I can’t wait to share this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe with you—it’s truly one of those comforting yet elegant dishes that feels special without being complicated. The way the creamy garlic sauce hugs each bowtie pasta, mingling with tender chicken and sweet roasted red peppers, always brings a smile to my dinner table. If you love those rich, cozy meals that look impressive but are easy enough for a weeknight, this recipe’s a winner.

What I love most about this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe is how the flavors balance effortlessly—parmesan sharpness, garlic warmth, and the subtle sweetness from roasted red peppers. It’s one of those recipes that always impresses guests but also feels like a warm hug after a long day. Plus, it comes together quickly, so you get quality food without hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe relies on simple, fresh ingredients that play so well together—each adds its own character, creating a dish that’s layered in flavor but still approachable. When shopping, look for good-quality roasted red peppers and fresh parmesan to really make a difference.

Bowtie pasta: Its shape holds the creamy sauce beautifully, making every bite flavorful.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning that lets the other flavors shine.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor without overpowering the dish.
Olive oil: For sautéing the chicken and adding a subtle richness.
Butter: Adds depth and creaminess to the sauce.
Garlic cloves (minced): Fresh garlic is key for that vibrant aroma and taste.
Roasted red peppers: Adds sweetness and color; jarred ones work great for convenience.
Heavy cream: Gives the sauce that luscious, silky texture.
Cream cheese (optional): For extra creaminess and tang; feel free to skip if you want it lighter.
Grated Parmesan cheese: The star that adds savory richness and umami.
Italian or Southern herb blend: A blend of thyme, oregano, and rosemary pedals the flavor profile perfectly.
Fresh parsley or basil: For a pop of color and fresh, herbal brightness as garnish.
Optional red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle: If you like a hint of heat or sweet tang, these are great additions.

Variations

One of the things I enjoy about this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe is how easy it is to make your own. Feel free to tweak it based on what you have or your dietary preferences!

Vegetarian version: Swap chicken for mushrooms or roasted cauliflower—I’ve done this when I wanted something meatless but still hearty.
Low-carb option: Use zucchini noodles or a spiralized vegetable instead of bowtie pasta for a gluten-free twist.
Spicy kick: Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of smoked paprika. I love this adjustment when serving to friends who crave heat.
Dairy-free version: Use coconut cream and nutritional yeast instead of heavy cream and parmesan. It’s delicious and creamy, promise!
Herb swaps: Try fresh thyme or tarragon instead of the herb mix for a seasonal zing.

How to Make Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

Step 1: Cook Your Pasta and Prep the Chicken

Start by boiling your bowtie pasta in salted water according to the package directions—about 10-12 minutes until al dente. While that cooks, thinly slice the chicken breast into bite-sized strips and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. This seasoning step really builds the foundational flavor for your chicken.

Step 2: Sauté the Chicken to Golden Perfection

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken slices. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, flipping to get a nice golden crust on each side. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed to ensure your chicken doesn’t steam but actually browns. Once cooked through, set the chicken aside on a plate.

Step 3: Build the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and melt butter in the same skillet. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in the sliced roasted red peppers and cook for another 2 minutes to warm through. Then pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. If you’re using cream cheese, add it now, stirring until melted and smooth. Sprinkle in the Parmesan cheese gradually, stirring constantly so the sauce thickens without clumping. Add the herb blend and adjust salt and pepper to taste. This sauce comes together fast, so keep an eye on it!

Step 4: Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Sauce

Drain the pasta and add it directly to your skillet with the sauce. Toss in the cooked chicken as well, mixing everything thoroughly to coat the bowties and chicken evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, splash in a bit of pasta cooking water to loosen it gently. Heat through for another 2 minutes and you’re ready to serve.

How to Serve Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe - Recipe Image

Garnishes

I always finish this dish with fresh parsley or basil because the green freshness brightens the creamy richness perfectly. Sometimes I sprinkle extra parmesan on top or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a mild heat. A drizzle of balsamic glaze is my little secret when I want to impress—it adds a tangy sweetness that pairs wonderfully with the roasted red peppers.

Side Dishes

Because this dish is already rich and hearty, I like to keep sides simple and fresh. A crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, garlic roasted asparagus, or steamed broccoli works beautifully to balance the creaminess of the Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe.

Creative Ways to Present

For special dinners, I’ve served this in individual shallow bowls topped with microgreens and a twist of lemon zest—makes it feel extra fancy! Another fun idea is plating it alongside garlic breadsticks with a sprinkle of parmesan dusted on top of everything for a restaurant-style finish.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and find the flavors deepen overnight, which is always a nice bonus. Just make sure to cool it before sealing to keep the sauce fresh and luscious.

Freezing

I’ve frozen this dish a couple of times with decent results—freeze in single portions without pasta on the side if possible since pasta can get a bit mushy. When you want to enjoy it, thaw overnight in the fridge for best texture.

Reheating

When reheating leftovers, I gently warm the pasta and chicken in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or cream to refresh the sauce. Microwaving works too, just stir halfway through to keep everything evenly heated.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great at holding the creamy sauce, penne, fusilli, or farfalle also work wonderfully. Just make sure to cook your pasta al dente to maintain a nice texture with the sauce and chicken.
Is it okay to use jarred roasted red peppers?

Yes, jarred roasted red peppers are convenient and add lovely flavor. Just choose a good quality brand without added preservatives or excess oil for best results. You can also roast your own if you prefer a more homemade touch.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Definitely! Swap heavy cream for coconut or almond milk cream alternatives, and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan cheese to keep that cheesy undertone. Just skip the cream cheese or use a dairy-free cream cheese product.
How do I make sure the chicken stays tender in this recipe?

Thinly slicing the chicken and cooking it quickly over medium-high heat prevents it from drying out. Avoid overcooking and make sure to remove the chicken once it’s no longer pink inside before adding it to the sauce.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

You can cook the chicken and pasta in advance and combine them with the sauce right before serving. The sauce is best freshly made but can be reheated gently without losing its creamy texture, making this recipe great for meal prep days.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe has become one of my go-to dishes whenever I want something comforting yet a little special. The flavors are rich but balanced, and the creamy sauce feels indulgent without fuss. I hope you give it a try—you’ll find it’s a perfect blend of easy cooking and impressive results that I know you and anyone you cook for will absolutely enjoy.