Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite comfort food: Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta! This dish is a cozy, creamy hug on a plate that’s just bursting with flavor. The combination of sharp Cheddar and the melt-in-your-mouth creaminess of Havarti takes a simple chicken pasta to a whole new level. It’s like a cheesy dream come true! I love how the heavy cream adds richness, making every bite feel indulgent yet satisfying. And the best part? It’s super quick to whip up, making it perfect for those busy weeknights when you want something delicious without spending hours in the kitchen. Trust me, this is the kind of meal that brings everyone together at the table, and I can’t wait for you to try it!

Ingredients List

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to create your Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta. Trust me, they all work together beautifully to make this dish sing!

8 oz penne pasta – This is your base! Cook it al dente according to the package instructions for the best texture.
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded – Feel free to use leftover chicken or that handy rotisserie chicken from the store; it saves time and adds great flavor!
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded – The sharpness of Cheddar brings a wonderful kick to the dish.
1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded – This cheese melts like a dream, adding that creamy richness we all love.
2 cups heavy cream – This is what makes the sauce luxuriously creamy and indulgent. Don’t skimp on it!
1 cup chicken broth – Use low-sodium broth if you prefer to control the saltiness. It adds depth to the sauce!
2 tablespoons olive oil – For sautéing the garlic and adding a little extra flavor.
2 cloves garlic, minced – Garlic is essential for that aromatic start; it really enhances the overall flavor.
Salt and pepper to taste – Always season to your liking to elevate the dish!

How to Prepare Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta

Now that you’ve gathered all your ingredients, let’s dive into the deliciousness of making Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta! I promise you, this step-by-step guide will have you whipping up this creamy goodness in no time.

Step 1 – Cook the Pasta

First things first, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook your 8 oz penne pasta according to the package instructions. You’re aiming for that perfect al dente bite, so keep an eye on it! Once it’s done, drain it well—this is super important, as excess water can dilute the sauce later. Set the pasta aside and let it hang out while you work on the rest of the dish.

Step 2 – Sauté the Garlic

In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium heat. When it’s nice and hot, toss in 2 cloves of minced garlic. You’ll want to sauté the garlic until it’s fragrant and lightly golden, just about 1-2 minutes. This step is a flavor game-changer, so don’t rush it! The aromatic scent will make your kitchen feel like a cozy haven.

Step 3 – Add Chicken

Next up, add your 2 cups of shredded cooked chicken to the skillet. If you’re using that fabulous rotisserie chicken, just shred it right off the bone—so easy! Stir it around until it’s heated through, about 3-4 minutes. This will soak up all that garlicky goodness and get your chicken nice and warm.

Step 4 – Combine Cream and Broth

Now, it’s time to make it creamy! Pour in 1 cup of chicken broth and 2 cups of heavy cream into the skillet. Give it a good stir to combine everything smoothly. You’ll start to see the magic happen as the sauce begins to thicken. Let it simmer gently for a couple of minutes, allowing those flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5 – Incorporate Cheeses

Here comes the best part! Stir in 1 cup of shredded Cheddar cheese and 1 cup of shredded Havarti cheese until they melt into that luscious sauce. This is where the creamy texture comes from, and trust me, you’ll want to keep stirring until it’s perfectly smooth and gooey. Wow, just thinking about it makes my mouth water!

Step 6 – Mix in Pasta

Once your sauce is all creamy and dreamy, it’s time to add the star of the show back in! Toss the cooked penne pasta into the skillet, mixing well to coat every noodle with that cheesy goodness. Make sure every piece is drenched in sauce—this is where the fun begins!

Step 7 – Season and Serve

Finally, it’s time to season! Sprinkle in some salt and pepper to taste—don’t be shy, this is your moment to make it perfect. Serve it hot and watch everyone’s eyes light up as they dig in. Enjoy your delicious Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta, and don’t forget to savor every creamy bite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Whip this up in just 35 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights!
Comforting Flavors: The combination of Cheddar and Havarti creates a rich, cheesy flavor that’s oh-so-satisfying.
Creamy Texture: With heavy cream and melted cheese, every bite is indulgently creamy and luscious.
Versatile: Feel free to toss in your favorite veggies like broccoli or spinach for an extra nutritional boost.
Family-Friendly: This dish is a hit with both kids and adults, making it a great choice for family dinners.
One-Pan Wonder: Easy cleanup since everything cooks in one skillet, leaving you more time to enjoy your meal!

Tips for Success

Let’s make sure your Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta turns out perfectly every time! Here are some of my go-to tips that I’ve picked up along the way:

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Aim for al dente! This ensures the pasta holds its shape and texture once mixed with the sauce. Remember, it’ll cook a bit more when you toss it with the sauce.
Use Quality Cheese: Opt for good-quality Cheddar and Havarti. The flavor and meltability make a world of difference, trust me! Grate your cheese fresh if you can—it melts better than pre-shredded.
Watch the Heat: When adding the cream and broth, keep the heat on medium to prevent it from boiling too vigorously. You want a gentle simmer to avoid curdling the cream!
Adjust to Taste: Don’t be afraid to taste as you go! Adjust the salt, pepper, and even add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
Add Veggies: If you want to sneak in some greens, add them during the last few minutes of cooking. Broccoli or spinach are great choices and add color and nutrition!
Leftover Magic: If you have leftovers, reheat gently on the stove with a splash of milk or cream to keep it creamy and avoid drying out. Microwaving can sometimes make it a bit rubbery, so be careful!

With these tips in your back pocket, you’re ready to create a delicious Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta that’s sure to impress! Happy cooking!

Variations

If you’re feeling adventurous and want to mix things up with your Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! These variations can add a twist to the classic recipe while keeping that creamy goodness we all love.

Herb-Infused: Toss in some fresh herbs like basil, thyme, or parsley just before serving. They’ll add a lovely burst of freshness that complements the cheesy sauce beautifully!
Spicy Kick: If you love a little heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños when sautéing the garlic. It’ll give your dish a delightful spicy edge!
Veggie Boost: Add in some colorful veggies like steamed broccoli, spinach, or bell peppers. Not only do they add nutrition, but they also bring a lovely crunch and color to the dish.
Sun-Dried Tomato Twist: Mix in some chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a tangy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the cheeses. It adds a nice depth to the overall taste!
Italian Style: Swap out the Cheddar and Havarti for a blend of mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. This gives a classic Italian flavor and melts beautifully!
Protein Swap: Switch up the chicken for shrimp or even sautéed mushrooms for a vegetarian version. Both options are equally delicious and add a different flair!

Feel free to get creative and make this dish your own! Each variation brings something special to the table, so don’t be afraid to experiment. Happy cooking, and enjoy every cheesy bite!

Nutritional Information

Here’s the nutritional breakdown for a serving of my delicious Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta. It’s always good to know what you’re enjoying, right? This dish is rich and satisfying, so let’s take a look at what’s in each serving!

Calories: 600
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Cholesterol: 150mg
Sodium: 800mg
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 2g
Protein: 30g

This comforting meal is packed with protein, perfect for keeping you satisfied! Enjoy every cheesy bite while knowing you’re treating yourself to something both delicious and nourishing. Just remember, balance is key, especially with those creamy indulgent dishes!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Alright, let’s talk about how to handle those delicious leftovers of your Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta! If you’re like me, you’ll want to savor every creamy bite, so here’s how to store and reheat it properly.

First things first, let your pasta cool down to room temperature before storing it. This helps prevent condensation in the container, which can lead to sogginess. Once it’s cooled, transfer any leftovers into an airtight container. You can keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just make sure to seal it tightly so it stays fresh and tasty!

Now, when it comes to reheating, I recommend using the stove for the best results. Just scoop out the amount you want into a skillet and add a splash of milk or cream to help bring that creamy texture back to life. Heat it over medium-low, stirring gently until it’s warmed through. This method helps avoid that rubbery texture you sometimes get in the microwave.

If you prefer the microwave, that’s fine too! Place your portion in a microwave-safe dish, add a splash of milk, cover it with a microwave-safe lid or wrap, and heat it in short intervals (about 1 minute at a time), stirring in between until it’s hot. Just keep an eye on it to avoid overheating!

And there you have it! With these storage and reheating tips, you can enjoy your Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta just as much the next day. Happy eating!

Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta: 7 Comforting Creamy Steps

Author: Lisa
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Skillet
Cuisine: American
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

A creamy and cheesy chicken pasta dish featuring Cheddar and Havarti cheese.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz penne pasta
2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
1 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
1 cup Havarti cheese, shredded
2 cups heavy cream
1 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant.
Add shredded chicken to the skillet and stir until heated through.
Pour in the chicken broth and heavy cream, stirring to combine.
Stir in Cheddar and Havarti cheese until melted and smooth.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet and mix well to coat.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve hot and enjoy.

Notes

You can substitute rotisserie chicken for convenience.
Adjust cheese quantities based on your preference.
Add vegetables like broccoli or spinach for extra nutrition.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 600
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 800mg
Fat: 40g
Saturated Fat: 20g
Unsaturated Fat: 15g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 45g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 30g
Cholesterol: 150mg

Keywords: Cheddar Havarti Chicken Pasta

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