Directions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
In a wide pot, bring salted water to a boil over medium-high heat.
Add your pasta and cook for al dente (about 11 minutes, longer for whole wheat pasta).
Drain the pasta, and return it to the pot.
Step 2: Mix Chicken and Ham
Carefully fold in the cooked and cubed chicken and ham with the drained pasta.
Mix it all through until combined.
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
Stir for 5 minutes on low-medium heat till smooth and creamy.
Drizzle the sauce over the pasta mixture in the pot, tossing to coat.
Add:
1 C shredded Swiss cheese
Add salt, pepper and cayenne pepper to taste.
Step 4: Construct the Casserole
Pour the pasta mixture into a prepared baking dish.
Evenly sprinkle Panko breadcrumbs on top.
Drizzle about 2 tablespoons of melted butter over the breadcrumbs to aid browning and crisping.
Step 5: Broil and Serve
Transfer the baking dish under the broiler and let it bubble for about 4 minutes, until the topping is brown and crispy. Be careful not to burn it.
Take out of the oven and serve hot.
Serving Suggestions
Plain Greens: Serve alongside a light side salad of mixed greens, vinaigrette and sliced almonds to offset all that richness.
Garlic Bread: Nothing says comfort meal like a side of warm, buttery garlic bread.
Steamed Veggies: Broccoli, green beans or asparagus are great veggie sides that compliment the creamy casserole.
White Wine: If you’re serving this at a dinner gathering, a nice crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio is the perfect pairing.
Storage and Reheating
Refrigeration
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
This casserole freezes well! Assemble the dish minus the breadcrumbs and butter, wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Add the breadcrumbs and butter right before you bake.
Reheating
Microwave individual portions or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F oven until warmed through. To reheat from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge, then bake.
Variations
Low-Carb Alternative: Use steamed cauliflower or zucchini noodles in place of the pasta.
Cheese Swap: Use Gruyere or white cheddar for a more nuanced cheese flavor.
Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or more cayenne for a spicy moment.
Vegetarian: Skip the chicken and ham and add sautéed mushrooms and spinach and artichokes for a veggie-fortified casserole.
Gluten-Free: Just replace the regular pasta and breadcrumbs with gluten-free versions to make this dish gluten-free but not flavor-free.
Conclusion
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is all that you love about the classic dish, just in a more straightforward, cozier presentation. The creamy Swiss cheese sauce and crunchy topping makes it the ultimate comfort food, while the pasta guarantees it’s hearty enough to feed the whole family. An ideal weeknight dinner or special occasion dish, this casserole is going to resolve its permanent place in your recipe rotation in record time.
