Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake combines tender chicken, savory ham, and Swiss cheese in a creamy sauce baked with pasta until warm and comforting. It delivers classic chicken cordon bleu flavors in an easy, family-style casserole that works well for weeknight dinners and casual entertaining.
Equipment
- Large oven-safe skillet with lid
- Cutting board and knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- 2 medium shallots finely diced
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 10 ounces chicken breast boneless and skinless, cubed
- ½ cup cooked ham diced
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
- 7 ounces small pasta such as ditalini or small shells
- ½ cup heavy cream
- 6 ounces Swiss cheese grated and divided
- 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup fresh parsley chopped
- Sea salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400℉.
- Heat the olive oil and butter in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the shallots and garlic, season lightly with salt and black pepper, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.
- Add the cubed chicken and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly colored. Stir in the diced ham, then pour in the chicken stock and bring to a boil.
- Add the pasta, reduce heat to a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pasta is al dente.
- Uncover and stir in the heavy cream. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Stir in half of the Swiss cheese until melted.
- Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese and panko breadcrumbs evenly over the top.
- Transfer to the oven and bake for 8 to 10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the top is lightly golden. Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Use small pasta shapes so they cook evenly in the skillet without excess liquid.
- If the pasta absorbs liquid too quickly, add a small splash of warm stock and continue cooking.
- Let the bake rest for 5 minutes before serving to help it set slightly.
- This dish reheats well and keeps its creamy texture when gently warmed.
