Imagine sinking your fork into a warm, cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta, where tender chicken meets crispy ham and gooey cheese, all wrapped in a creamy sauce that whispers sweet nothings to your taste buds. easy chicken dinner option The aroma wafts through the kitchen, beckoning everyone to gather around the table like moths to a flame, ready for the flavor explosion that awaits. cheesy meatball comfort food balsamic chicken recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- Can I use rotisserie chicken for the casserole?
- What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
- How do I make it gluten-free?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish isn’t just food; it’s nostalgia served on a plate. I remember the first time I made it for my family. The delighted gasps and cheerful banter filled the room as they dug in. Perfect for cozy family dinners or impressing guests at potlucks, this casserole promises warmth and comfort on every occasion.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta combines ease and flavor for an unforgettable meal. You can prepare it ahead of time for hassle-free entertaining. With its creamy texture and cheesy goodness, it’s sure to wow everyone at the table. It’s versatile enough to adapt with different proteins or veggies based on what you have on hand. [/info_box]
I once whipped up this casserole for a gathering, and my friends declared it “the best thing since sliced bread.”
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: I usually use about 3-4 chicken breasts, but you can adjust depending on how many people you’re feeding.
Ham: Use thick-cut deli slices or leftover holiday ham for maximum flavor.
Swiss Cheese: Melty Swiss cheese adds that traditional touch; feel free to substitute with your favorite melting cheese.
Pasta: I prefer using rotini or penne; their curves hold onto the sauce perfectly.
Heavy Cream: This is what makes everything rich and creamy—don’t skimp on it!
Chicken Broth: A splash of broth enhances flavor without making it too heavy.
Garlic Powder: A must-have in every kitchen; it adds depth and aroma.
Onion Powder: For subtle sweetness that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Paprika: I love using smoked paprika here for a hint of smokiness that elevates the dish.
Salt and Pepper: Season to taste; you know your palate best!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Preheat Your Oven : Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a large baking dish with nonstick spray so nothing sticks!
Cook the Pasta : In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook your pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain well but don’t rinse—those starches help sauce stick!
Sauté Chicken : In a skillet over medium heat, add diced chicken seasoned with salt and pepper. Cook until golden brown and cooked through—about 6-8 minutes—while savoring that lovely aroma.
Add Ham and Cheese : Stir in diced ham and half of the Swiss cheese into the skillet until melted slightly. The mixture should look gooey and irresistible.
Create Creamy Sauce : In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour this heavenly mix over your pasta.
Combine Everything : Toss pasta with chicken-ham-cheese mixture in your greased baking dish until evenly coated. Top with remaining Swiss cheese for that glorious bubbly finish.
Bake Until Golden : Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. The anticipation will be worth every second!
Serve hot and watch as everyone digs in with delight! This Chicken Fajita Stuffed Peppers-recipe/”>chicken stuffed peppers.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta is a delightful twist on the classic dish. Its creamy, cheesy goodness combined with tender chicken and savory ham will make your taste buds dance. Serve it up for family dinners or cozy gatherings, and watch everyone come back for seconds! [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by sautéing the chicken until golden brown; then cook the pasta while preparing the creamy sauce. This ensures everything comes together seamlessly without overcooking any ingredient.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out ingredients; try turkey instead of chicken or add your favorite veggies like spinach for extra nutrition. This casserole is adaptable to your taste!
Storing & Reheating
To store, refrigerate in an airtight container for up to four days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, ensuring the cheese melts beautifully again.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Always use freshly grated cheese for a creamier texture that melts perfectly. If you prefer a crunch, top with breadcrumbs before baking. Don’t skip letting it rest; this enhances all flavors! [/info_box]
Sometimes I serve this dish and wonder if my friends are secretly ninjas because they vanish with their plates faster than I can blink!
FAQ
Can I use rotisserie chicken for the casserole?
Absolutely! Rotisserie chicken adds convenience and flavor to this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta. For more inspiration, check out this Chipotle Ranch Grilled Chicken Burrito recipe.
What type of pasta works best for this recipe?
Small pasta shapes like penne or shells hold sauce well and create delightful bites.
How do I make it gluten-free?
Substitute traditional pasta with gluten-free varieties, and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta is a comforting dish that beautifully combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce. This recipe is perfect for family dinners or potlucks, promising to delight your taste buds and warm your heart. Prepare it ahead of time for stress-free entertaining and enjoy the nostalgic flavors that everyone loves!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 8 oz thick-cut ham (diced)
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (shredded)
- 8 oz rotini pasta
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and grease a large baking dish.
- Cook rotini pasta in salted boiling water until al dente; drain.
- Sauté diced chicken in a skillet over medium heat until golden brown (6-8 minutes).
- Add diced ham and half of the Swiss cheese to the skillet; stir until melted.
- In a bowl, whisk together heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over pasta.
- Combine pasta with the chicken-ham-cheese mixture in the baking dish; top with remaining Swiss cheese.
- Bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Comfort
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 496
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 870mg
- Fat: 26g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
