Zesty Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe for Family Nights

Golden, bubbling cheese meets crispy chicken in this mouthwatering chicken cordon bleu pasta bake that promises comfort in every single bite.

The classic French-inspired dish takes a delightful twist when blended with hearty pasta and rich, creamy sauce.

Salty ham adds depth to the tender chicken, creating layers of indulgent flavor that dance across your palate.

Each forkful brings together the perfect balance of textures and tastes that make this dish truly irresistible.

Melted Swiss cheese cascades over perfectly cooked pasta, binding the ingredients into a luxurious meal that feels both familiar and exciting.

Weeknight dinners just got an upgrade with this simple yet sophisticated recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Dive into this crowd-pleasing pasta bake and watch as it becomes an instant family favorite.

Keep It Fresh: Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Storage Tips

• Refrigerate Wisely: Store leftover chicken cordon bleu pasta bake in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keeps fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap the casserole tightly in freezer-safe plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Stays delicious in the freezer up to 2 months for quick meal prep later.
• Reheat with Care: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Warm in the oven at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, covering with foil to prevent excessive drying and maintain moisture.
• Portion and Pack: Divide into individual serving sizes for easy grab-and-go lunches. Use leak-proof containers to keep the pasta's texture and flavor intact during storage and transportation.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Total Time: 45 minutes

Calories: 634 kcal

Servings: 7

Start With These for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

• Cavatappi Pasta: Twisty pasta that perfectly catches and holds creamy sauce, choose high-quality pasta for best texture.
• Rotisserie Chicken: Pre-cooked chicken adds rich flavor and saves preparation time, select tender and moist rotisserie chicken.
• Swiss Cheese: Provides creamy, nutty undertones that elevate the entire dish, opt for freshly shredded cheese for better melting.

• Cream of Chicken Soup: Creates smooth, velvety base for the pasta bake, select low-sodium version for controlled saltiness.
• Half & Half: Adds luxurious creaminess and richness to the sauce, use fresh dairy for optimal flavor.
• Dijon Mustard: Introduces tangy depth and complexity to the sauce, choose smooth and robust mustard.
• Parsley: Brings fresh herbal brightness and color to the dish, select vibrant green leaves.
• Season Salt: Enhances overall flavor profile, use sparingly for balanced seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and aromatic notes, freshly ground provides best taste.

• Panko Bread Crumbs: Creates crispy, golden crust with light and airy texture, choose Japanese-style bread crumbs.
• Butter: Helps bread crumbs achieve perfect golden brown color, use unsalted for better control.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds salty, nutty crunch to the topping, select freshly grated cheese.

Prep Tool Needed for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

• Large Pot: Essential for boiling pasta perfectly.
• Colander: Crucial for draining pasta after cooking.
• Large Mixing Bowl: Needed for combining sauce and ingredients.
• 9×13 Casserole Dish: Perfect for baking and serving the pasta.
• Small Bowl: Used for mixing breadcrumb topping.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: Helps ensure accurate ingredient proportions.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Great for stirring and mixing ingredients.

How You’ll Cook Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm the oven to a cozy 375°F. Grab a large casserole dish and give it a quick spray with nonstick cooking magic.

• Pasta Transformation

Boil a pot of water and cook the twisty cavatappi noodles until they’re perfectly tender. Drain and set aside, ready for their cheesy adventure.

• Flavor Fusion

Whip up a creamy base by blending soup, cream, tangy mustard, fresh herbs, and a sprinkle of seasoning. Fold in shredded Swiss and tender chicken pieces until they’re dancing together.

• Pasta Embrace

Gently marry the cooked noodles with the luxurious chicken mixture, ensuring every strand gets a delicious coating.

• Crispy Golden Crown

Mix melted butter with crunchy breadcrumbs and nutty parmesan. Scatter this golden topping across the pasta landscape, creating a crisp and inviting surface.

• Baking Finale

Slide the dish into the waiting oven. Let it bubble and transform for 25-30 minutes until the top turns a gorgeous golden brown and the insides become wonderfully bubbly.

Make It Better: Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Tweaks & Ideas

• Toss in diced ham or crumbled bacon alongside the chicken for an extra protein-packed meal that honors the classic Cordon Bleu flavors.
• Substitute half & half with low-fat milk and use reduced-fat Swiss cheese to create a healthier version without sacrificing taste.
• Mix in dried herbs like thyme or oregano to the breadcrumb topping for an aromatic and crispy exterior that adds depth to each bite.
• Fold in roasted broccoli, spinach, or diced bell peppers to introduce more nutrients and create a complete one-dish meal that's both delicious and colorful.

Best Ways to Plate Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

• Pair with Fresh Salad: Create a crisp green salad with mixed lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette to balance the rich, creamy pasta bake.
• Complement with Crusty Bread: Serve warm, crusty garlic bread or French baguette slices alongside the dish to soak up the delicious cheesy sauce.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped parsley or chives on top just before serving to add a pop of color and fresh flavor to the casserole.
• Offer Wine Pairing: Choose a light white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to cut through the creamy texture and enhance the meal's overall taste profile.

Cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe

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4.6 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Hearty chicken cordon bleu pasta bake delivers classic Swiss-French flavor combinations in a comforting casserole. Gooey cheese, crispy breadcrumbs, and rich ham elevate this family-friendly dinner that will satisfy hungry diners seeking familiar yet exciting meal options.

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Ingredients

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• 1 lb (453.6 g) cavatappi pasta
• 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
• 3 cups Swiss cheese, shredded
• 2 (10.5 oz) cans cream of chicken soup
• 2 cups half & half
• 3 tbsps Dijon mustard
• 1 tsp season salt (Lowry’s brand)
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.75 cup plain panko bread crumbs
• 0.25 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1 tbsp unsalted butter, melted

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Instructions

1. Prep Station: Preheat oven to 375°F and coat a 9×13 inch casserole dish with nonstick spray, establishing a readied cooking environment.
2. Pasta Preparation: Boil cavatappi in salted water until perfectly al dente, then drain and reserve, ensuring optimal pasta texture.
3. Creamy Fusion: Whisk cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper into a silky, harmonious sauce that promises rich flavor complexity.
4. Protein Integration: Fold shredded Swiss cheese and rotisserie chicken into the creamy base, creating a uniform mixture that marries protein and dairy elements seamlessly.
5. Pasta Incorporation: Gently blend cooked pasta into the chicken-cheese mixture, ensuring each strand is luxuriously coated with the decadent sauce.
6. Assembly: Transfer the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, smoothing the surface for even heat distribution and aesthetic appeal.
7. Crispy Topping: Combine melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and parmesan cheese to craft a golden, crunchy crown that will elevate the dish’s textural profile.
8. Final Transformation: Sprinkle the buttery breadcrumb mixture across the pasta, then bake for 25-30 minutes until the top achieves a stunning bronze finish and the edges bubble with anticipation.

Notes

• Pasta Perfection: Choose cavatappi for its corkscrew shape that traps sauce beautifully, but penne or rotini work equally well if unavailable.
• Cheese Selection: Use high-quality Swiss cheese for authentic flavor; avoid pre-shredded varieties as they contain anti-caking agents that prevent smooth melting.
• Crumb Coating Trick: Toast panko breadcrumbs briefly in a dry skillet before mixing with butter for extra crunch and deeper golden color.
• Rotisserie Chicken Hack: Shred chicken while still warm for easier pulling and more tender meat texture in the final dish.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: French

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 634
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 1020 mg
• Fat: 32 g
• Saturated Fat: 17 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 57 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 92 mg