Description
A creamy, flavorful dish featuring golden-brown chicken, roasted red peppers, and bowtie pasta, perfect for cozy nights.
Ingredients
Scale
- 12 oz bowtie pasta
- 1 lb boneless skinless chicken breast
- Salt & black pepper
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup roasted red peppers
- ¾ cup heavy cream
- 2 oz cream cheese
- ¾ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ tsp Italian or Southern herb blend
- Fresh parsley or basil
- Red pepper flakes or balsamic drizzle
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a splash of the pasta water for later.
- Season the Chicken: Take your thinly sliced chicken breast and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Ensure each piece is evenly coated for maximum flavor.
- Sauté the Chicken: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Create the Sauce: In the same skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for a minute until fragrant. Stir in the roasted red peppers and cook for another minute.
- Add Creaminess: Pour in the heavy cream and add the cream cheese. Stir until the mixture becomes smooth and combined, allowing the cream cheese to melt into the sauce.
- Incorporate Cheese and Herbs: Add the grated Parmesan cheese and Italian herb blend. Stir until the cheese fully melts, creating a rich and velvety sauce. If it seems too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency.
- Combine & Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well-coated in the creamy sauce. Serve immediately, garnishing with fresh parsley or basil, and sprinkle with red pepper flakes or a drizzle of balsamic vinegar for that coveted finishing touch.
Notes
Make this dish in advance; cook the chicken and sauce, then store in airtight containers. Also, you can customize by adding vegetables like spinach.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 650
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 38g
- Saturated Fat: 21g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 48g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 160mg