Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta

If Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta sounds like something you’d order at a cute little restaurant and then try to recreate at home… same. And the good news? You totally can—without fancy techniques, without a sink full of dishes, and without anyone at the table asking, “So… what’s for dinner?” every four minutes.

This is the kind of meal I lean on when life is life-ing: busy workdays, kids who suddenly “don’t like green things,” or that moment you realize you forgot to thaw anything (been there, friend). It’s creamy, cheesy, and comforting, with roasted broccoli and carrots that make it feel like a real grown-up dinner… even if you’re eating it in leggings.

Why You’ll Love This Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta

• Creamy and comforting without being complicated
• Bowtie pasta grabs onto the sauce like it was born for this job
• Roasted veggies add color, flavor, and a little “look at me making balanced meals” energy
• Cheddar + Havarti = sharp + silky = the dream team
• Great for meal prep and leftovers (if your family doesn’t inhale it first)

I started making versions of this when I needed a “one dinner, many wins” kind of recipe—something that felt cozy enough for a weeknight, but nice enough that you wouldn’t be embarrassed serving it to a friend. And honestly? It’s become one of those dishes that disappears fast and gets requested again. That’s always the best kind of cooking magic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the pasta and chicken

• Bowtie pasta (12 oz) – Perfect shape for catching creamy sauce in all the little folds.
• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (1 lb) – Tender, quick-cooking, and the main protein.
  • Swap: Use tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
• Chicken broth (4 cups) – Adds flavor while the pasta cooks.
  • Swap: Vegetable broth works great too.

For the roasted vegetables

• Broccoli florets (2 cups) – Fresh is best for that lightly crisp texture.
• Carrots (2 cups, sliced) – Adds natural sweetness and pretty color.

For the sauce

• Olive oil – For roasting and sautéing.
• Heavy cream (1 cup) – Makes the sauce rich and smooth.
  • Swap: Half-and-half works, or try Greek yogurt + milk for a lighter option (more on that in tips).
• Sharp cheddar cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Sharp, rich, and melty.
• Havarti cheese (1 cup, shredded) – Creamy, buttery, and smooth.
  • Swap: Gouda or Fontina also melt beautifully.
• Italian seasoning (1 tsp)
• Garlic (3 cloves, minced)
• Salt & freshly ground black pepper

For garnish

• Fresh parsley – Optional, but it makes everything look like you tried extra hard (even if you didn’t).

How to Make Creamy Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta

1) Preheat and roast the veggies

Set your oven to 425°F.

Toss the broccoli florets and sliced carrots with a drizzle of olive oil, plus salt and pepper. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer (crowding makes them steam instead of roast—so give them space like they’re introverts).

Roast for 15–20 minutes until tender with golden edges.

2) Cook the pasta in broth (hello flavor!)

While the veggies roast, bring 4 cups of chicken broth to a boil in a large pot.

Add your bowtie pasta and cook until al dente (about 10–12 minutes). Before draining, reserve 1 cup of pasta water. This is your “fix anything” liquid for the sauce later.

Drain and set pasta aside.

3) Cook the chicken

Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and cook chicken for about 6–7 minutes, flipping as needed, until golden and cooked through. Remove to a plate and let it rest (resting keeps it juicy).

Slice or cube it—whatever makes your heart happy.

4) Build the cheese sauce

Lower skillet heat to medium.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute—just until fragrant (not burned; burnt garlic is the villain of cozy dinners).

Pour in heavy cream and whisk gently. Add cheddar and Havarti gradually, whisking until smooth and creamy.

If the sauce looks too thick, add a splash of that reserved pasta water a little at a time until it’s “dreamy coat-the-spoon” perfect.

5) Combine everything

Add the cooked pasta back into the skillet, along with the roasted veggies and chicken.

Toss gently until everything is beautifully coated in that creamy Cheddar and Havarti goodness. Taste and adjust salt and pepper.

6) Serve and garnish

Scoop into bowls, top with fresh parsley, and if you’re feeling extra (or your cheese drawer is judging you), sprinkle more cheddar on top.

Optional but lovely: a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving. It brightens the whole dish and makes the cheese taste even cheesier somehow. (Science? Magic? Both.)

My Best Tips for a Sauce That Never Lets You Down

• Shred your own cheese if you can. Pre-shredded cheeses often have anti-caking agents that make sauces less smooth. Freshly shredded melts like a dream.
• Use low heat when adding cheese. If the pan is too hot, cheese can turn grainy. We want velvety, not “why is this sauce acting suspicious?”
• Pasta water is your best friend. A splash helps loosen thick sauce and helps it cling to the bowties better.
• Roast veggies until golden. That little bit of browning adds flavor that makes the whole dish taste more “restaurant” and less “I threw this together while answering emails.”

A Little Story From My Kitchen

This recipe became a weeknight staple in my house after I made it on a day when everything went wrong—late afternoon chaos, everyone hungry, and me staring into the fridge like it might offer emotional support.

I threw pasta into broth, roasted whatever veggies I had, and grabbed cheddar and Havarti because they were already open (which is basically destiny). When I served it, the plates went quiet. You know that quiet—when everyone is eating and nobody is complaining? That’s when I knew: keep this one forever.

FAQs About Creamy Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta

Bring On the Cozy Bowties

If you’re craving comfort food that still feels like you fed your family something real, Cheddar and Havarti Chicken Bowtie Pasta is the kind of dinner that delivers every time—creamy, satisfying, and packed with flavor (plus those roasted veggies doing the most in the best way).

Make it once, and I bet it’ll slide into your regular rotation right next to the meals that make everyone happy and keep you sane. And honestly? That’s the real kitchen magic.

More Cozy Dinners to Try Next

• Craving another creamy, comfort-food moment? You’ll probably love Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta for that herby, cheesy “one more bite” vibe.
• If you want a quick shortcut night (because we all need those), try Rotisserie Chicken Broccoli Pasta—same cozy pasta energy, less prep.
• Want to keep the roasted-veggie goodness going? This Balsamic Chicken and Veggie Orzo is bright, hearty, and perfect when you’re in a “feed everyone fast” mood.
• And if you’re feeling like soup hugs are the answer today, go for Garlic Parmesan Chicken Soup—warm, comforting, and basically a blanket in a bowl.

If you made this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out—please leave a quick review and tap your star rating ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (be honest… but if it was cheesy and cozy, five stars are kind of the rule ).

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