Name: Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake (Easy Casserole)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: French
Ingredients: 1 T. Olive oil; 1 T. Unsalted butter; 2 Medium shallots, finely diced; 2 Medium garlic cloves, minced; 10 oz. chicken breast, cubed; 1/2 c. Cooked ham, diced; 3 c. Chicken stock, low sodium preferred; 7 oz. Small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells; 1/2 c. Heavy cream; 6 oz. Swiss cheese, grated, divided; 3 T. Panko breadcrumbs; 1/4 c. Fresh parsley, chopped; Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

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Welcome to a delightful twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu! Our Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake combines the savory flavors of juicy chicken breast, rich ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all melded together with tender pasta and a luscious, garlicky cream sauce.

This easy casserole is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation, perfect for those busy weeknights or a cozy family dinner. With a crispy, golden panko breadcrumb topping and a fresh hint of parsley, this dish will have everyone at the table reaching for seconds. Keep reading to find out how to bring this mouthwatering casserole to life in your own kitchen!

Why you’ll love this recipe

Easy to Prepare: This family favorite recipe requires simple ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for both beginner and experienced cooks.
Crowd-Pleaser: Combining the beloved flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu with pasta ensures that even the pickiest eaters will enjoy this dish.
Versatile: This casserole is suitable for a wide range of occasions, including weeknight dinners, potlucks, and even as a make-ahead meal for busy days.
Deliciously Comforting: The creamy sauce and cheesy, crispy topping provide the kind of hearty, comforting meal that brings everyone together around the table.

What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is a classic dish of French origin that has become a favorite around the world. It traditionally consists of a chicken breast pounded thin, then stuffed with ham and Swiss cheese before being breaded, pan-fried, or baked to crispy perfection. The name “Cordon Bleu” refers to a high level of culinary excellence, so it’s no surprise that this dish combines such rich flavors and textures. The tender chicken pairs beautifully with the savory ham and the creamy, melted cheese, making Chicken Cordon Bleu a true delight for the taste buds.

Ingredients

Olive oil: A good-quality extra virgin olive oil is best, as it provides a subtle, fruity base for sautéing the shallots and garlic.
Unsalted butter: Use unsalted butter to control the salt level in your dish and enhance the richness of the creamy sauce.
Medium shallots: Choose fresh, firm shallots; they add a lovely mild onion flavor and a hint of sweetness to the sauce.
Garlic cloves: Fresh garlic cloves are essential for their robust garlicky aroma that deepens the complexity of the dish.
Chicken breast: For the best results, opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts; slice them into bite-sized pieces for quick cooking.
Cooked ham: Select high-quality cooked ham; it brings a savory contrast that complements the chicken and adds depth to the casserole. Great recipe for leftover ham.
Chicken stock: Use low-sodium chicken stock to manage your salt intake while providing a flavorful liquid base for the sauce.
Small pasta, such as ditalini or small shells: These smaller pasta shapes are perfect for evenly distributing throughout the casserole and absorbing the creamy sauce.
Heavy cream: Choose heavy cream for a luxurious, velvety texture that makes the sauce irresistibly creamy.
Swiss cheese: Gruyère or Emmental are great options; their nutty, slightly sweet flavor melts beautifully into the sauce.
Panko breadcrumbs: These Japanese-style breadcrumbs offer a light, crispy topping that adds a delightful texture contrast.
Fresh parsley, chopped: Freshly chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.
Sea salt and black pepper to taste: Season carefully with high-quality sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance all the flavors.

Substitutions and Additions

Olive oil: If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use canola oil, vegetable oil, or even avocado oil for sautéing.
Unsalted butter: Substitute with margarine or a dairy-free butter alternative if you prefer a non-dairy option.
Medium shallots: Replace shallots with yellow onions, red onions, or even leeks for a different but delicious flavor.
Garlic cloves: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides the most flavorful outcome.
Chicken breast: For a juicier option, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or substitute turkey breast for a twist.
Cooked ham: For a lighter option, use turkey or chicken ham or prosciutto for a more gourmet touch.
Chicken stock: Vegetable stock or broth works well as a vegetarian alternative without compromising the dish’s rich flavor.
Small pasta: You can substitute any short pasta, such as elbow macaroni, penne, or fusilli, to suit your preference or what’s available in your pantry.
Heavy cream: To lighten the dish, use half-and-half whole milk or a dairy-free cream such as coconut cream or almond milk.
Swiss cheese: Cheddar, mozzarella, or provolone can be used if you prefer a different cheese or simply want to try something new.
Panko breadcrumbs: Regular breadcrumbs or crushed cornflakes can be excellent substitutes for the crispy topping.
Fresh parsley: Basil, chives, or tarragon can be used as different fresh herb options to add unique flavors.
Sea salt and black pepper: For added depth, experiment with seasoning blends like Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or paprika.

Additions to try:

Vegetables: Add sautéed mushrooms, baby spinach, or steamed broccoli to increase the nutritional value and add a variety of textures.
Extra Cheese: Sprinkle some grated Parmesan on top and panko breadcrumbs for an extra cheesy crust.
Herbs and Spices: Enhance the flavor profile with herbs like thyme, rosemary, or a pinch of nutmeg in the sauce.
Bacon: Add crumbled cooked bacon for extra savory notes and a bit of crunch.
Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Introduce a tangy, umami-rich ingredient by mixing in a few chopped sun-dried tomatoes.

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 400°F. Heat olive oil and melt butter over medium heat in a large oven-safe skillet.

Add shallots and garlic, seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the shallots start to soften, about 2-3 minutes.

Add the chicken and cook, stirring occasionally, until it develops a slight color, which should take an additional 2-3 minutes.

Add the ham and chicken stock, then increase the heat to high and bring the mixture to a boil.

When the stock starts to boil, add the pasta and reduce the heat to maintain a steady simmer.

Cover and cook the pasta per package directions until it reaches an al dente texture, about 10-12 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Uncover and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Mix in half of the Swiss cheese.

Finish by adding the rest of the Swiss cheese on top and sprinkling with breadcrumbs.

Place in the oven and bake until the cheese melts and the breadcrumbs turn lightly browned about 8-10 minutes.

Take it out of the oven and garnish with fresh parsley.

Recipe Tips

Pre-cook the pasta slightly under al dente: This prevents the pasta from becoming too soft during baking.
Use freshly grated cheese: Pre-shredded cheese often contains anti-caking agents that prevent it from melting smoothly.
Toast the breadcrumbs before baking: Toasting panko breadcrumbs in a dry skillet until golden brown adds an extra layer of crispiness.
Season as you go: Adding salt and pepper at different stages ensures well-rounded seasoning throughout the dish.
Let it rest: Allow the casserole to rest for a few minutes after baking to let the flavors meld and the sauce thicken slightly.
Test the seasoning of the cream: Before adding the cream to the casserole, taste and adjust the seasoning to ensure the sauce is flavorful.
Use a broiler for a crispier top: If you prefer a crunchier topping, place the casserole under the broiler for the last 1-2 minutes of baking. Keep a close eye to prevent burning.
Add fresh herbs last: To retain their vibrant flavor and color, add fresh herbs like parsley just before serving.

Serving Suggestions

Green Salad: A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich, creamy pasta bake. Try mixing baby spinach, arugula, and romaine lettuce with cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and red onion.
Garlic Bread: Crunchy, buttery garlic bread is a classic side dish that pairs beautifully with pasta. Its crisp texture and savory garlic flavor make it a delightful accompaniment.
Roasted Vegetables: Serve with an assortment of roasted vegetables such as carrots, bell peppers, zucchini, and Brussels sprouts for added color and nutrition. Before roasting, toss them in olive oil, salt, pepper, and your favorite herbs.
Steamed Asparagus: Lightly steamed asparagus can be seasoned with a squeeze of lemon juice and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, adding a bit of brightness to the plate.
Fruit Salad: For a refreshing and light finish, a fruit salad featuring seasonal fruits such as berries, melon, and kiwi can balance the meal’s richness.
Buttered Peas: A sweet, tender peas with a touch of butter and fresh mint can add a pleasant, delicate flavor to the meal.

Storage & Reheating

Once your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake has been cooked and cooled, it can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Ensure that the dish has completely cooled before sealing it to avoid condensation, which can make the pasta soggy. If using a casserole dish with a cover, you can store the entire dish directly in the refrigerator by covering it securely with its lid or aluminum foil.

You can freeze leftover chicken Cordon Bleu casserole. To freeze, place the cooled pasta bake in a freezer-safe, airtight container or wrap it securely with plastic wrap followed by a layer of aluminum foil. Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time. The Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake can be stored in the freezer for up to three months. When ready to enjoy, it’s best to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight.

For reheating, preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). If the dish is frozen, make sure it has thoroughly thawed. Place the pasta bake in an oven-safe dish if it isn’t already in one, and cover it with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until it is heated through and the cheese is bubbly. If you prefer a crispier top, remove the foil during the last 5 minutes of reheating.

Alternatively, you can reheat individual portions in the microwave. Place a serving on a microwave-safe plate, cover it with a microwave-safe cover or a damp paper towel, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes or until warmed through. Stir halfway through to ensure even heating.

Recipe FAQ

Can I use a different type of cheese?

Yes, feel free to substitute Swiss cheese with other cheeses like Gruyère, cheddar, or mozzarella. Each will impart a slightly different flavor but will still provide a creamy and delicious result.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the dish until baking, then cover and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to bake, follow the standard instructions, but you may need to add a few extra minutes to ensure it’s fully heated through.

What can I use instead of ham?

If you don’t have ham or prefer not to use it, you can substitute it with cooked bacon, pancetta, or even deli turkey slices. For a vegetarian option, consider using vegetables like mushrooms or artichokes.

What should I do if the sauce is too thick?

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out by adding a little more chicken stock or milk. Add gradually and stir until you reach the desired consistency.