Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Enjoy all the flavors of deliciously rich & cheesy Chicken Cordon Bleu in a easy pasta casserole that will blow your family away!  Ham, chicken and penne pasta all wrapped in a creamy swiss cheese sauce and topped with a crisp panko topping is unbelievably delicious comfort food that is sure to earn a regular spot on your dinner table.

Chicken Cordon Bleu has always been a favorite.  I mean, who wouldn’t love a butterflied chicken breast with ham and cheese layered inside, then rolled and pan fried to a crisp, golden piece of heaven.  Swoon!  Just the thought makes my mouth water.

But it also makes my knees tremble a bit.  That’s a some kind of culinary feat.  After all, it’s not called cordon bleu (blue ribbon), a term applied to food prepared to the highest of standards and by outstanding cooks, just to be fancy.  …But then there’s this casserole…

That’s right.  CASS- E-ROLE, Baby.  Ham, chicken, pasta, cheese sauce.  All in one dish, baked up just right with none of the fuss or fret of a roulade or butterflying or stuffing… We’re having Chicken Cordon Bleu whenever we want!  Bring on the blue ribbons.  We’re winning the best dinner prize!

What You Need To Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• chicken
• ham
• penne pasta
• swiss cheese
• cream cheese
• half & half
• panko bread crumbs
• butter
• egg
• dijon mustard
• paprika, dried parsley, onion powder
• salt & pepper

Notes & Tips

• To make prep quicker & easier, use a rotisserie chicken from your local grocery store instead of boiling and shredding 3-4 chicken breasts.  This is also a great job for “helpers” in the kitchen.  Cooking with family & friends is second only to eating with family & friends.
• Make sure you buy a really good ham for this dish, not sliced deli meat.  A good ham will infuse the whole dish with tender, rich flavor.  You should be able to buy a small portion of a ham at your deli counter or in the meat & deli section of your store where the hams are sold.  I’m partial to hickory smoked ham when it comes to complimenting the other ingredients in this dish.
• And, as always, grating your own cheese lends itself to the creamiest, most delicious of cheese sauces.  Again, your deli counter is your best bet for buying a small block of Swiss cheese to grate.

Making Ahead, Freezing & Storing Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

• This dish is perfect for making the day before.  Spoon it all into the casserole dish you plan to bake it in, cover and store overnight.  Bring the dish to or close to room temperature before cooking in your preheated oven.  It might take just a little longer than  30 minutes to cook since it’s been in the fridge.
• Leftovers can be covered tightly and stored in the fridge for 2-3 days.  (Who are we kidding?  It will be gobbled up way before then!)
• This casserole is also a top notch candidate for freezing and reheating which makes it perfect for taking to friends, families and neighbors who might need a meal.  To reheat, remove from freezer, heat in a 350 degree oven for 1 hour or until heated through.  Never put a frozen glass dish in the oven.  You might want to add extra cream when reheating to make sure the casserole is nice & creamy.

What to Serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

For a home cook, there’s nothing better than a full table and the clink of forks. And this 9×13 pasta bake certainly delivers! Here’s what to serve with this casserole to make it an irresistible meal.

Simple Weeknight: Green Salad with Creamy Mayo Vinaigrette & Short Cut Pull Apart Rolls

Sunday Dinner Style:

• Skillet Roasted Lemon Asparagus
• Garlic Honey Glazed Roasted Carrots
• Pear & Fig Green Salad or Broccoli Slaw with Apples & Brussel Sprouts
• Ambrosia Fruit Salad with Whipped Cream Dressing
• Short Cut Pull Apart Rolls

Other 9×13 Recipes You’ll Love

• Tomato Alfredo Baked Ziti
• Creamy Rotel Chicken & Spaghetti
• Cheesy Tuna Noodle Casserole
• Easy White Ravioli Casserole
• Pizza Stuffed Pasta Shells