This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole combines the beloved flavors of the classic dish into a creamy, cheesy, and crunchy baked pasta. With tender chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese, it’s a family-friendly meal perfect for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Ready in no time, it’s sure to be a hit at the dinner table!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Easy to Prepare: All the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu come together in a fraction of the time, with no breading or frying involved.
Comfort Food Perfection: Creamy, cheesy, and topped with crispy breadcrumbs, this dish is the definition of comfort food.
Crowd-Pleaser: Kids and adults alike will enjoy this hearty, flavorful casserole.
Versatile: Use leftover chicken or ham, swap out cheeses, or customize the seasonings to suit your preferences.
Key Ingredients
Pasta: Choose hearty, short pasta like penne, rigatoni, or rotini that can hold onto the creamy sauce and create a satisfying bite.
Chicken and Ham: The duo that gives this casserole its “Cordon Bleu” charm. Use leftover roasted chicken, store-bought rotisserie chicken, or cook your own. For the ham, deli cuts or cubed ham work perfectly.
Swiss Cheese: The nutty, slightly tangy flavor of Swiss cheese is essential to mimicking the classic dish. For extra creaminess, shred it yourself from a block.
Cream Cheese and Milk: The base of the luscious cheese sauce, these ingredients provide richness and a velvety texture.
Panko Breadcrumbs: Lighter and crispier than regular breadcrumbs, Panko creates the perfect golden topping for this casserole.
Cayenne Pepper: Just a dash adds a subtle heat that complements the creamy sauce without overpowering it.
Complete list of ingredients with quantities and instructions is located in the recipe card below
Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add your pasta and cook until al dente (about 11 minutes, or longer for whole wheat pasta).
Drain the pasta and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Combine Chicken and Ham
Add the cooked and cubed chicken and ham to the drained pasta.
Toss everything together until well combined.
Would you like to save this?
Just drop your email here and I'll send it right away!
Step 3: Prepare the Sauce
Preheat your broiler.
In a medium saucepan, combine:
1 cup of milk
4 ounces of cream cheese
1 tablespoon of minced onion
Cook over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes, until smooth and creamy.
Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture in the pot, stirring to coat everything evenly.
Add:
1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese
Season with salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper to taste.
Step 4: Assemble the Casserole
Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish.
Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the breadcrumbs to help them brown and crisp.
Step 5: Broil and Serve
Place the baking dish under the broiler for about 4 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch carefully to avoid burning.
Remove from the oven and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Simple Greens: Pair with a light side salad of mixed greens, vinaigrette, and sliced almonds to balance the richness.
Garlic Bread: Serve alongside warm, buttery garlic bread for a satisfying meal.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans, or asparagus make excellent veggie sides that pair well with the creamy casserole.
White Wine: If you’re serving this at a dinner gathering, a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is the perfect complement.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes beautifully! Assemble the dish without the breadcrumbs and butter, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the breadcrumbs and butter just before baking.
Reheating
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Variations
Low-Carb Option: Swap the pasta for steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles.
Cheese Swap: Experiment with Gruyere or white cheddar for a different cheese flavor profile.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or extra cayenne for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Version: Replace chicken and ham with sautéed mushrooms, spinach, and artichokes for a veggie-packed casserole.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free without sacrificing flavor.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is everything you love about the classic dish but in a simpler, cozier format. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce and crispy topping make it the ultimate comfort food, while the pasta ensures it’s hearty enough to feed the whole family. Perfect for weeknight dinners or a special occasion, this casserole will quickly earn a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta penne or any fun-shaped pasta
- 1 cup cooked and cubed chicken breasts
- 1 cup cooked and cubed ham
- 1 1/2 cups milk
- 8 oz cream cheese softened
- 2 tbsp dried minced onion
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
- cayenne pepper to taste
- 1 cup Panko crumbs
- 1/2 cup melted butter divided
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over medium-high heat. Add pasta and cook until al dente, about 11 minutes. Drain and return to the pot.
- Add the cooked and cubed chicken and ham to the drained pasta. Toss until well combined.
- Preheat your broiler. In a medium saucepan, combine milk, cream cheese, and minced onion. Cook over low-medium heat, stirring frequently, for about 5 minutes until smooth. Pour the sauce over the pasta mixture, stirring to coat evenly. Add 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese and season with salt, pepper, and cayenne to taste.
- Transfer the pasta mixture into a greased baking dish. Sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top and drizzle with 2 tablespoons of melted butter.
- Place the baking dish under the broiler for about 4 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning. Remove from the oven and serve hot.