Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies is a delightful and comforting meal that your whole family will love. The creamy sauce, loaded with rich cheddar and havarti cheeses, pairs perfectly with tender chicken and fresh veggies. It’s an easy dish to whip up on a busy weeknight or to enjoy on a cozy weekend family dinner.

Why You Will Love This Dish

This creamy pasta dish is a favorite for many reasons. It uses simple, everyday ingredients that you can easily find. It’s quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy nights. Plus, kids usually love pasta, and the added veggies make it a well-rounded meal. You’ll enjoy how deliciously satisfying it is, all while keeping your kitchen time to a minimum.

How to Make This Dish

Making this creamy pasta is quite simple. You start by cooking the bowtie pasta and roasting the veggies. Then, you’ll prepare the chicken in a skillet before making the creamy cheese sauce. Everything comes together beautifully for a meal that’s both hearty and comforting.

What You Need

12 oz Bowtie Pasta (The perfect shape for holding that creamy cheese sauce.)
1 lb Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 cups Chicken Broth
2 cups Broccoli Florets (Adds a vibrant color and nutritional boost. Fresh broccoli is best for texture.)
2 cups Carrots
Olive Oil (Essential for roasting and sautéing, adding a delicious richness. You can use vegetable oil as a substitution.)
1 cup Heavy Cream (Creates a luxuriously creamy sauce. Substitution: Half-and-half or a mix of Greek yogurt and milk can lighten it.)
1 cup Shredded Sharp Cheddar Cheese (Infuses a sharp, rich flavor; freshly shredded melts better than pre-shredded.)
1 cup Shredded Havarti Cheese (Contributes a smooth creaminess; experimenting with Gouda or Fontina can add unique flavors.)
1 tsp Italian Seasoning (Imparts an herby depth to the dish.)
3 cloves Garlic (Elevates the overall aroma and flavor of the sauce.)
Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper (Essential for seasoning throughout the cooking process.)
Fresh Parsley (Adds a pop of color and a touch of fresh flavor to finish off the dish.)

Step-by-Step

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss carrots and broccoli with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until tender and slightly caramelized.
Meanwhile, cook the bowtie pasta in a large pot according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add diced chicken breasts. Season with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning. Cook until the chicken is golden and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds. Pour in the chicken broth and simmer for a few minutes. Add the heavy cream and let simmer gently until slightly thickened.
Stir in shredded cheddar and havarti cheeses until melted and smooth. Combine the pasta, chicken, and veggies into the skillet, tossing everything together to coat well.
Serve warm, garnished with fresh parsley.

How to Serve This Dish

This creamy pasta pairs well with a simple green salad or some crusty bread for dipping. You can also add extra cheese on top for a more indulgent treat. It’s great for family dinners or casual gatherings. Everyone will appreciate a warm bowl of this cheesy goodness.

How to Store This Dish

Allow any leftovers to cool before storing. Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. To reheat, just add a splash of chicken broth for moisture and warm through on the stovetop or microwave.

Recipe Tips

Cook the pasta al dente: This ensures it doesn’t get mushy when combined with the sauce.
Use freshly shredded cheese: It melts much better than pre-packaged options.
Don’t skip the roasting: Roasting the veggies adds a beautiful depth of flavor.
Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning to your liking throughout the cooking process.
Add more veggies: Feel free to include other favorites like bell peppers or zucchini.

Variations & Swaps

Add protein: Try swapping chicken for diced turkey or cooked shrimp for a seafood twist.
Make it vegetarian: Skip the chicken and add more veggies or some beans for protein.
Dairy-free option: Substitute dairy ingredients with coconut milk and dairy-free cheese for a creamy texture without the dairy.

FAQs

Can I make this dish ahead?
Yes, you can prepare it a day in advance. Simply assemble everything and store it in the fridge. When ready to serve, just reheat on the stove.

Is freezing possible?
Definitely! You can freeze the dish after cooking. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

How do I reheat leftovers?
To reheat, add a splash of chicken broth or water to the pasta for moisture and heat gently on the stove over low heat.

What if I don’t have chicken broth?
You can substitute with vegetable broth or even water if needed. It may alter the flavor slightly but will still be good.

What to do if the sauce is too thick?
If your sauce thickens too much, simply add a little extra chicken broth, milk, or water while warming to achieve your desired consistency.

This creamy, cheesy chicken bowtie pasta is a fantastic way to bring comfort to your family dinner table. Enjoy every bite!