Okay, you guys, get ready. What is a good weeknight dinner recipe for chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta? I remember the first time I made chicken cordon bleu. It was a classic. Breaded and fancy. What is the best way to bake? All the incredible flavor, practically none of the fuss. Think of it as your favorite chicken cordon bleu sandwich, but deconstructed, swimming in a creamy creamy sauce. Is piled high with pasta? Is it comforting, cheesy, and it’s ridiculously easy to throw together? If you love baked ziti, prepare to meet your new obsession!

What is chicken cordon bleu Pasta Bake?

Think of Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake as the ultimate comfort food mashup. What is your favorite chicken cordon bleu? Swiss cheese – reimagined as a creamy, dreamy pasta bake. Is it a fancy dish? Is it the kind of thing you can whip up on a Tuesday night when you’re craving something satisfying? I don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. I’m a chef. I know it sounds intimidating, but trust me, it’s way easier than it looks! What is a one-dish wonder that brings all the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors to your table in ONE DISH? What is the funniest way to talk to someone

Why you’ll love this recipe?

Okay, where do I even begin? There are so many reasons why this Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake has become a staple in our house. First, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of the savory chicken, salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese, all coated in a creamy sauce, is simply divine. It’s that perfect balance of richness and comfort that makes you want to curl up on the couch with a big plate.
But beyond the taste, what I truly love about this recipe is how ridiculously easy it is. We’re talking minimal prep time and mostly hands-off baking. It’s a lifesaver on busy weeknights when you’re short on time and energy.
Plus, it’s surprisingly cost-effective. Chicken, ham, and pasta are all relatively inexpensive ingredients, especially if you catch them on sale. You can feed a whole family for under $20!
And, of course, there’s the versatility. This bake is delicious as is, but you can easily customize it to your liking. Add some veggies, swap out the cheese, or use different types of pasta – the possibilities are endless! If you’re already a fan of my creamy baked mac and cheese or even a good Chicken Alfredo, this recipe is going to be right up your alley. It has that same satisfying, comforting vibe, but with a fun cordon bleu twist. It’s a win-win!

How do I make chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake?

Quick Overview

What is the easiest way to make Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake? What’s the best way to cook pasta, whip up a creamy sauce with all the cordon bleu flavors, and toss. Is it safe to bake eggs until golden brown? What’s the best part about a pasta pot? ), which means less cleanup. Get ready to impress everyone with this easy, delicious, and totally satisfying meal.

Ingredients

For the Pasta:
* 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape) – I always use a pasta; I use it in my pasta recipe. How does it hold the sauce so well?
* Water and salt, for cooking – Don’t skimp on the salt in the pasta water! It season the pasta from the inside out.

For the Chicken:
5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cooked and diced – Rotisserie chicken is a huge size. What is a time Is poaching or baking good? * 1 tablespoon olive oil – Just a little to sauté if needed.

For the Cordon Bleu Flavor:
* 8 ounces cooked ham, diced – I prefer Black Forest hemp for its smoky flavor, but any cooked Hemp will do.
* 4 ounces Swiss cheese, shredded – Freshly sliced cheese melts the best, trust me!

What is Creamy Sauce?
* 4 tablespoons butter – Unsalted, so you can control the saltiness of the sauce.
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour – This helps thicken the sauce.
* 3 cups milk – Whole milk creates the richest sauce, but 2% works too. I’ve even used almond milk, and it was surprisingly good!
* 1/2 cup chicken broth – Adds depth of flavor.
* 1/4 cup Dijon mustard – This is the key to that cordon bleu flavor! Don’t skip it.
* 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder – For a little extra flavor boost.
* Salt and pepper, to taste – Season generously!

What are the steps to

Step 1: Preheat & Prep Pan

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9×13 inch baking dish. Why does pasta bake so hard? I usually use cooking spray, but a little butter works too!

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain well and set aside. How do you cook pasta in the oven? We’re looking for a slight bite here!

Step 3: Prepare Chicken (If Needed)

If you don’t have pre-cooked chicken, dice the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add salt and pepper to taste. Sauté the chicken until cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. This step ensures the chicken is ready to go and adds a nice sear for extra flavor. If your chicken is already cooked, skip the saute!

Step 4: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a large saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Remove from heat and set aside. Whisk in the sugar and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until a smooth paste forms. This is called a roux, and it’s essential for thickening the sauce. Be careful not to burn it! Gradually whisk in the milk and chicken broth until smooth. Bring to a simmer, stirring constantly. Cook for 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly. Remove from heat and stir in the Dijon mustard and garlic powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Now, give it a taste! Adjust the seasonings to your liking. What is more pepper for a kick?

Step 5: Combine Everything

In the prepared baking dish, combine the cooked pasta, cooked chicken, diced ham, and shredded Swiss cheese. Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly. Make sure everything is nicely coated in that delicious sauce!

Step 6: Bake

Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the pasta bake is heated through and the top is browned. Is golden brown and bubbly? If you want cheese to be gooey, not burnt, keep an eye on it!

Step 7: Cool Slightly & Serve

Let the pasta bake for a few minutes before serving. How do I make a sauce that thickens? Garnish with fresh parsley (optional) and enjoy! I love to serve this with a side salad or crusty bread.

What should I serve it with?

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a hearty dish on its own, but with some simple side dishes. How do you elevate a meal?What is a good light lunch?Serve with a simple green salad with vinaigrette dressing. The acidity of dressing cuts through the richness of the bake.For a casual dinner:What is a good combination of bread and garlic?For a more elegant meal:Add a side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans. What are some of the best green veggies to eat?What is a good snack?I love to eat a bowl of this on chilly evenings. Is it comforting?

What are some tips for perfecting chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake?

Okay, I’ve made this Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake more times than I can count, so I definitely have. I learned a few tricks along the way. How do I make it perfect every time?Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook your pasta! Al dente is key. Overcooked pasta will turn mushy in the bake, and nobody wants that. I usually set a timer for a minute or two less than the package directions recommend.
Sauce Secrets: Whisk the milk and chicken broth into the roux *gradually* to prevent lumps. If you do get lumps, don’t panic! Just whisk vigorously or use an immersion blender to smooth it out.
Cheese Choices: Freshly shredded Swiss cheese melts the best. Pre-shredded cheese often contains cellulose, which can prevent it from melting smoothly.
Mustard Matters: Don’t skip the Dijon mustard! It’s what gives the sauce that classic cordon bleu flavor. If you’re not a fan of Dijon, you can substitute it with a little yellow mustard or even some horseradish for a kick.
Chicken Considerations: Rotisserie chicken is a lifesaver for this recipe. It’s already cooked and seasoned, and it adds a ton of flavor. If you’re cooking your own chicken, be sure to dice it into bite-sized pieces so it cooks evenly.
Baking Basics: Keep an eye on the bake while it’s in the oven. If the top starts to brown too quickly, tent it with foil to prevent burning.
Experimentation Encouraged: Feel free to add other ingredients to this bake! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach would all be delicious additions. You can also swap out the Swiss cheese for Gruyere or provolone. Have fun and make it your own!

Storing and Reheating Tips

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is even better the next day, so don’t be afraid to make a big batch!
Room Temperature: I wouldn’t leave it at room temperature for more than two hours. Bacteria love warm, moist environments.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the cooled pasta bake in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezer Instructions: For longer storage, you can freeze the pasta bake. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store it in a freezer-safe container. It will keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Glaze Timing Advice: If you’re planning to freeze the pasta bake, it’s best to add any extra cheese on top after reheating, not before freezing. That way, the cheese will melt nicely and won’t get freezer burn.
Reheating Tips: To reheat, you can microwave individual portions or bake the entire dish in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until heated through. If it seems dry, add a splash of milk or chicken broth before reheating. I’ve even reheated this in a skillet with a little butter and it gets nice and crispy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this gluten-free?

Absolutely! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta and make sure your chicken broth is also gluten-free. The sauce should be naturally gluten-free, but always double-check the labels on your Dijon mustard and any other ingredients.

Do I have to use Swiss cheese?

Nope! Swiss is classic for cordon bleu, but Gruyere, provolone, or even mozzarella would work well too. Just choose a cheese that melts nicely and has a mild flavor.

Can I add vegetables to this?

Definitely! Sautéed mushrooms, onions, spinach, or peas would all be delicious additions. Just add them to the pasta mixture before baking.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can assemble the pasta bake ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours before baking. Just add a few extra minutes to the baking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Sure! Turkey or even smoked sausage would be great substitutes for the chicken. Just make sure it’s cooked through before adding it to the pasta bake.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is truly a winner. It’s the perfect combination of comfort food and classic flavors, and it’s so easy to make. It’s also great way to use up leftover ham or chicken. If you’re looking for a quick, easy, and satisfying weeknight meal, you absolutely have to try this recipe! And if you’re a fan of this kind of easy bake, you might also love my other pasta bake recipes – think lasagna or even a good old tuna Noodle Casserole. I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And be sure to share your own variations – I’m always looking for new ideas. Happy cooking!