Roasted Pepper Alfredo Pasta with Chicken

Roasted Pepper Alfredo Pasta with Chicken is a creamy, flavorful pasta dish that combines tender grilled or pan-seared chicken with sweet roasted bell peppers, tossed in a rich and luscious Alfredo sauce.

This dish takes the classic Alfredo pasta to the next level by adding roasted peppers, which infuse a slightly smoky, sweet flavor into the creamy sauce, creating a perfectly balanced, indulgent meal. It’s elegant enough for dinner parties but simple enough for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect combination of creamy comfort and vibrant flavors. The roasted peppers add a natural sweetness and depth to the Alfredo sauce, while the chicken provides a hearty protein element.

The texture is incredible—smooth, velvety sauce coats each strand of pasta, and the roasted peppers give a slight bite and color that makes the dish visually appealing. It’s rich, satisfying, and makes any dinner feel special.

Why This Dish is a Must-Try

This dish is a must-try because it transforms a simple chicken Alfredo into a restaurant-quality meal at home. The roasted peppers enhance the creaminess of the sauce with their smoky-sweet flavor, while the tender chicken makes it filling and protein-rich.

It’s versatile, crowd-pleasing, and works beautifully for a family dinner, date night, or even for entertaining guests. Every bite delivers layers of flavor that are comforting yet sophisticated.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 25–30 minutes
• Total time: 40–45 minutes

Servings and Nutritional Info

• Servings: 4
• Calories per serving: Approximately 550–600 kcal
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Italian / American

Ingredients

For the Pasta and Chicken:

• 300g fettuccine or linguine pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 medium chicken breasts, sliced into strips
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika (optional)

For the Roasted Pepper Alfredo Sauce:

• 2 large red bell peppers, roasted, peeled, and sliced
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional for heat)
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish

Cooking Directions

1. Cook pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. Prepare chicken: Season chicken strips with salt, pepper, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken until golden brown and cooked through, about 5–7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Sauté minced garlic for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
4. Add roasted peppers: Stir in roasted peppers, crushing some slightly with a spatula to help release flavor. Cook for 2–3 minutes.
5. Add cream and cheese: Pour in heavy cream and add Parmesan cheese. Stir and simmer for 3–4 minutes until sauce thickens slightly. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using.
6. Combine pasta and chicken: Add cooked pasta and chicken strips to the skillet. Toss gently to coat pasta and chicken evenly with the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to achieve desired consistency.
7. Serve: Plate pasta, garnish with fresh basil or parsley, and extra Parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Boil pasta: Cook according to package instructions, drain, and reserve some water.
2. Cook chicken: Season and sauté in olive oil until golden and fully cooked; set aside.
3. Sauté garlic: Melt butter, cook garlic until fragrant.
4. Roast peppers: Add roasted red peppers, crush slightly, and cook briefly.
5. Prepare sauce: Pour in heavy cream, add Parmesan, simmer until slightly thickened.
6. Combine all ingredients: Add pasta and chicken to sauce, toss, adjust consistency with reserved pasta water.
7. Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with herbs and extra Parmesan.

How to Serve

Serve Roasted Pepper Alfredo Pasta with Chicken hot, directly from the skillet or plated elegantly. Pair with garlic bread, a fresh green salad, or a crisp white wine such as Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc for a complete meal.

Recipe Tips

• Roast peppers ahead of time for added flavor; char them under a broiler or on a gas flame.
• Slice chicken evenly for uniform cooking.
• Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melting and flavor.
• Reserve pasta water to adjust sauce thickness and help it cling to the noodles.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat contrast.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Omit chicken and add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach.
• Spicy Version: Add 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes for extra heat.
• Cheesy Variation: Add shredded mozzarella or Fontina cheese to make the sauce even richer.
• Creamier Sauce: Stir in 2 tablespoons cream cheese or mascarpone for extra velvety texture.
• Different Peppers: Use a mix of yellow, orange, and red peppers for a colorful presentation.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• Freezing: Not recommended for best texture, as cream sauces can separate when frozen.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or pasta water to restore creaminess.

Special Equipment Needed

• Large pot for pasta
• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Knife and cutting board
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cheese grater

FAQ

Q: Can I use pre-cooked chicken?
A: Yes, you can add rotisserie or leftover chicken. Add it at the end to warm through.

Q: Can I use jarred roasted red peppers?
A: Yes, drained jarred peppers work well and save time.

Q: Can I make this gluten-free?
A: Use gluten-free pasta instead of traditional tagliatelle or fettuccine.

Q: Can I make the sauce ahead?
A: Yes, prepare the roasted pepper Alfredo sauce up to a day in advance; reheat gently before adding pasta and chicken.

Q: How do I prevent the sauce from being too thick?
A: Add reserved pasta water gradually to reach desired consistency.

Conclusion

Roasted Pepper Alfredo Pasta with Chicken is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that elevates traditional Alfredo with the sweet and smoky notes of roasted peppers. Easy to prepare yet impressive, it’s perfect for family dinners, date nights, or casual entertaining. The combination of tender pasta, juicy chicken, and rich roasted pepper sauce makes it a must-try for anyone seeking a comforting and elegant Italian-inspired meal.