Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole is an easy, comforting baked pasta dinner made with tender chicken, savory ham, pasta, and a creamy cheese sauce. It is family friendly, great for using leftovers, and a practical make-ahead meal for busy weeknights, potlucks, or freezer dinners.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole brings the familiar flavors of chicken cordon bleu into a simple baked pasta dish. Instead of stuffing and breading chicken breasts, this recipe combines chopped cooked chicken, ham, penne pasta, Swiss cheese, mozzarella, and a smooth Dijon cheese sauce in one casserole dish. The result is rich, creamy, hearty, and easy to serve.
This chicken pasta casserole is a wonderful comfort food recipe for any season. It works well as a weeknight dinner because the chicken is already cooked before it goes into the dish. Leftover chicken, rotisserie chicken, or previously prepared shredded chicken can all be used. It is also a smart way to use leftover ham. Once everything is mixed together, the casserole bakes until bubbly with a golden bread crumb topping.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Chicken Cordon Bleu traditionally refers to chicken wrapped around a filling of ham and cheese. The stuffed chicken is usually breaded and then pan-fried, deep-fried, or baked until cooked through and crisp on the outside. While the classic version is delicious, it can take more time and effort than many home cooks want on a busy evening.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole keeps the same basic flavor combination but turns it into a cozy baked pasta recipe. You still get the chicken, ham, melted cheese, and light bread crumb topping, but everything is prepared in a simpler, more casual way. It is a great choice when you want the taste of chicken cordon bleu without the extra steps of rolling, stuffing, and breading individual portions.
The creamy sauce is what ties the casserole together. Butter and flour create a simple base, milk or cream adds richness, and the cheeses melt into a smooth sauce. Dijon mustard gives the dish a subtle tang that pairs nicely with the ham and Swiss cheese. Once the pasta, chicken, and ham are coated in the sauce, the mixture is baked until hot and comforting.
How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
Begin by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the penne pasta according to the package directions until it is al dente. Since the pasta will continue to bake in the casserole, avoid overcooking it at this stage.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the cheese sauce. Melt butter in a large saucepan over medium heat, then stir in the flour until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Slowly whisk in the milk or heavy cream. Heavy cream will make a thicker and richer sauce, while milk works well if you prefer a lighter option. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce becomes slightly thickened and bubbly.
Add the Swiss cheese, mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce takes a few minutes to come together, keep whisking gently. Stir in the chopped ham and cooked chicken, then add the drained pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated.
Transfer the pasta mixture to an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish. Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the bread crumbs are golden brown. Let it cool slightly before serving, as the sauce will be very hot straight from the oven.
Low Carb and Vegetable Options
If you are looking for a lower carb version of this Chicken Cordon Bleu casserole, you can replace the pasta with precooked spaghetti squash. Lower carb pasta or gluten-free pasta may also be used if it fits your needs. Zucchini noodles may work as well, though they can release extra moisture, so they should be prepared carefully before adding them to the sauce.
You can also add vegetables to make the casserole even heartier. Chopped onions, bell peppers, precooked sliced mushrooms, peas, or lightly cooked broccoli are all good options. If adding vegetables with a lot of moisture, it is best to cook or drain them first so the cheese sauce stays creamy rather than watery.
What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
Because this casserole is rich and filling, it pairs nicely with simple sides. Green beans, broccoli, asparagus, or a fresh green salad help balance the creamy pasta. A crisp vegetable side is especially good because it adds freshness and color to the plate.
This dish is also convenient for sharing. It can be prepared ahead of time and baked when needed, making it suitable for potlucks, family gatherings, or bringing dinner to someone who could use a homemade meal. For freezer meals, assemble the casserole in a freezer-safe dish, wrap it well, and thaw before baking for best results.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole is creamy, cheesy, satisfying, and easy to customize. Whether you make it with leftovers or prepare the chicken and ham specifically for this recipe, it is a dependable baked pasta dinner that brings comfort to the table.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Casserole
Ingredients
Pasta:
- 8 ounces penne pasta
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 2 cups milk or heavy cream
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese or Italian blend cheese
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup chopped ham
- 2 cups chopped precooked chicken
Topping:
- 1/2 cup bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente, then drain.
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In a large saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the flour until combined. Slowly whisk in the milk or cream and cook, stirring often, until slightly thickened and bubbly.
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Add Swiss cheese, mozzarella or Italian blend cheese, Dijon mustard, salt, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce is smooth. Stir in the ham and cooked chicken.
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Add the drained pasta to the cheese sauce and stir until evenly coated. Transfer to an ungreased 2-quart casserole dish.
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Sprinkle bread crumbs over the top and drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 25 to 35 minutes, or until bubbly and golden brown. Cool slightly before serving.
Notes
The cheese sauce may take a few minutes to become completely smooth, so continue stirring or whisking gently.
Milk or heavy cream can be used in the sauce. Heavy cream creates a richer texture, while milk makes a lighter version. You may also substitute another favorite melting cheese for the Swiss or mozzarella.
Nutrition:
Nutrition data is provided for informational purposes only and is calculated using an online nutritional calculator. For the most accurate information, calculate nutrition based on the specific ingredients and brands you use, including any changes made to the recipe.
