Name: Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken for Cozy Nights Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients: 12 oz bowtie pasta (Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version); 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced; Salt & black pepper, to taste; 1 tsp garlic powder; 1 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp butter; 4 cloves garlic, minced; ½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade); ¾ cup heavy cream; 2 oz cream cheese; ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese; ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend; Fresh parsley or basil, chopped; Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (optional)

Ingredients

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

1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast (Slice thinly for even cooking)

Salt & black pepper (Essential for enhancing flavor)

1 tsp garlic powder (Adds mellow depth to the chicken)

1 tbsp olive oil (For sautéing the chicken)

2 tbsp butter (For richness in the garlic cream sauce)

4 cloves garlic, minced (For fragrant aroma)

½ cup roasted red peppers (Use jarred or homemade as desired)

¾ cup heavy cream (Creates luscious creamy texture)

2 oz cream cheese (Boosts sauce richness)

¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese (Adds nutty flavor and thickens sauce)

½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (Adds earthy flavor)

Fresh parsley or basil (For garnish and brightness)

Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (Optional, for heat or tanginess)

Instructions

Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 10–12 minutes. Reserve ½ cup of the pasta water before draining and set the pasta aside.

Step 2: While the pasta cooks, slice the chicken thinly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook for 6–7 minutes until golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.

Step 3: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and warm through.

Step 4: Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth and silky.

Step 5: Sprinkle in grated Parmesan and Italian herb blend. Stir gently until the cheese melts and the sauce thickens.

Step 6: Return the cooked chicken and drained pasta to the skillet. Toss to coat everything in the creamy sauce. Add reserved pasta water gradually if the sauce is too thick.

Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley or basil. Add red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle if desired for extra heat or tang.

Tips & Variations

Use gluten-free pasta to make this dish suitable for gluten allergies.

Slice chicken thinly to ensure even cooking and tenderness.

For more heat, add extra red pepper flakes or substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Swap roasted red peppers with fire-roasted or fresh grilled peppers for different flavor nuances.

Fresh herbs like basil or parsley brighten the dish and add fresh aroma—don’t skip the garnish!

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute bowtie pasta with penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly to reach the desired al dente texture.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the butter with olive oil, use a plant-based cream alternative, and replace Parmesan with a dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for flavor.