If you’re craving a dish that brings together velvety cheese, tender chicken, and vibrant vegetables in one delightful bowl, then the Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe is about to become your new favorite comfort food. This recipe combines the nutty richness of cheddar and the buttery smoothness of Havarti cheese melting into a luscious sauce that clings to perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, all elevated by the savory bite of roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. It’s a crowd-pleaser that feels indulgent yet wholesome, making it just right for a cozy family dinner or to impress guests without fuss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is the best way to ensure your dish shines. Each component in this recipe plays a vital role, from the tender chicken providing protein, to the creamy cheeses creating that dreamy sauce, and the roasted veggies adding beautiful color and a satisfying bite.
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta: Provides the perfect shape to hold on to the creamy sauce and bits of veggies.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used for cooking chicken and roasting veggies, it adds subtle richness and helps develop lovely caramelization.
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender and lean, adding hearty protein to the dish.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Brings a savory depth that complements both chicken and cheese.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors; adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a gentle heat to keep things interesting.
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced: Roasted for sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1 cup zucchini, diced: Adds mild, fresh flavor and pleasant texture.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Offers a slight crunch and deep green color to balance the dish.
- 1 cup heavy cream: Creates the rich and silky base of the cheese sauce.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Freshly shredded for maximum melt and tangy taste.
- 1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded: Smooth and buttery, it blends beautifully into the sauce.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds savory depth and helps loosen the sauce for perfect coating.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens the dish as a fresh garnish.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
First things first, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This will allow you to roast your veggies to tender perfection. While the oven is heating, get your pasta cooking in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside to rest.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced chicken breasts along with garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Sauté the chicken until it’s browned all over and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step infuses the chicken with flavor and locks in juiciness to complement the creamy sauce later.
Step 3: Roast the Vegetables
While the chicken cooks, toss your bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper. Roast these vibrant veggies in your preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Roasting brings out their natural sweetness and adds a beautiful roasted texture that makes this dish truly irresistible.
Step 4: Build the Creamy Cheese Sauce
Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir them together, letting the mixture gently warm. Gradually add in the shredded cheddar and Havarti cheeses, stirring continuously until they melt completely and the sauce turns silky smooth. This step is where the magic happens, turning simple ingredients into indulgent creaminess that coats every bite.
Step 5: Combine Pasta and Roasted Veggies
Mix the cooked bowtie pasta into the cheese sauce, making sure each piece is lovingly coated. Finally, fold the roasted veggies into the creamy pasta, distributing their vibrant colors and flavors throughout the dish. This is the moment everything comes together into one harmonious plate.
How to Serve Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of fresh parsley on top adds a burst of color and a fresh herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the cheese sauce, balancing every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is hearty enough on its own but pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed lightly in lemon vinaigrette, or some garlic bread to soak up any extra sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun presentation, serve the pasta in colorful bowls or garnish with a dusting of smoked paprika or chili flakes to add another layer of flavor and visual appeal. You can even serve it in individual ramekins and broil lightly for a bubbly top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftovers should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3 days, allowing you to enjoy this delicious meal again with minimal effort.
Freezing
This recipe can be frozen, but keep in mind that the texture of the roasted veggies may change slightly. Transfer cooled leftovers to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave. Adding a splash of chicken broth or cream while reheating will help restore that luscious creaminess and prevent the pasta from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use other types of pasta for this recipe?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta holds the sauce beautifully, penne, rotini, or even cavatappi would work equally well depending on what you have on hand.
Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, you can omit the chicken and add more hearty veggies or chickpeas for protein. Roasting adds so much flavor that the dish remains satisfying and rich.
Can I substitute the heavy cream with a lighter option?
You can use half-and-half or a mixture of milk and cream, but keep in mind the sauce may be less rich and might require a bit of thickening with flour or cornstarch.
What’s the best way to shred cheese for this dish?
Shredding cheese fresh from the block ensures it melts more smoothly without clumping. Using pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that affect texture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
Simply use your favorite gluten-free pasta and ensure your broth and other ingredients are gluten-free certified. Everything else can stay the same for full flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe is truly a joy to make and even more delightful to eat. It balances indulgence and nutrition perfectly and brings comforting flavors to your table with ease. Give it a try—you might just find yourself making it again and again to share with those you love.
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Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies is a comforting and flavorful dish perfect for a hearty meal. Tender diced chicken is cooked with garlic and seasoning, then smothered in a rich, creamy cheese sauce made with sharp cheddar and smooth havarti. Combined with perfectly roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli, and tossed with al dente bowtie pasta, this recipe offers a delicious balance of creamy, savory, and fresh roasted vegetable flavors.
Ingredients
Pasta and Chicken
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (Cook according to package instructions.)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (For cooking the chicken.)
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt (Adjust to taste.)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper (Adjust to taste.)
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (Freshly shredded is preferred.)
- 1 cup havarti cheese, shredded (Freshly shredded is preferred.)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (For garnish.)
Instructions
- Preparation: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the bowtie pasta according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside.
- Cook Chicken: In a large pan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned and cooked through, approximately 5-7 minutes.
- Roast Vegetables: Spread the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, and toss to coat evenly. Roast in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, reduce the heat to low. Pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth, stirring well to combine and warm the mixture without boiling.
- Add Cheeses: Gradually add the shredded cheddar and havarti cheeses to the pan, stirring continuously until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Add the cooked bowtie pasta to the cheese sauce, gently stirring to ensure the pasta is well-coated with the sauce.
- Add Roasted Veggies: When the roasted vegetables are ready, gently fold them into the pasta and cheese mixture to combine all the flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and pasta warm, garnished with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.
Notes
- For best flavor, shred the cheddar and havarti cheeses fresh before using.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper according to your taste preference.
- Chicken broth can be substituted with vegetable broth if preferred.
- Ensure the pasta is cooked al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy when mixed with the sauce.
- Feel free to swap the veggies for any other favorite vegetables, like mushrooms or asparagus.
