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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Fold shredded Swiss cheese and diced rotisserie chicken into the creamy sauce, ensuring even distribution of ingredients.
- Gently incorporate the cooked pasta into the chicken and cheese mixture, stirring thoroughly to coat every pasta piece with the rich sauce.
- Transfer the entire mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly and creating a smooth surface.
- Create the breadcrumb topping by combining melted unsalted butter with panko bread crumbs and grated parmesan cheese in a separate small bowl.
- Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture uniformly across the pasta, forming a golden, crispy crust.
- 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