As the aroma of roasted broccoli and carrots filled my kitchen, I found myself daydreaming about cozy family dinners and heartwarming meals shared together. This Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a delightful way to indulge in comfort food that’s not only creamy and cheesy but also bursts with vibrant flavors. With tender chicken pieces mingling amidst perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all enveloped in a luscious cheese sauce, this dish has become a staple on our weeknight dinner table.
Whether you’re winding down after a long day or prepping for a family gathering, its effortless charm and versatility, including a vegetarian option with tofu or chickpeas, make it a crowd-pleaser for everyone. Let’s dive into the recipe that’s sure to warm your heart and satisfy your cravings!
Why Love Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
Deliciously Comforting: This Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta is a warm hug on a plate, with its rich, creamy sauce coating every piece perfectly.
Family-Friendly: It’s a hit with both kids and adults, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s ideal for busy evenings or last-minute gatherings.
Versatile Options: With a simple swap of chicken for tofu or chickpeas, you can easily tailor it for vegetarians, ensuring everyone feels included.
Colorful & Nutritious: The addition of roasted broccoli and carrots not only adds vibrant colors but also boosts the nutrition, making it a wholesome meal choice.
With these appealing reasons, you’ll find yourself reaching for this recipe time and time again!
Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta Ingredients
For the Pasta and Chicken
- Bowtie Pasta (12 oz) – The perfect shape for holding that creamy cheese sauce.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (1 lb) – Tenderizes beautifully and is the star protein of this dish. Substitution: For a vegetarian version, swap with tofu or chickpeas.
- Chicken Broth (4 cups) – Intensifies the flavor while cooking the pasta. Substitution: Vegetable broth works well for a vegetarian alternative.
For the Roasted Vegetables
- Broccoli Florets (2 cups) – Adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost. Prep Note: Fresh broccoli is best for texture.
- Carrots (2 cups, sliced) – Provides a touch of natural sweetness that complements the cheese sauce. Prep Note: Thinly sliced carrots roast beautifully and evenly.
For the Sauce
- Olive Oil – Essential for roasting and sautéing, adding a delicious richness. Note: You can use vegetable oil as a substitution.
- Heavy Cream (1 cup) – Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce that brings everything together. Substitution: Half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk can lighten it.
- Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (1 cup) – Infuses a sharp, rich flavor; freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.
- Shredded Havarti Cheese (1 cup) – Contributes a smooth creaminess; experimenting with Gouda or Fontina can add unique flavors.
- Italian Seasoning (1 tsp) – Imparts an herby depth to the dish.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced) – Elevates the overall aroma and flavor of the sauce.
- Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper – Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.
For Garnish
- Fresh Parsley (for garnish) – Adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor to finish off the dish.
Now, with these ingredients prepped and ready, you’re well on your way to creating your creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli & Carrots that’s bound to impress!
How to Make Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta
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Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a perfect roasting temperature for the vegetables.
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Roast the Vegetables: Toss the broccoli and sliced carrots in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet, roasting them for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
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Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add in the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
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Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
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Build the Cheese Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium, adding minced garlic for 1 minute to sauté. Then, pour in the heavy cream and gradually whisk in the cheddar and Havarti cheeses until you have a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it with the reserved pasta water until dreamy.
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Combine Ingredients: Toss the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and chicken back into the skillet. Mix everything gently until every piece is beautifully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately by transferring the pasta to your favorite bowls or plates. Don’t forget to garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of cheddar cheese if you desire.
Optional: For a zesty touch, squeeze a bit of fresh lemon juice over the pasta just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
What to Serve with Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
As you savor the creamy, cheesy goodness of this pasta, pairing it with the right sides can elevate your dining experience to new heights.
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Garlic Bread: Perfectly crusty and buttery, garlic bread adds a wonderful crunch and complements the richness of the pasta. It’s a classic match that warms the heart!
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Simple Green Salad: A light green salad dressed in a tangy lemon vinaigrette balances the dish’s heavy creaminess and adds a fresh bite to each mouthful.
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Roasted Asparagus: The slight bitterness of roasted asparagus not only adds elegance to your plate but also enhances the dish’s colors with its vivid green hue, creating a gorgeous visual feast.
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Herbed Rice: Fluffy rice infused with fresh herbs like basil or parsley offers a delightful texture contrast while soaking up the scrumptious cheese sauce lingering on your plate.
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Steamed Green Beans: Crisp, vibrant green beans provide a lovely snap with each bite, bringing both color and nutrition to the mix without overwhelming the dish.
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Lemonade or Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of homemade lemonade or iced tea offers a cool respite to the hearty meal, making every bite of pasta feel all the more comforting.
Embrace these pairings for a complete meal experience that will have everyone around the table smiling!
Tips for the Best Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta
- Fresh Cheese Matters: Always use freshly shredded cheese for the smoothest, most velvety sauce. Pre-shredded cheese can lead to a clumpy texture.
- Proper Roasting: Don’t overcrowd your vegetables on the baking sheet; this ensures they roast evenly and develop that lovely golden color.
- Pasta Perfection: Cook your bowtie pasta until al dente. This allows it to absorb the sauce without becoming mushy—there’s nothing worse than soggy pasta!
- Adjusting the Sauce: If your cheese sauce thickens too much, slowly whisk in reserved pasta water. This keeps it creamy and perfectly coative.
- Flavor Boost: For an extra kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes to the cheese sauce, elevating the taste of your Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta.
- Storage Savvy: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days, and reheat gently to maintain the creamy goodness.
Variations & Substitutions with Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Feel free to get creative with this recipe by making delicious substitutions and adaptations that suit your taste and dietary preferences!
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Vegetarian Delight: Swap out the chicken for tofu or chickpeas, using vegetable broth to keep it hearty and fulfilling.
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Cheesy Experiments: Try mixing in Gouda or Fontina cheese instead of Havarti for a delightful change in flavor and texture.
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Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for a warm, spicy kick that elevates every bite!
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Veggie Boost: Amp up the nutrition by adding bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini to the roasted vegetables for added color and flavor.
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Creaminess Control: For a lighter version, substitute half the heavy cream with Greek yogurt, creating a tangy yet creamy sauce.
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Gluten-Free Option: Replace bowtie pasta with gluten-free pasta shapes; just ensure to adjust cooking times as needed.
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Different Pasta Shape: Opt for penne or rotini instead of bowtie pasta; each shape offers a unique experience with sauce adhesion.
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Nutty Flavor: Incorporate a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds into the dish for added texture and a delightful nutty flavor.
There are endless possibilities to make this dish your own; enjoy every delicious variation!
How to Store and Freeze Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta
Room Temperature: This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but if left out, it should not sit at room temperature for more than 2 hours to maintain food safety.
Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to keep the sauce creamy.
Freezer: If you want to freeze this hearty Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta, portion it into freezer-safe containers and store for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating: Reheat gently either on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or cream to help revive the texture.
Make Ahead Options
These Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli & Carrots are a fantastic choice for meal prep, saving you time on busy weeknights! You can roast the broccoli and carrots up to 24 hours in advance; simply refrigerate them in an airtight container to retain their crunch. Additionally, you can cook the pasta and chicken ahead of time, storing them separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. When it’s time to serve, just heat the cheese sauce in a skillet, add the prepared ingredients, and toss everything together until warm. This way, you’ll enjoy restaurant-quality comfort food with minimal effort!
Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta Recipe FAQs
What is the best way to select fresh broccoli for this recipe?
Absolutely! When choosing broccoli, look for firm, vibrant green florets without any dark spots or yellowing. The stalks should feel crisp and moist rather than soft or woody. Fresh broccoli enhances the dish’s color and nutrition, providing a delightful crunch when roasted.
How should I store leftover Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
Very good question! To store your leftovers, transfer them to an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to enjoy them again, simply reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or reserved pasta water to restore creaminess.
Can I freeze Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta?
Of course! To freeze this creamy dish, allow it to cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers. It can be stored for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth or cream to help with texture.
What should I do if my cheese sauce is too thick?
No worries! If your cheese sauce comes out too thick, simply add in the reserved pasta water gradually while whisking until you achieve your desired consistency. This allows the sauce to remain creamy and cling beautifully to the pasta without clumping.
Are there any dietary considerations for this dish?
Great question! This recipe can easily cater to dietary preferences by substituting chicken with tofu or chickpeas and using vegetable broth in place of chicken broth, making it vegetarian-friendly. Always double-check for any personal allergies, especially with cheese or cream, and feel free to use dairy-free alternatives for those specific diets.
Can I substitute the pasta shape?
Absolutely! If you don’t have bowtie pasta on hand, you can use other pasta shapes like penne or rotini. Just remember to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the pasta type to ensure perfect doneness. The more the merrier in terms of flavor and texture!
Make your cooking experience delightful with these helpful tips!
Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure a perfect roasting temperature for the vegetables.
- Roast the Vegetables: Toss the broccoli and sliced carrots in olive oil, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet, roasting them for 15-20 minutes until they are tender and golden brown.
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring the chicken broth to a boil. Add in the bowtie pasta and cook until al dente, which takes about 10-12 minutes. Make sure to reserve 1 cup of the pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
- Cook the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. In a skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes or until it turns golden brown and is cooked through. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Build the Cheese Sauce: Lower the skillet heat to medium, adding minced garlic for 1 minute to sauté. Then, pour in the heavy cream and gradually whisk in the cheddar and Havarti cheeses until you have a smooth sauce. If the sauce is too thick, adjust it with the reserved pasta water until dreamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Toss the cooked pasta, roasted vegetables, and chicken back into the skillet. Mix everything gently until every piece is beautifully coated in the creamy cheese sauce. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve and Garnish: Serve immediately by transferring the pasta to your favorite bowls or plates. Don't forget to garnish with fresh parsley and an additional sprinkle of cheddar cheese if you desire.