Description
This Creamy Cheddar & Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Veggies is a comforting and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken, al dente bowtie pasta, and a rich cheese sauce made with cheddar and Havarti. Roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli add a delightful roasted texture and vibrant color, making this meal both satisfying and visually appealing. Perfect for a family dinner or a cozy weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 8 ounces bowtie pasta (Cook according to package instructions.)
Chicken and Seasoning
- 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.)
Roasted Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1 cup zucchini, diced
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Olive oil, salt, and pepper for tossing
Sauce
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cheddar cheese, shredded (Freshly shredded is preferred.)
- 1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded (Freshly shredded is preferred.)
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. Drain and set aside.
- Cook the 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 the Vegetables: Spread the diced bell peppers, zucchini, and broccoli on a baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat evenly. Roast in the oven for about 15-20 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.
- Make the Cheese Sauce: Once the chicken is cooked, lower the heat and pour in the heavy cream and chicken broth. Stir well to combine and gently simmer.
- Melt the Cheeses: Gradually add in the cheddar and Havarti cheeses, stirring continuously until fully melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy.
- Combine Ingredients: Mix in the cooked bowtie pasta, making sure it is well coated with the cheese sauce.
- Add Roasted Veggies: Once the roasted vegetables are ready, gently fold them into the pasta mixture to combine all flavors.
- Serve: Serve the creamy chicken and pasta warm, garnished with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of fresh flavor and color.
Notes
- For best flavor, shred cheese fresh instead of using pre-shredded.
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter flavor.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to your taste preferences.
- Use any other vegetables you prefer for roasting, such as cherry tomatoes or asparagus.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
