Imagine a cozy evening where the aroma of melted cheese and savory chicken wafts through the air, leading you to a bubbling casserole dish that promises comfort in every bite. savory meatball bake That’s right; we’re diving into the world of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta, a dish that will make your taste buds sing and your heart dance.
Now, picture this: it’s a rainy Sunday afternoon, and you’re craving something warm and hearty. You gather your loved ones around the table, ready to indulge in this creamy, cheesy delight that brings everyone together. Trust me; there’s nothing quite like it.
[info_box title=”Why You’ll Love This Recipe”] This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta is not just delicious; it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. The flavors meld beautifully, creating a dish that’s visually stunning and perfect for any occasion. You can customize ingredients based on your pantry staples, making it versatile enough for weeknight dinners or special gatherings. [/info_box]
Sharing this dish with my family always creates memorable moments at the dinner table, filled with laughter and happy bellies.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: About 3-4 chicken breasts work well here; adjust based on your crowd size.
Sliced Ham: Use good-quality ham for that classic flavor; it adds a lovely richness to the casserole.
Swiss Cheese: Choose a nice melty Swiss cheese; the creaminess is key to this recipe’s success.
Elbow Macaroni: This pasta shape holds onto the sauce perfectly; feel free to swap it with any pasta you prefer.
Cream of Chicken Soup: A base for creaminess; opt for low-sodium versions if you’re watching your salt intake.
Milk: Whole milk adds richness here; use whatever milk you’ve got on hand if you prefer.
Garlic Powder: Adds flavor without the hassle of chopping fresh garlic; it’s a kitchen lifesaver!
Black Pepper: Just a pinch will enhance all those creamy flavors beautifully.
Panko Breadcrumbs: For an irresistible crunchy topping, panko adds texture and visual appeal.
Parsley (fresh or dried): A sprinkle at the end adds color and freshness to brighten up your dish.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures even cooking while you prepare everything else.
Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook elbow macaroni until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and set aside while you create magic.
Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large bowl, combine cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper. Stir until smooth – imagine those flavors swirling together!
Add Chicken and Ham**: Fold in diced chicken breasts and sliced ham into the creamy mixture. creamy chicken cheese sauce Make sure each piece gets coated in that luscious sauce.
Combine Pasta with Sauce**: Gently mix in cooked macaroni until everything is evenly combined. Picture all those cheesy bites waiting just for you!
Add Toppings**: Spread the mixture into a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded Swiss cheese followed by panko breadcrumbs for that delightful crunch.
Bake Until Golden**: Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown on top. Enjoy watching it transform into a cheesy masterpiece!
With these steps completed, you’re ready to serve up bowls of happiness! The comforting aroma filling your kitchen will have everyone eagerly anticipating their first bite.
In every forkful of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta lies not just flavor but love—a reminder that food has this magical ability to bring us together. delicious chicken burritos So gather around your dining table tonight and enjoy every delicious moment! tender crock pot chicken.
[info_box title=”You Must Know”] This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta is a creamy delight that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and gooey cheese. The dish invites everyone to the table with its irresistible aromas, making it a family favorite that’s both comforting and satisfying. [/info_box]
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Begin by cooking the pasta while you sauté the chicken, then layer in the ham and cheese. This method ensures everything melds perfectly without overcooking any ingredients.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the pasta for zoodles or add veggies like spinach or mushrooms for extra nutrition. Customizing this dish allows you to cater to your family’s preferences.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the oven at 350°F until warmed through for best texture.
[info_box title=”Chef’s Helpful Tips”] Use fresh herbs like thyme or parsley for an aromatic boost. Ensure the chicken is cooked thoroughly before mixing in other ingredients. For extra creaminess, consider adding a splash of heavy cream or milk. [/info_box]
Sharing this recipe always brings back memories of family gatherings where laughter filled the air as we savored every cheesy bite together.
FAQ
What can I substitute for ham in Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta?
For more inspiration, check out this Cheesy Chicken Parm Soup recipe.
Use turkey bacon or skip meat entirely for a vegetarian version.
Can I make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta ahead of time?
Yes, prepare it a day in advance and bake just before serving.
Is it possible to freeze Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta?
Absolutely! Freeze it before baking; thaw overnight before cooking.
Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta
Indulge in the comforting flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Pasta, a dish that combines tender chicken, savory ham, and creamy Swiss cheese, all baked to perfection. This easy-to-make casserole is perfect for cozy family dinners or special gatherings, inviting everyone to enjoy its cheesy goodness together.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6
Ingredients
- 3–4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (diced)
- 1 cup sliced ham
- 2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (uncooked)
- 1 can (10.5 oz) cream of chicken soup
- 1 cup whole milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley (or 1 tbsp dried)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook elbow macaroni in salted boiling water until al dente; drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, mix cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, and black pepper until smooth.
- Fold in diced chicken and sliced ham until coated.
- Add cooked macaroni and mix gently until combined.
- Transfer the mixture to a greased casserole dish. Top with shredded Swiss cheese and panko breadcrumbs.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown and bubbly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 820mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: For added nutrition, consider mixing in spinach or mushrooms. Use low-sodium cream of chicken soup if you're watching your salt intake. This dish can be prepared a day in advance; just bake before serving.
