Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting and easy twist on the classic dish. Combining tender pasta, creamy cheese sauce, savory chicken, and ham, this casserole delivers all the delicious flavors of the traditional chicken cordon bleu in one hearty dish. A perfect meal for family dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne or rotini recommended)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 1/3 cup white wine (optional)
- 3 cups milk
- 2 cups Swiss cheese (or Monterey Jack, or mozzarella), shredded
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped into bite-sized pieces
- 3/4 cup deli ham, cut into 1-inch squares
Topping Ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
- 1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1/2 tablespoon dried parsley
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, drain, and set aside.
- In a large saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the flour and whisk constantly for about 2 minutes to create a roux.
- Slowly whisk in the white wine (if using) and milk, and continue whisking until the sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese (or your preferred cheese), salt, and black pepper. Cook until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
- Add the cooked pasta, chopped chicken, and ham to the sauce, stirring until well combined.
- Pour the mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish.
- In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and dried parsley. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Let the casserole sit for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
- For extra creaminess, you can add a little extra cheese to the sauce.
- Feel free to substitute the Swiss cheese with cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- You can also add a bit of garlic powder or onion powder for more depth of flavor.
- If you prefer a lighter version, you can use low-fat milk and cheese.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American