Parmesan Chicken Bowties Recipe with Roasted Peppers
Parmesan roasted red pepper chicken bowties deliver comfort and sophistication in one satisfying dish that pleases everyone at the table.
The creamy, savory profile makes this pasta ideal for busy weeknights when you crave something special without spending hours in the kitchen.
Each bite offers a rich, warming experience that feels indulgent yet remains surprisingly simple to prepare.
This recipe works beautifully for casual dinners or when you need an impressive meal that doesn't require advanced cooking skills.
The combination of tender pasta and flavorful protein creates a well-balanced plate that leaves everyone feeling content.
If you love meals that look as good as they taste, this bowl checks every box.
Why You Will Fall For These Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties
What Sets These Parmesan Red Pepper Chicken Bowties Apart
Main Ingredients:Sauce Components:Optional Enhancements:Tools Needed For This Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
How to Prepare a Silky Garlic Cream for Red Pepper Pasta
Boil the Pasta
Grab a large pot and fill it with water. Sprinkle in some salt and bring the water to a rolling boil at 212°F (100°C). Add 12 oz (340g) of bowtie pasta and cook for 8-9 minutes until it’s tender but still has a slight bite. Drain the pasta, but save ½ cup of the starchy cooking water – this trick will come in handy later.
Season and Cook Chicken
Grab your chicken and slice 1 pound (454g) of boneless, skinless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle these pieces with salt, black pepper, and 1 teaspoon of Italian seasoning. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat at about 375°F (190°C). Toss in the seasoned chicken and cook for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces turn golden and are completely cooked through.
Create the Garlic Base
In the same skillet where you cooked the chicken, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Drop in 3 minced garlic cloves and let them sizzle for about 30-60 seconds. The kitchen will start to smell amazing as the garlic becomes fragrant.
Build the Creamy Sauce
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of all-purpose flour over the butter and garlic. Whisk everything together to create a smooth paste. Slowly pour in 1½ cups of whole milk, whisking constantly to prevent any lumps. Let the sauce simmer and thicken for 3-4 minutes.
Add Roasted Peppers and Cheese
Time to amp up the flavor! Stir in these ingredients:
Let everything simmer gently for 2-3 minutes to blend the flavors.
Combine Pasta and Chicken
Add the cooked pasta and chicken back into the skillet. Gently toss everything together, making sure each piece gets coated in the creamy sauce. If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of that reserved pasta water to loosen things up.
Garnish and Serve
Transfer the pasta to serving plates. Sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley or basil on top, and if you’re feeling extra cheesy, add a bit more Parmesan. Dinner is served!
Different Flavor Directions For Chicken Bowties With Roasted Red Pepper
Savory Sauce and Pasta Shape Adjustments for Chicken Pasta
Service Style For Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken
Keeping Creamy Chicken Bowties Silky in the Fridge
Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties Questions From Home Kitchens
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Bowtie pasta holds the creamy sauce perfectly, but penne or rotini work great if that’s what’s in your pantry.
Are roasted red peppers from a jar okay?
Jarred peppers are convenient and taste wonderful in this dish. Just drain and pat them dry before adding.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
Check the internal temperature reaches 165°F with a meat thermometer. The chicken should look golden and no longer pink inside.
What if my sauce gets too thick?
Reserved pasta water is your secret weapon. Add a splash at a time to thin the sauce and create a silky texture.
Can I make this dish spicy?
Absolutely! Red pepper flakes will give your dish a nice kick. Start with a small amount and adjust to your heat preference.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
This dish reheats well and stays tasty for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties Recipe
- Total Time: 25-28 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Parmesan Roasted Red Pepper Chicken Bowties in Garlic Cream brings comfort straight to your dinner table with minimal effort. Rich pasta twirls nestle with tender chicken and silky sauce, creating a satisfying meal that feels like a warm restaurant-style hug without complicated cooking techniques.
Ingredients
Proteins:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts
Pasta:
- 12 oz (340 g) bowtie pasta
Sauce and Seasonings:
- 1½ cups whole milk
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 (12 oz) jar roasted red peppers
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Fresh parsley or basil
Instructions
- Boil 12 oz bowtie pasta in a large pot of salted water at a rolling boil for 8-9 minutes. Drain pasta, reserving ½ cup of starchy water for later use.
- Pat 1 pound chicken breast pieces dry with paper towels. Sprinkle 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper over the meat, ensuring even coverage.
- Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet at medium-high temperature (375°F). Cook seasoned chicken pieces for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Remove chicken from skillet. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in the same pan over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 45-60 seconds until aromatic.
- Dust 2 tablespoons flour over melted butter, whisking continuously to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour 1½ cups whole milk, stirring constantly to prevent lumps.
- Simmer cream sauce at 200°F for 3-4 minutes until it thickens. Incorporate ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese and 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers.
- Return chicken to skillet and fold in cooked pasta. Stir gently to coat everything with sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to reach desired consistency.
- Sprinkle red pepper flakes and fresh herbs on top. Serve immediately in warm bowls with extra Parmesan on the side.
Notes
- Toast pine nuts carefully to prevent burning, as they can go from perfectly golden to scorched in seconds.
- Substitute lactose-free cream cheese if dairy is a concern for easier digestion.
- Fresh roasted red peppers offer deeper flavor than jarred, but store-bought work well when time is short.
- Whole wheat bowtie pasta increases fiber and nutrition without changing the core recipe’s delicious profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15-18 minutes
- Category: Sautéed
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 489 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 390 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 44 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 88 mg






Sophie Lane
Recipe Developer
Expertise
Family-friendly Meals, Simple Healthy Cooking, Ingredient Substitutions, Beginner-friendly Recipes, Flexible Meal Prep
Education
- Program: Professional Cook Certificate
- Focus: Online culinary training covering knife skills, cooking techniques, and plant-based and modern cooking approaches.
Schoolcraft CollegeSophie brings a calm and flexible approach to Families With Purpose. Based in Fort Collins, Colorado, she creates recipes that feel simple, clear, and easy to make at home. She focuses on family-friendly meals, healthy everyday cooking, ingredient swaps, and beginner-friendly ideas. Sophie helps make each recipe approachable and easy to follow, especially for busy families who need meals that can bend with the day.