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Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake – Creamy, Cheesy, and Comforting

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

Czarryy
This quick pasta bake brings all the flavors of classic chicken cordon bleu—tender chicken, savory ham, Swiss cheese, and a crispy breadcrumb topping—together with bite-sized pasta for a hearty, family-friendly dinner ready in about 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Comfort Food
Servings 4
Calories 520 kcal

Equipment

  • Large oven-safe skillet
  • Cutting board & knife
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
  • 2 medium shallots, finely diced
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 10 oz chicken breast, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • ½ cup cooked ham, diced
  • 3 cups low-sodium chicken stock
  • 7 oz small pasta (ditalini, small shells, or similar)
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 6 oz Swiss cheese, grated (divided)
  • 3 tablespoons panko breadcrumbs
  • ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • Sea salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven: Set to 400°F (200°C).
  • Sauté aromatics:
    In a large oven-safe skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add shallots and garlic, season lightly with salt and pepper, and cook for 2–3 minutes until softened.
  • Cook chicken:
    Add chicken cubes and sauté for another 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until lightly golden but not fully cooked.
  • Add ham and pasta:
    Stir in diced ham and chicken stock. Bring to a boil, then add pasta. Reduce to a steady simmer, cover, and cook for 10–12 minutes until pasta is just al dente, stirring occasionally.
  • Make it creamy:
    Uncover, stir in heavy cream, and adjust seasoning to taste.
  • Add cheese:
    Mix in half of the Swiss cheese until melted.
  • Top and bake:
    Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese over the top, followed by the panko breadcrumbs. Transfer to the oven and bake for 8–10 minutes, until the cheese is melted and the breadcrumbs are golden.
  • Garnish and serve:
    Remove from oven, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve hot.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations:
  • Extra crisp topping: Mix panko with a tablespoon of melted butter before sprinkling for a richer crust.
  • Add greens: Toss in spinach or broccoli during the last few minutes of cooking the pasta for added color and nutrition.
  • Cheese swap: Try Gruyère or a mix of Swiss and mozzarella for a creamier melt.
  • Make-ahead: Prepare through step 6, refrigerate, and bake just before serving, adding a few extra minutes to the oven time.
Keyword cheesy pasta skillet, chicken cordon bleu casserole, creamy chicken pasta, Pasta bake