Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe

Imagine a warm, cheesy hug on your plate; that’s what the Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake offers. This dish combines the deliciousness of tender chicken, savory ham, and melted cheese all in one bite. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Curious about how to make this comforting meal? Let’s explore the simplicity of the ingredients and steps involved to bring this delightful bake to your table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

When you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and easy to prepare, Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a fantastic choice.

This recipe uses common ingredients like chicken, ham, and pasta, making it accessible for anyone. With a prep time of just 25 minutes and a cook time of about 20 minutes, you can enjoy a delicious dish without spending hours in the kitchen. Utilizing leftover baked ham from holidays is a great way to enhance the dish while minimizing waste.

It’s versatile, too; you can swap in different pasta types or cheeses, and even add bacon or toasted bread crumbs for extra flavor.

Plus, it offers a creamy cheese sauce that pairs perfectly with tender pasta, providing a satisfying meal suitable for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

History

Although the exact origins of Chicken Cordon Bleu are a bit unclear, it’s known that this delightful dish started in Switzerland. Traditionally, it consists of chicken breast stuffed with ham and cheese, then breaded and fried.

This dish gained popularity in the 1940s and 1950s, becoming a favorite in Europe and the United States. The name “Cordon Bleu” translates to “blue ribbon” in French, signifying culinary excellence.

Over time, Chicken Cordon Bleu evolved into a pasta bake, which simplifies the recipe by omitting the stuffing process. This modern version retains the essential ingredients of chicken, ham, and cheese, making it a quick preparation option for busy families.

It’s a comforting choice for gatherings, showcasing the blend of Swiss and French culinary traditions.

Recipe

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a delightful and hearty dish that combines the flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu with the comforting texture of pasta. This recipe is perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, as it serves a crowd and is bound to satisfy even the pickiest eaters. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful chicken, and rich cheese makes for a meal that’s both indulgent and fulfilling. This dish is inspired by classic flavors and simplifies the traditional recipe by using rotisserie chicken.

In this dish, shredded cooked chicken is paired with cubed ham, enveloped in a creamy sauce, and topped with a melty cheese layer. The addition of breadcrumbs gives a nice crunch, balancing the creaminess of the bake. With simple ingredients and straightforward preparation, you can easily whip up this dish that will impress your family and friends alike.

Ingredients:
– 500g penne pasta
– 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
– 1 cup smoked ham, cubed
– 2 cups grated mozzarella cheese
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1 cup sour cream
– 1 cup half-and-half
– 1 cup breadcrumbs
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Cook the penne pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving a little of the cooking water, and set aside.

In a large mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, cubed ham, cream of mushroom soup, sour cream, half-and-half, and cooked pasta. Mix well to guarantee the pasta is evenly coated in the sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.
Transfer the pasta mixture into a large oven-proof dish, spreading it out evenly. Top the mixture with the grated mozzarella cheese, ensuring it covers the pasta well.
In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs with olive oil, thyme, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated, then sprinkle them over the cheese layer in the baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the breadcrumbs are golden brown. Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool for about 10 minutes before serving.

Extra Tips:
For an extra layer of flavor, you can add sautéed onions or garlic to the chicken and ham mixture. Additionally, feel free to experiment with different types of cheese, such as Swiss or Parmesan, to elevate the richness of the dish.

This pasta bake can be prepared in advance; simply assemble it, cover it with foil, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. If baking straight from the refrigerator, you may need to add an extra 5-10 minutes to the baking time. Enjoy your delicious Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake!

Final Thoughts

As you wrap up your cooking experience with the Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake, it’s important to contemplate a few key points that can enhance your meal.

First, consider the nutritional variance among different recipes. Some may have higher calories, carbs, or fats, so choose one that fits your dietary needs. The Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta by Stouffers is a convenient option that provides a good source of protein and calcium.

Pay attention to ingredient quality; using rotisserie chicken or homemade breadcrumbs can make a difference.

Mastering cooking techniques, like preheating the oven and creating a roux, guarantees a successful dish.

Finally, keep health considerations in mind, especially regarding saturated fats and sodium. Adjusting portion sizes or substituting ingredients can help tailor the dish to your preferences, making it both enjoyable and nutritious.

Happy cooking!

FAQ

What questions do you have about making the Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake? You might wonder about the best pasta varieties to use. Penne, rotini, and bowtie pasta work well. For ham, smoked or deli tavern ham adds great flavor. When it comes to cheese, mozzarella, Swiss, and Parmesan are popular choices. To create your sauce, consider a white sauce, cream of mushroom soup, or half and half. Don’t forget to add seasonings like thyme and garlic! As for cooking, remember to cook your pasta according to the package instructions and reserve some water. Layer the dish with pasta, meats, sauce, cheese, and breadcrumbs before baking. This will guarantee a delicious and satisfying meal! Additionally, Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake features tender chicken, salty ham, and melted cheese for a rich flavor profile.