Parmesan Chicken Bowties with Roasted Bell Peppers and Corn

A one-skillet wonder full of creamy, cheesy comfort and vibrant roasted veggies

Introduction: A Skillet Dinner That Delivers

Weeknight dinners don’t have to be boring. This Parmesan Chicken Bowties with Roasted Bell Peppers and Corn is proof that you can have a colorful, comforting, and flavor-packed meal on the table in under an hour. It’s everything you want in a skillet dinner: tender chicken bites seared to golden perfection, sweet roasted bell peppers and corn adding natural sweetness, and bowtie pasta tossed in a silky parmesan cream sauce.

This dish is cozy enough for a quiet night in and impressive enough to serve guests. It’s versatile, satisfying, and guaranteed to become a regular in your dinner rotation.

Ingredients Breakdown

Let’s take a closer look at what makes this dish so irresistible:

Pasta:

• Bowtie (farfalle) pasta (12 oz)
  Holds sauce beautifully and adds visual appeal.

Tip: Cook until al dente for the best texture.

Chicken:

• Chicken breast or thighs (1 lb, cut into bite-sized pieces)
  Thighs add extra juiciness, while breasts keep it lean.
• Seasonings:
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Garlic powder
• Smoked paprika

Optional: Add Italian seasoning or chili flakes for extra depth.

Vegetables:

• Roasted bell peppers (1 cup, sliced)
  Sweet and slightly smoky—use red, yellow, or orange for color.

• Corn kernels (1 cup)
  Adds sweetness and texture—fresh, canned, or frozen all work.

Tip: Roast peppers ahead of time or use jarred for convenience.

Sauce Base:

• Olive oil (2 tbsp)
  For searing chicken and adding richness.
• Butter (4 tbsp)
  Adds flavor and helps build the sauce.
• Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
  Fragrant and essential for depth.
• Heavy cream (1 cup)
  Creates a luscious, velvety sauce.
• Chicken broth (½ cup)
  Adds savory flavor and lightens the cream.
• Shredded parmesan (¾ cup)
  Melts into the sauce for cheesy goodness.

Optional: Use freshly grated parmesan for best melt and flavor.

Garnish:

• Chopped parsley
  Adds freshness and color.
• Red pepper flakes
  Optional heat and contrast.

Equipment Needed

• Large skillet
• Pot for boiling pasta
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Spatula or tongs

Optional: Use a cast iron skillet for extra browning and flavor.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.

Add bowtie pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente.

Drain and set aside.

Tip: Reserve ¼ cup pasta water to loosen sauce if needed.

Step 2: Sear the Chicken

Season chicken pieces generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and smoked paprika.

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Add chicken and sear for 5–7 minutes, until golden and cooked through.

Remove from skillet and set aside.

Tip: Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook in batches if needed.

Step 3: Roast the Bell Peppers

If using fresh peppers:

• Toss sliced peppers with olive oil, salt, and pepper.

Roast at 425°F (220°C) for 15–20 minutes, until slightly caramelized.

Optional: Use jarred roasted peppers for a shortcut.

Step 4: Make the Parmesan Cream Sauce

In the same skillet:

• Melt butter over medium heat.

Add minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant.

Stir in heavy cream and chicken broth.

Simmer for 3–4 minutes, until slightly thickened.

Add shredded parmesan and stir until melted and silky.

Tip: Stir constantly to prevent curdling.

Step 5: Bring It All Together

Return cooked chicken, roasted bell peppers, corn, and drained pasta to the skillet.

Toss gently to coat everything in the creamy parmesan sauce.

Optional: Add reserved pasta water if sauce is too thick.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Sprinkle with chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if desired.

Serve hot and enjoy!

Presentation Tip: Serve in shallow bowls with extra parmesan on top.

Serving Suggestions

Perfect for:

• Weeknight dinners
• Casual entertaining
• Meal prep lunches
• Cozy fall evenings

Pair with:

• Garlic bread
• Simple green salad
• Roasted broccoli
• White wine or sparkling water

Yields:

• 4–6 servings

Tip: Double the recipe for leftovers or family-style meals.

Variations to Try

Want to make it your own? Try these delicious twists:

Garlic Herb

Add fresh basil, thyme, or oregano to the sauce.

Bacon Bowties

Add crumbled cooked bacon for smoky richness.

Spicy Kick

Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce to the cream.

Veggie Boost

Add spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini.

Vegetarian Version

Skip the chicken and add chickpeas or white beans.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

• Make-Ahead: Prepare sauce and roast veggies up to 2 days in advance.
• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze cooked pasta and sauce for up to 1 month. Thaw and reheat gently.

Tip: Reheat with a splash of broth or cream to loosen the sauce.

Nutrition Notes (Per Serving, ~1 of 6)

• Calories: ~420
• Protein: ~28g
• Carbohydrates: ~32g
• Fat: ~22g
• Sugar: ~4g
• Sodium: ~480mg
• Fiber: ~3g

This dish is:

• Creamy and comforting
• Packed with flavor
• Easy to make
• Perfect for sharing

Final Thoughts

This Parmesan Chicken Bowties with Roasted Bell Peppers and Corn is more than just a skillet dinner—it’s a celebration of cozy flavors, colorful ingredients, and creamy indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself, it’s guaranteed to satisfy every craving.