Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti is the ultimate comfort meal, ready in just 30 minutes. After making this many times, I’ve perfected the creamy sauce that’s better than takeout. The crispy broccoli adds a satisfying crunch, making this dish a family favorite. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy No Bake Banana Pudding and Creamy Cajun Chicken Rotini.

What You'll Need for Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Havarti cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped
• Optional: Red pepper flakes
• Optional: Grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: While broccoli roasts, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer and add dried thyme and oregano. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Havarti cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Serve pasta with roasted broccoli on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Storing & Reheating Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

Short-Term Storage

Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make-ahead tip: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and assemble the dish before serving.

Freezing Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.

How to Reheat Without Drying It Out

Oven: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes. Microwave: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

Recipe Notes

• Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, use a food processor to slice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the Havarti cheese with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout

⏱

Prep

15 mins

🍳

Cook

30 mins

⏳

Total

45 mins

🍽

Serves

4 servings

🥗

Diet

Gluten-free option available

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 oz bowtie pasta
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup grated Havarti cheese
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup milk
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Seasonings

• Salt and pepper
• Garlic powder
• Paprika
• Red pepper flakes
• Dried thyme
• Dried oregano

Optional Toppings

• Fresh parsley, chopped
• Red pepper flakes
• Grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Toss broccoli with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper. Roast for 15-20 minutes.
2. Step 2: While broccoli roasts, cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
3. Step 3: In a large skillet, heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add chicken, season with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Cook until browned and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes per side.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add onion and cook until softened. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Step 5: Stir in heavy cream, chicken broth, and milk. Bring to a simmer and add dried thyme and oregano. Cook until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
6. Step 6: Add cooked pasta and chicken back to the skillet. Stir in Havarti cheese until melted and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
7. Step 7: Serve pasta with roasted broccoli on top. Garnish with fresh parsley, red pepper flakes, and grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

• Chef tip: For a faster cooking time, use a food processor to slice the onion and mince the garlic.
• Best substitution: You can substitute the Havarti cheese with mozzarella or cheddar cheese.
• Make-ahead: This dish can be made ahead and reheated in the oven or microwave.
• Scaling: This recipe can easily be doubled or tripled to serve a larger crowd.
• Troubleshooting: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more milk or chicken broth to thin it out.

Storage

• Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Freezer: Freeze individual portions for up to 2 months.
• Oven reheat: Reheat in the oven at 350°F (180°C) for 15-20 minutes.
• Microwave reheat: Reheat in the microwave for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Make ahead: You can cook the chicken and pasta ahead of time and assemble the dish before serving.

Nutrition Per Serving

• Calories: 720
• Protein: 45g
• Fat: 45g
• Carbs: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 1000mg
• Cholesterol: 180mg
• Sat. Fat: 25g

Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.

Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout FAQs

A Warm Final Note

I can’t wait for you to try Creamy Chicken Bowtie Pasta with Roasted Broccoli and Havarti: Better Than Takeout and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!