Step 1

Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Wash and dry all produce. Halve bell pepper lengthwise; remove stem and seeds. Pick oregano leaves from stems; mince leaves until you have 2 tsp (3 tsp for 4 servings; save any remaining leaves for garnish if you like).

Step 2

Place bell pepper halves on a baking sheet; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Arrange cut sides down. Place garlic cloves on a small piece of foil; drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Cinch into a packet; add to same sheet. Roast on middle rack until bell pepper is lightly charred and garlic is softened, 20-25 minutes. Let cool slightly.

Step 3

Once water is boiling, add penne to pot. Cook until al dente, 9-11 minutes. Reserve 3/4 cup pasta water (11/2 cups for 4 servings), then drain.

Step 4

Meanwhile, place chicken in a medium bowl and pat dry with paper towels. Toss with half the minced oregano, a big pinch of salt, and a pinch of chili flakes if desired. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over mediumhigh heat. Add chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 4-6 minutes. Turn off heat; transfer to a plate.

Step 5

Once bell pepper and garlic cloves are cool enough to handle, transfer to a cutting board. Thinly slice bell pepper and gently mash garlic with a fork until smooth. Heat pan used for chicken over medium-high heat. Add tomato paste, 1/2 cup reserved pasta cooking water (3/4 cup for 4 servings), 1/2 tsp salt (1 tsp for 4), and remaining minced oregano. Bring to a simmer and cook until thickened, 2-3 minutes. Reduce heat to low.

Step 6

Stir in cream cheese until melted. Add chicken, bell pepper, mashed garlic, penne, half the Parmesan, and 2 TBSP butter (4 TBSP for 4). (TIP: If needed, stir in more reserved pasta cooking water a splash at a time until penne is thoroughly coated in sauce.) Season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta between bowls. Top with remaining Parmesan. If desired, add a pinch of chili flakes and mince more oregano for garnish.