Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe

The Creamiest Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe Ever

Rich, creamy chicken cordon bleu pasta bake enhances a classic dish into a comforting culinary adventure that promises to delight taste buds.

Layers of tender pasta intertwine with succulent protein, creating a harmonious blend of flavors and textures.

Signature elements of the beloved French-inspired recipe meld seamlessly in this reimagined casserole.

Indulgent cheese and savory ham elevate the entire dining experience with their luxurious profiles.

Families and friends will gather around the table, eager to savor each delectable bite of this crowd-pleasing meal.

Warm, gooey, and utterly irresistible, this pasta bake represents the ultimate dinner solution for busy home cooks seeking maximum satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

  • Savor Comfort Classic: This pasta bake transforms the beloved chicken cordon bleu into a creamy, easy-to-make casserole that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Utilizing rotisserie chicken and simple pantry ingredients, this dish comes together in under an hour, making it perfect for busy families craving a delicious home-cooked meal.
  • Textural Temptation: The crispy panko breadcrumb topping provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the rich, creamy pasta underneath, creating a delightful eating experience in every single bite.
  • Cheese Lover's Dream: Packed with melty Swiss cheese and a parmesan breadcrumb topping, this recipe delivers multiple layers of cheesy goodness that will make cheese enthusiasts absolutely swoon.

Key Ingredients for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

Pasta and Noodles:
  • Cavatappi Pasta: Curly pasta shape that helps sauce cling perfectly and provides great texture.
Protein Components:
  • Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken that adds rich flavor and tender meat to the dish.
  • Ham: Classic protein that complements chicken with its salty and smoky profile.
Dairy and Cheese:
  • Swiss Cheese: Mild, melty cheese that provides creamy and smooth consistency.
  • Half & Half: Adds richness and helps create a silky sauce texture.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Provides a sharp, nutty flavor and helps create a crispy topping.
Sauce and Seasoning:
  • Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates a creamy base for the pasta bake.
  • Dijon Mustard: Adds tangy depth and enhances overall flavor profile.
  • Chopped Parsley: Fresh herb that brings brightness and color to the dish.
  • Season Salt: Provides well-rounded seasoning throughout the casserole.
  • Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and complements other seasonings.
Topping:
  • Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates a crispy, golden-brown crust on top of the casserole.
  • Butter: Helps bind bread crumbs and adds rich flavor to the topping.

Cooking Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Fire up your oven to a toasty 375°F. Grab a 9×13 baking dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking spray. Your kitchen canvas is ready!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta Party

Bring a big pot of water to a rolling boil. Toss in cavatappi pasta and cook until it’s perfectly tender, about 7 to 8 minutes. Drain and set aside your pasta stars.

Step 3: Create the Flavor Fusion

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together:
  • Cream of chicken soup
  • Half & half
  • Dijon mustard
  • Chopped parsley
  • Season salt
  • Black pepper

Fold in shredded Swiss cheese and diced rotisserie chicken for a flavor explosion.

Step 4: Marry the Pasta and Mixture

Gently combine the cooked pasta with the chicken-cheese blend. Make sure every pasta piece gets a delicious coating.

Step 5: Spread the Goodness

Pour the creamy mixture into your prepared baking dish. Smooth it out like you’re creating a delectable landscape.

Step 6: Craft the Crunchy Crown

Mix melted butter with panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this golden topping evenly across the pasta, creating a crispy masterpiece.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the dish into the oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Watch for a golden-brown top and bubbling sauce that signals pure deliciousness is ready.

Tips for Perfecting Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

  • Cheese Selection Strategy: Choose high-quality Swiss cheese for authentic flavor and optimal melting properties.
  • Pasta Perfection Technique: Cook pasta just until al dente to prevent mushiness when baking, ensuring a perfect texture.
  • Moisture Management Hack: Add a splash more half & half if the mixture seems too dry to maintain creamy consistency.
  • Breadcrumb Brilliance: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly before adding to butter for extra crunchiness and deeper golden color.
  • Temperature Timing Trick: Let the pasta bake rest for 5-10 minutes after removing from oven to allow sauce to set and flavors to meld completely.

Storing and Reheating Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Leftovers

  • Refrigeration: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, it will stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Keep the container tightly closed to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Freezing Method: Wrap the cooled pasta bake securely in plastic wrap, then aluminum foil before freezing. Frozen dishes stay good for up to 2 months. Label the container with the date to track freshness.
  • Reheating Technique: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent drying out. Add a splash of milk or chicken broth to restore creamy texture before reheating.

Perfect Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a light, refreshing Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich, creamy pasta bake. These wines cut through the dish's cheesy depth and balance its savory flavors.
  • Serve with Tangy Side Salad: Create a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to contrast the pasta's creamy texture. The salad's acidity will refresh the palate between bites of the hearty chicken dish.
  • Match with Roasted Vegetable Medley: Prepare a quick side of roasted asparagus, brussels sprouts, or zucchini tossed with olive oil and herbs. These vegetables add nutritional balance and provide a light, green counterpoint to the pasta's richness.
  • Offer Sparkling Mineral Water: Serve chilled sparkling water with a slice of lemon to cleanse the palate. The bubbles and citrus notes will cut through the dish's creamy consistency and provide a refreshing accompaniment.

Creative Variations for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

  • Swiss-Style Swap: Elevate the dish by replacing Swiss cheese with creamy Gruyère for a more intense, nutty flavor profile that complements the chicken perfectly.
  • Smoky Bacon Boost: Crumble crispy bacon over the top before adding breadcrumbs, introducing a rich, smoky element that adds depth and crunch to the pasta bake.
  • Mediterranean Makeover: Incorporate sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, and crumbled feta cheese to give the classic recipe a bright, Mediterranean-inspired transformation that feels fresh and exciting.
  • Spicy Kick Version: Mix in diced jalapeños, add a dash of red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb topping, and use pepper jack cheese to create a zesty, heat-packed variation that'll wake up your taste buds.
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Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe


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4.7 from 24 reviews

  • Total Time: 45 minutes
  • Yield: 6 1x

Description

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake brings classic French-inspired flavors into a comforting casserole. Creamy cheese sauce, tender chicken, and crispy ham meld together in this irresistible dish that makes dinner feel like a special occasion.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1 pound cavatappi pasta
  • 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
  • 3 cups Swiss cheese, shredded

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 2 (10.5-ounce) cans cream of chicken soup
  • 2 cups half & half
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon season salt (such as Lowry’s brand)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Topping Ingredients:

  • ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
  • ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Warm the oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a 9×13 inch (23×33 centimeter) casserole dish with a light coating of nonstick cooking spray.
  2. Fill a large pot with water and bring to a rolling boil. Add cavatappi pasta and cook for 7 to 8 minutes until achieving al dente texture. Carefully drain the pasta and set aside.
  3. In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, freshly chopped parsley, seasoned salt, and ground black pepper until smooth and well-combined.
  4. Fold shredded Swiss cheese and diced rotisserie chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
  5. Gently incorporate the cooked pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat every pasta piece with the rich sauce.
  6. Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
  7. Create the breadcrumb topping by combining melted unsalted butter with panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese in a separate small bowl.
  8. Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the pasta, forming a golden, crispy crust.
  9. Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, watching for a beautifully bronzed top and bubbling sauce edges.

Notes

  • Elevate your weeknight dinner with this creamy, cheesy pasta bake that transforms classic Chicken Cordon Bleu into a comforting one-dish meal.
  • Rotisserie chicken saves time and adds robust flavor, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks seeking a quick and delicious dinner solution.
  • Swiss cheese and Dijon mustard create a rich, tangy sauce that perfectly mimics the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu’s sophisticated taste profile.
  • Panko breadcrumbs provide an irresistible crispy golden topping that adds delightful texture and a satisfying crunch to every bite.
  • Al dente cavatappi pasta ensures the dish maintains ideal consistency, preventing mushy or overly soft noodles.
  • Prepare this dish ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to bake, making it an excellent option for meal prep or entertaining guests.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: French

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 6
  • Calories: 687 kcal
  • Sugar: 4 g
  • Sodium: 1245 mg
  • Fat: 37 g
  • Saturated Fat: 19 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
  • Trans Fat: 0.5 g
  • Carbohydrates: 56 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 39 g
  • Cholesterol: 135 mg
Mary Ellen

Mary Ellen

Founder, Pastry Chef & Recipe Developer

Expertise

  • Artisanal Bread Making
  • Exquisite Pastry Craftsmanship
  • Creative Dessert Presentation
  • Flavor Profile Development
  • Menu Concept Innovation.

Education

Savannah Technical College

  • Program: Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts
  • Focus: A specialized program focusing on baking and pastry fundamentals, including bread making, cake decorating, and advanced pastry techniques. Developed creative presentation skills and an understanding of ingredient functions through lab-based practice.

Mary Ellen is the heart and soul of thatsmyhome.com. As the founder, pastry chef, and recipe developer, she refined her skills at Savannah Technical College with an Associate of Applied Science in Culinary Baking & Pastry Arts. 

Mary blends classic techniques with modern twists to make artisanal breads, beautifully crafted pastries, and desserts full of unique flavor. Her passion is evident in every recipe, and she enjoys sharing her expertise through hands-on pastry workshops and insightful articles in local culinary magazines.

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