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
Scale
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