Don't forget the 747. Every version has had windshields that don't affect the curve of the nose. There is a slight change to the curvature at the top of the cargo door (or where it would be on a/c without a cargo door), but that is not due to windshield limitations.
And the front windshields ARE large, curved, and heavy. 280kg each, compared to 20 and 27kg for the next two windows on each side.
And even though there are six windows, none are able to open, so there is still a crew escape hatch.