Description
This Best Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken recipe combines tender, seared chicken breast with a luscious creamy roasted red pepper sauce, tossed through perfectly cooked bowtie pasta for a cozy and flavorful dinner. Enhanced with garlic, Parmesan, and herbs, this comforting dish is easy to prepare and ideal for weeknight meals.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Pasta
- 12 oz bowtie pasta (Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version)
For the Chicken
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, sliced thinly for even cooking
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
For the Sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: 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 pasta water before draining, then set pasta aside.
- Prepare the Chicken: While pasta cooks, slice the chicken thinly. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and garlic powder, then cook for 6–7 minutes until golden brown and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Make the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in roasted red peppers and warm through. Pour in heavy cream and add cream cheese, stirring until smooth.
- Add Cheese and Herbs: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend into the sauce. Stir gently until cheese melts and sauce thickens.
- Combine All: Return chicken to skillet with the sauce, add the drained pasta, and toss to coat evenly. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.
- Garnish and Serve: Plate the dish and garnish with fresh parsley or basil. Optionally, add red pepper flakes for heat or a balsamic drizzle for tang. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Ensure chicken is patted dry before searing for a golden crust.
- Always reserve some pasta water; it helps adjust the sauce consistency without losing flavor.
- A splash of lemon juice over the sautéed chicken adds brightness to the dish.
- Use gluten-free pasta to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: Parmesan Chicken, Roasted Red Pepper, Creamy Pasta, Bowtie Pasta, Easy Dinner, Comfort Food
