I’m so excited to share this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe with you! It’s one of those dishes that feels fancy enough for company but is super doable on a weeknight after work. The combo of tender chicken, sweet roasted red peppers, and a dreamy garlic cream sauce tossed with bowtie pasta just hits all the right notes for comfort and flavor.

What I love most is how versatile it is — you can make it as rich or light as you like, and it comes together quickly without a ton of fuss. If you’re craving a cozy dinner that feels special but won’t keep you in the kitchen for hours, this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe is definitely worth trying.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a key role in building layers of flavor and creaminess. I always recommend using good-quality Parmesan and real roasted red peppers—freshness really shines through. Here’s a quick rundown to help you shop smart:

Bowtie pasta: Perfect for holding onto that creamy sauce in all those little crevices.
Boneless skinless chicken breast: Thinly sliced for quick cooking and tender bites.
Salt and black pepper: Basic seasoning but essential to bring out all the flavors.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle roasted garlic kick alongside fresh garlic.
Olive oil: For searing the chicken—extra virgin works great here.
Butter: Adds richness to the sauce and helps cook the garlic beautifully.
Fresh garlic: Minced—because garlic is the star of our cream sauce.
Roasted red peppers: Jarred is totally fine—just drain well to avoid watery sauce.
Heavy cream: The heart of the luscious garlic cream sauce.
Cream cheese (optional): I love adding this for extra silkiness but leave it out for a lighter touch.
Grated Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated for melting into that rich sauce.
Italian or Southern herb blend: Thyme, oregano, rosemary—you pick your favorite.
Fresh parsley or basil: For garnish and a fresh pop of color.
Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle (optional): Great for a little heat or tang at the end.

Variations

I often like to tweak this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe depending on what’s in my fridge or my mood. Don’t be afraid to personalize it—it’s what makes cooking fun and keeps this dish feeling fresh every time you make it.

Vegetarian Variation: Swap the chicken for sautéed mushrooms or roasted cauliflower—adds earthiness and keeps that creamy texture.
Spicy Kick: Toss in some red pepper flakes or even a splash of hot sauce to amp up the heat; I find that adds a nice contrast to the creaminess.
Herb Substitutions: Fresh tarragon or basil instead of Italian herbs can change the profile completely, depending on your preference.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free bowtie pasta to accommodate dietary needs without losing the fun shape.

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

Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken

Start by seasoning your thinly sliced chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken in a single layer. Cook for about 3 minutes per side until beautifully golden and cooked through. Avoid overcrowding the pan—cook in batches if necessary so each piece sears nicely. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Cream Sauce

Lower the heat to medium and add butter to the same skillet. Once melted, toss in minced garlic and sauté until fragrant—about 30 seconds, careful not to burn it! Next, add the sliced roasted red peppers, stirring gently. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. If you’re using cream cheese, add it now and whisk until smooth. Let the sauce thicken slightly, then stir in Parmesan cheese and herbs. Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Cook the Pasta and Combine Everything

Meanwhile, cook your bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve a cup of pasta water. Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything together gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce. This is when the flavors really come together, and that creamy coating on every bowtie gets me every time.

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

For garnishes, I love a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil to add brightness and color—that fresh pop makes the dish look even more inviting. A handful of extra grated Parmesan on top never hurts either! If you want a little more zing, a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a pinch of red pepper flakes amps up the flavor beautifully.

Side Dishes

To round out the meal, I often pair this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Something crisp and fresh provides great balance to the creamy, rich pasta. Garlic bread or a crusty baguette is also perfect for soaking up every last bit of sauce.

Creative Ways to Present

When I want to dress it up for guests, I serve this pasta in shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens and a lemon wedge on the side for a burst of brightness. Another fun idea is to layer it in small individual gratin dishes, sprinkle with extra Parmesan, and broil for a few minutes to get a bubbly, golden top—makes for a charming presentation every time.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftovers of this Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge. The sauce thickens as it chills, so before reheating, I usually add a splash of milk or cream to loosen it back up. It keeps well for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners later in the week.

Freezing

Freezing this dish is possible, but I find the cream sauce changes texture a bit after thawing. If you want to freeze it, I recommend undercooking the pasta slightly first and skipping the cream cheese to help it freeze better. Thaw overnight in the fridge and gently reheat on the stove with extra cream or broth to bring it back to life.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, stirring often, and add a splash of cream or broth if the sauce is too thick. Microwave works too—just heat in short increments and stir to keep the sauce creamy. Avoid high heat to prevent the sauce from breaking or curdling.

FAQs

Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?

Absolutely! While bowtie pasta works wonderfully, you can swap in penne, rotini, or even fettuccine. Just remember to adjust your cooking times accordingly. The key is choosing a pasta shape that holds onto the creamy garlic sauce well.
Is there a dairy-free option for the cream sauce?

You can make a dairy-free version by using coconut cream or cashew cream as substitutes for heavy cream and cream cheese. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will be a bit different but still delicious!
Can I prepare parts of this recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! You can pre-slice and season the chicken, or even have roasted red peppers ready in the fridge. Cooking the pasta ahead? Just toss it lightly with olive oil to avoid sticking and refrigerate. Then combine everything fresh when ready to eat.
How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add red pepper flakes when stirring in the garlic or finish the dish with a drizzle of hot sauce. Some people like to add diced jalapeños or a spicy Italian sausage in place of chicken for an extra kick. Taste as you go to find your perfect heat level!
What’s the best way to prevent the cream sauce from curdling?

To avoid curdling, keep the heat on medium to low when simmering the cream sauce and add cheese off the heat if possible. Stir gently and avoid boiling the sauce once dairy is added. Also, adding cream cheese helps stabilize the sauce and make it extra smooth.

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe really is a keeper in my kitchen, and I hope it becomes one in yours too. It’s comforting, impressive, and surprisingly easy to pull off. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a casual weekend dinner, this dish always brings smiles around the table. So grab your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and give it a go—you’ll love how satisfying and delicious homemade pasta dinners can be!