There’s nothing quite like a comforting pasta dish to brighten your dinner table, and this parmesan red pepper chicken bowties recipe is just that. The creamy garlic sauce perfectly coats tender chicken and bowtie pasta, while the sweet roasted red peppers add a pop of color and flavor you’ll crave again and again.
You’ll love how easy it is to make this dish on a weeknight yet impressive enough for guests. Once you try this recipe, parmesan red pepper chicken will become a go-to for your pasta nights.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Rich, creamy garlic sauce that’s irresistibly smooth
- Sweet roasted red peppers add vibrant color and flavor
- Bowtie pasta holds sauce perfectly for every bite
- Quick to make with simple ingredients you likely have on hand
- Perfect balance of protein and carbs for a satisfying meal
Ingredients
Gather these fresh ingredients to create the perfect parmesan red pepper chicken bowties in garlic cream sauce.
- 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, plus extra for garnish
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced into strips
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Recipe Details
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Calories: Approximately 520 per serving
How to Make Delicious Parmesan Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream – Perfect Pasta Dinner Idea
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, about 10-12 minutes. Drain and set aside.
- While pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken pieces with ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Reduce heat to medium, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the skillet, then add minced garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Stir in the Parmesan cheese and crushed red pepper flakes if using. Cook until the sauce thickens slightly, about 3-4 minutes.
- Add the roasted red peppers and cooked chicken back into the skillet. Stir to coat everything evenly with the creamy sauce. Season with remaining salt and pepper to taste.
- Toss the cooked bowtie pasta into the skillet and mix gently until pasta is well coated with the garlic cream sauce and combined with chicken and peppers.
- Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese before serving. Serve immediately while warm and creamy.
Tips for the Best Results
- Use fresh garlic for the best flavor in your sauce.
- Don’t overcook the chicken to keep it juicy and tender.
- Roast your own red peppers or buy jarred roasted peppers for convenience.
- Reserve a little pasta water to loosen the sauce if it becomes too thick.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan to enhance taste and presentation.
Storage and Reheating
Store leftover parmesan red pepper chicken bowties in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or milk to loosen the sauce.
If you want to freeze it, place cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating as above.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes! While bowtie pasta is ideal for this dish because it holds sauce well, you can use penne, fusilli, or rotini as alternatives without sacrificing flavor or texture.
Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream and use a dairy-free Parmesan alternative. Keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be slightly different but still delicious.
How can I make this dish spicier?
Add more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic cream sauce. You can also toss in some chopped jalapeños or spicy sausage for an extra kick.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook the chicken and pasta separately and combine them with the sauce just before serving. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents the pasta from absorbing too much sauce.