If you’re craving a comforting, luxurious pasta dish that feels like a warm hug on a plate, look no further than this Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe. It combines tender bowtie pasta tossed in a silky, cheesy sauce made from sharp cheddar and creamy Havarti cheeses, perfectly complemented by juicy, seasoned chicken and vibrant roasted vegetables. Every bite bursts with rich flavors and colorful textures, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is beautiful. This recipe proves that simple ingredients can come together in the most delicious way to create a hearty meal that’s perfect for family dinners or impressing friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential, each playing a vital role in creating the perfect balance of creamy, savory, and fresh flavors. From the chicken adding protein and heartiness, the roasted veggies bringing a pop of color and sweetness, to the combination of cheddar and Havarti cheeses delivering velvety richness — every element shines in this dish.
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta: Choose good quality pasta to ensure a satisfying al dente bite that holds onto the sauce well.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Use this for cooking the chicken, adding subtle fruity notes and helping to brown the meat evenly.
- 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, diced: Tender protein that’s quick to cook and soaks up all the spices beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds an aromatic depth that infuses the chicken with warm, savory flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the dish’s natural flavors; adjust to your taste.
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right amount of gentle heat and complexity.
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced: Sweet and crunchy, they add freshness and a lovely splash of color.
- 1 cup zucchini, diced: Mild and tender, zucchini balances out the textures perfectly.
- 1 cup broccoli florets: Adds a satisfying crunch and vibrant green contrast to the creamy sauce.
- 1 cup heavy cream: The lush base for the sauce that creates that irresistible smooth creaminess.
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded: Sharp and tangy, freshly shredded is best for melting into a silky sauce.
- 1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded: Buttery and mild, it blends beautifully with cheddar, enhancing the richness.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Adds moisture and a touch of savory background flavor to the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped: For garnish, it brightens the dish with herbaceous freshness and a pop of green.
How to Make Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
Step 1: Preparation
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures your veggies roast to perfection, tender with a slight caramelization that brings out their natural sweetness.
Step 2: Cook the Bowtie Pasta
Follow the package instructions to cook your bowtie pasta until it’s al dente — just tender but still with a slight bite. Drain the pasta well and set it aside while you prepare everything else.
Step 3: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the diced chicken, then season with garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook until the chicken pieces turn golden and are cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes. This step ensures your chicken stays juicy with a nicely browned exterior.
Step 4: Roast the Veggies
While the chicken cooks, spread the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli florets on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and season lightly with salt and pepper. Toss everything to coat, then roast in your preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized. Roasting brings out a whole new level of flavor from these healthy additions.
Step 5: Make the Cheese Sauce
Once your chicken is cooked, lower the heat to medium-low and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir as the mixture warms, then gradually add in the shredded cheddar and Havarti cheeses. Stir continuously until all the cheese melts into a smooth, creamy sauce. This luscious sauce is the heart of the Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe, so be sure to keep the heat low enough to avoid scorching.
Step 6: Combine Pasta and Sauce
Add your cooked bowtie pasta into the pan with the cheese sauce. Mix gently but thoroughly to make sure every bowtie is gorgeously coated in that dreamy sauce.
Step 7: Add Roasted Vegetables
Finally, fold in the roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli. Combining the warm roasted vegetables with the rich, cheesy pasta creates a beautiful contrast in both texture and flavor that makes this dish so special.
How to Serve Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top just before serving. The parsley adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a vibrant splash of green that transforms the dish visually and adds a punch of bright flavor with every bite.
Side Dishes
This dish is quite filling on its own, but if you want to round out your meal, consider serving it with a crisp green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette or some garlic bread to soak up every last bit of that cheesy sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the pasta in individual small casserole dishes garnished with extra cheese and a sprinkle of parsley. Pop them under the broiler for a couple of minutes to get a bubbly, golden crust on top — guaranteed to wow any guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors meld beautifully, so it’s a great dish for enjoying later without losing any of that creamy goodness.
Freezing
While this recipe is best fresh, you can freeze leftover pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to one month. Just know that the texture of the veggies might soften a bit upon thawing.
Reheating
Warm leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or cream if the sauce has thickened too much. This helps restore the sauce’s creamy texture without drying out the chicken or pasta.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely! While bowtie pasta is great for holding sauce and veggies, penne, rotini, or shells would also work wonderfully in this recipe.
Is it okay to substitute the cheeses?
You can swap Havarti or cheddar with other creamy melting cheeses like mozzarella or gouda, but keep in mind the flavor and thickness of the sauce might change slightly.
How spicy is this dish?
This dish is mild and family-friendly, with only a peppery kick from black pepper. Feel free to add a pinch of red chili flakes if you want some heat.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes, simply omit the chicken and add extra roasted veggies or plant-based protein like sautéed mushrooms or chickpeas to keep it hearty and satisfying.
What’s the best way to shred cheese?
For melt-in-your-mouth cheesy sauce, shred the cheese yourself from blocks. Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-clumping agents that can affect how smoothly it melts.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about this Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe. It’s comfort food with a fresh, colorful twist that delivers on flavor and ease. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the rich, creamy textures and bright roasted veggies that make this dish so unforgettable. Trust me, once you make it, it might just become one of your go-to dinner favorites too!
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Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting and Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Description
Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies is a comforting and flavorful dish combining tender diced chicken, roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli with a rich, cheesy sauce made from heavy cream, cheddar, and Havarti cheeses. This recipe delivers a perfect balance of creamy textures, savory chicken, and fresh roasted vegetables all tossed with perfectly cooked bowtie pasta, making it ideal for a hearty weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (Cook according to package instructions.)
Chicken & Seasonings
- 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 & Garnish
- 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
- 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. 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 until the chicken is browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Roast Vegetables: Spread the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly, then roast in the preheated oven for about 15-20 minutes or until the vegetables are tender and slightly caramelized.
- Make Cheese Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer. Gradually add in the cheddar and havarti cheeses, stirring constantly until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta and Sauce: Mix the cooked bowtie pasta into the cheese sauce, ensuring that the pasta is thoroughly coated with the creamy cheese mixture.
- Add Roasted Vegetables: Carefully fold the roasted vegetables into the pasta and cheese sauce mixture to combine all flavors evenly.
- Serve: Serve the creamy cheddar and Havarti chicken bowtie pasta warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a bright, fresh finish.
Notes
- For an extra kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the chicken.
- Use freshly shredded cheese for a smoother melting experience and better flavor.
- The roasted vegetables can be swapped for any other favorites like mushrooms or asparagus.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently on the stovetop or microwave.
- This recipe can be made gluten-free by substituting the bowtie pasta with a gluten-free variety.
