Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a delicious, comforting twist on the classic French dish, combining tender chicken, savory ham, and melted Swiss cheese with pasta, all baked in a creamy sauce. This hearty casserole brings together the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in an easy, crowd-pleasing pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners or potlucks. With layers of cheesy goodness and a golden breadcrumb topping, this dish is rich, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying. Serve it with a fresh salad or steamed vegetables for a complete and comforting meal.
Ingredients
- 2 cups cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 1/2 cups cooked ham, diced
- 3 cups uncooked pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite)
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 3 tbsp all-purpose flour
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Make the sauce: In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, forming a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk and cream, and cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Remove from heat and stir in the Parmesan cheese.
- Assemble the bake: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, diced chicken, and diced ham. Pour the cheese sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish.
- Top with cheese and breadcrumbs: Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese over the top of the pasta mixture, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs.
- Bake: Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden and bubbly.
- Garnish and serve: Remove from the oven and let the bake cool for a few minutes before garnishing with fresh parsley, if desired.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a comforting, cheesy, and hearty dish that combines the classic flavors of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in an easy, family-friendly meal!