
Let’s dive into why this dish is so special, how to make it, and how to customize it to suit your preferences.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is more than just a pasta dish — it’s a flavorful, creamy comfort meal with layers of taste in every bite. Here’s what makes it a keeper:
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Quick and easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver for busy weeknights.
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Rich and creamy sauce: The combination of garlic, cream, Parmesan, and cream cheese creates a velvety base that clings to every bowtie.
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Bold flavor profile: Roasted red peppers bring a mild sweetness that balances beautifully with the sharp cheese and savory chicken.
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Family-approved: Mild enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough for adults.
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Great for leftovers: It reheats beautifully, making it a perfect next-day lunch.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to bring this creamy red pepper chicken pasta to life. Most of these are pantry staples, making this recipe an easy go-to.
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12 oz bowtie pasta (farfalle) – Holds sauce beautifully and adds texture
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced – Lean and hearty protein
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Salt & black pepper, to taste – Enhances overall flavor
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1 tsp garlic powder – Adds depth to the chicken
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1 tbsp olive oil – For sautéing the chicken
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2 tbsp butter – Rich base for the sauce
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4 cloves garlic, minced – Fragrant and flavorful
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½ cup roasted red peppers, sliced – Brings sweet smokiness
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¾ cup heavy cream – Essential for the creamy texture
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2 oz cream cheese (optional) – For extra richness
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese – Salty and nutty, thickens the sauce
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½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend – A hint of earthy herbs
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish – Brings freshness and color
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Optional: red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle – For heat or tang
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Step-by-Step: How to Make Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream
Bringing this flavorful dish together is a simple process that involves a few essential steps: cooking the pasta, searing the chicken, and building a rich, creamy sauce that ties it all together. Each component adds its own depth and texture, making the final result more than just the sum of its parts. Follow these detailed instructions for a foolproof, flavorful finish.
Step 1: Boil the Bowtie Pasta
Begin by filling a large pot with water, adding a generous amount of salt — this helps to flavor the pasta right from the start. Bring the water to a rolling boil over high heat, then add the bowtie pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package directions, usually around 10–12 minutes, until it reaches that ideal al dente texture — tender, but still slightly firm in the center.
Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly and set it aside. To ensure your sauce doesn’t dry out later, reserve about ½ cup of the pasta water before draining. This starchy water can be used to adjust the sauce’s consistency later, making it silkier without thinning out the flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken to Golden Perfection
While the pasta is boiling, move on to preparing the chicken. Pat the sliced chicken breasts dry with a paper towel — this helps them sear instead of steam. Then season them with garlic powder, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper on all sides.
Heat a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the chicken in a single layer. Let it cook undisturbed for about 3–4 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust, then flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
Optional tip: After cooking, add a small splash of lemon juice over the chicken to brighten the flavor and balance the richness of the upcoming sauce.
Step 3: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce
Using the same skillet — don’t wash it, as the leftover browned bits will add depth to the sauce — melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, just until fragrant and lightly golden.
Stir in the sliced roasted red peppers and cook them for 2–3 minutes. This step enhances their sweetness and deepens their flavor, allowing them to blend more smoothly into the cream base.
Next, pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese (if using). Stir gently until the cream cheese melts and the mixture becomes smooth and cohesive. Add in the grated Parmesan and your herb blend of choice, continuing to stir as the sauce thickens and becomes rich and creamy.
Pro Tip: If the sauce thickens too much, stir in a splash of your reserved pasta water or an extra tablespoon of cream to achieve the perfect velvety texture.
Step 4: Combine Everything
Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, followed by the drained bowtie pasta. Toss everything together gently until the pasta is fully coated in the creamy garlic-Parmesan-red pepper sauce. Let it cook for another 1–2 minutes so the flavors meld.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, black pepper, or herbs if desired.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Plate the pasta and top with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil. For a little kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For a sweet-tangy twist, a light balsamic drizzle works beautifully.
Serve hot and enjoy with warm bread or a light side salad.
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Serving Suggestions to Elevate Your Meal
While this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowtie Pasta is hearty and satisfying on its own, pairing it with thoughtfully chosen sides can take your meal to the next level — whether you’re serving it for a family dinner or a casual get-together with friends. The rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce and tender chicken deserve accompaniments that balance out the flavors and textures without overshadowing them.
1. Crusty Garlic Bread
There’s no better partner for a creamy pasta dish than a slice of warm, crusty garlic bread. It’s perfect for mopping up every bit of that flavorful sauce. You can toast a baguette with butter, garlic, and herbs, or pick up a pre-made loaf from your local bakery. Either way, it adds a crunchy, savory touch that’s impossible to resist.
2. Fresh Mixed Greens Salad
Balance the richness of the pasta with a light, crisp salad. A simple bowl of mixed greens with sliced cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions dressed in a lemon vinaigrette or balsamic glaze brings a refreshing contrast. The acidity and crunch help cleanse the palate and lighten the overall meal.
3. Roasted Seasonal Vegetables
Want to add more color and nutrition to your plate? Roasted vegetables like asparagus, zucchini, bell peppers, or green beans complement the pasta perfectly. Roasting enhances their natural sweetness and adds depth, while keeping the flavors clean and complementary to the creamy sauce.
4. A Glass of Chilled White Wine
A buttery Chardonnay or a crisp Pinot Grigio makes an excellent beverage pairing. The wine’s acidity helps cut through the richness of the sauce, while subtle fruity or floral notes can enhance the sweetness of the roasted red peppers. Serve chilled for the perfect finishing touch to a cozy, comforting meal.
Recipe Variations
Want to make it your own? Try these simple twists:
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Add spinach or kale – Stir in a handful of baby spinach just before combining the pasta and sauce.
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Use a different protein – Swap chicken for shrimp, Italian sausage, or even grilled tofu.
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Go spicy – Add diced jalapeños or increase the red pepper flakes.
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Try different pasta – Penne, rotini, or fettuccine also work well.
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Make it vegetarian – Skip the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas for protein.
Storage and Reheating Tips
This dish makes excellent leftovers and stores beautifully. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
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Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
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Reheat: Warm gently in a skillet over medium heat. Add a splash of cream or milk to restore the sauce.
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Freezing not recommended: Creamy sauces tend to separate when frozen and thawed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes. You can prepare the pasta and chicken separately and store them in the fridge. Assemble and reheat the sauce fresh just before serving for the best taste and texture.
Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
Absolutely. Jarred peppers are convenient and packed with flavor. Just drain them well before slicing and adding to the sauce.
What if I don’t have cream cheese?
You can skip it. The sauce will still be creamy with just the heavy cream and Parmesan. Cream cheese simply adds a bit more body and tang.
Print
Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, comforting pasta dish perfect for weeknights or cozy gatherings. Tender chicken, roasted red peppers, and bowtie pasta come together in a rich garlic-Parmesan cream sauce that’s both easy to make and full of flavor.
Ingredients
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12 oz bowtie pasta
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp butter
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), sliced
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¾ cup heavy cream
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2 oz cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
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¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary)
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Fresh parsley or basil, for garnish
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Optional: red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions. Drain and set aside. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water for the sauce.
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Season chicken with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 6–7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
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In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add roasted red peppers and cook for 2–3 minutes to deepen flavor.
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Stir in heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Simmer while stirring until smooth and creamy.
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Add Parmesan cheese and herb blend. Stir until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety.
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Return cooked chicken and pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the sauce.
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If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water to loosen it.
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Garnish with chopped parsley, basil, or red pepper flakes before serving hot.
Notes
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You can substitute penne or rotini if bowtie pasta isn’t available.
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Jarred roasted red peppers work perfectly; just drain them well before using.
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For a spicier version, add extra red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
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Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheated with a splash of cream or milk.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
