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Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream Recipe

4 from 45 reviews

Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream is a comforting and flavorful pasta dish featuring tender slices of chicken breast cooked to golden perfection and tossed with bowtie pasta in a rich, creamy garlic sauce enhanced by roasted red peppers and Parmesan cheese. This quick 30-minute recipe combines simple ingredients to create an indulgent yet easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz bowtie pasta

Chicken

  • 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Sauce

  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup roasted red peppers (jarred or homemade), sliced
  • ¾ cup heavy cream
  • 2 oz cream cheese (optional, for added richness)
  • ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend (such as thyme, oregano, rosemary)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped, for garnish
  • Optional: red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle

Instructions

  1. Cook 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. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.
  2. Season Chicken: Season the thinly sliced chicken breasts evenly with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to taste.
  3. Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken slices in a single layer and cook for 6 to 7 minutes, flipping halfway through, until the chicken is golden and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
  4. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium and melt the butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  5. Cook Red Peppers: Add the sliced roasted red peppers to the skillet and cook for 2 to 3 minutes to enhance their flavor.
  6. Make Cream Sauce: Stir in the heavy cream and cream cheese (if using). Simmer the mixture while stirring gently until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  7. Add Cheese and Herbs: Mix in the grated Parmesan cheese and the Italian or Southern herb blend. Stir continuously until the sauce thickens slightly and becomes velvety in texture.
  8. Combine Chicken and Pasta: Return the cooked chicken and the drained bowtie pasta to the skillet. Toss everything thoroughly to coat the chicken and pasta evenly with the creamy sauce.
  9. Adjust Sauce Consistency: If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to the desired consistency.
  10. Garnish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley or basil. Optionally, sprinkle red pepper flakes or drizzle with balsamic vinegar before serving immediately while hot.

Notes

  • For a richer sauce, include the optional cream cheese.
  • If you prefer a spicier dish, add red pepper flakes to the sauce or as garnish.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil brighten the flavor and add freshness.
  • Reserve pasta water carefully; it helps in adjusting the sauce consistency without diluting flavor.
  • This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.

Keywords: Chicken pasta, bowtie pasta recipe, creamy garlic sauce, red pepper chicken, quick dinner, easy pasta dish, comfort food