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Indulge in Ultimate Comfort: The Irresistible Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

Prepare your taste buds for a truly sensational experience with this Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake – the quintessential dish for cozy comfort food season!

Hello everyone! I hope you all had a wonderfully relaxing and enjoyable weekend. Mine was largely delightful, filled with the simple pleasures that make life sweet. The weather at the beach was absolutely glorious, inviting my husband Tom and me out for a spot of fishing on Saturday. While the fish weren’t quite in the mood to bite – a common, if slightly frustrating, occurrence when fishing! – it was still a magnificent day spent by the water, soaking in the serene coastal atmosphere. Saturday evening brought further joy as we celebrated a friend’s birthday with a delicious dinner. My talented friend Janice prepared an exquisite meal, culminating in Ina Garten’s legendary chocolate cake. Pure bliss!

I mentioned my weekend was great “for the most part” because, like many adventures, it came with a small hiccup. In my ongoing efforts to enhance your experience here on the blog, I attempted to implement some additional changes to boost site speed. Alas, technology sometimes has a mind of its own, and things didn’t quite go as smoothly as I’d envisioned. Dealing with computer issues can certainly be stressful! If you encountered any difficulties accessing the blog during that period, I sincerely apologize for the inconvenience. However, I am thrilled to report that all the kinks have been ironed out, and the site is now running at an impressive, lightning-fast speed. Woohoo! It’s truly a relief when technical challenges are overcome, allowing us to focus on what really matters: delicious food.

Celebrating the Season with Ultimate Comfort Food

So, what better way to celebrate seamless browsing and kick off the week than with some utterly delicious comfort food? After all, this time of year practically calls for hearty, warming dishes that bring a sense of nostalgia and satisfaction to the dinner table. Here at The Beach House Kitchen, we are immense fans of all things comfort food, and I know many of you share that sentiment. There’s something truly special about a dish that wraps you in a culinary hug, especially as the days grow shorter and the evenings become cooler. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience, a moment of pure contentment.

You might recall our incredibly popular Swedish Meatball Pasta Bake – it’s been a consistent favorite, garnering rave reviews from so many of you who have tried it. Its success inspired me to continue exploring the delightful world of pasta bakes, particularly those that reimagine classic dishes in a new, comforting format. This is precisely why I’m so excited to share today’s culinary creation with you. Building on the foundation of beloved flavors and the undeniable appeal of a one-dish meal, I’ve crafted something truly spectacular that I know will become a new staple in your home.

Introducing: The Super Tasty Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

Today, I am proudly serving up this SUPER tasty, incredibly satisfying, and utterly delightful Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake. It takes all the iconic flavors of the traditional French-Swiss dish and transforms them into a hearty, cheesy, and creamy pasta bake that’s perfect for family dinners, entertaining friends, or simply treating yourself to an extraordinary meal. Imagine tender chicken, savory ham, and rich Swiss cheese, all married together in a luxurious sauce and baked with pasta until bubbling and golden. This dish is an absolute winner, promising to deliver a comforting and flavorful experience with every single bite.

Understanding Chicken Cordon Bleu: A Classic Reimagined

Before we dive into the pasta bake, let’s briefly revisit the inspiration behind it. What exactly is Chicken Cordon Bleu? Originating from classic European cuisine, Chicken Cordon Bleu is traditionally a sophisticated dish featuring chicken breasts that are pounded thin, then wrapped around a slice of ham (often prosciutto) and a slice of Swiss cheese. This roulade is typically breaded and then pan-fried or baked until golden and crispy, resulting in a succulent chicken filled with melted cheese and savory ham. It’s an elegant dish, known for its harmonious blend of flavors and textures, often reserved for special occasions or gourmet dining. Its name, “Cordon Bleu,” literally translates to “blue ribbon,” signifying its high quality and culinary excellence.

For this Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake, I’ve taken these beloved components and adapted them into a casserole format that emphasizes ease without sacrificing any of the iconic flavor. Instead of laboriously stuffing and breading individual chicken breasts, we’re incorporating the key ingredients – chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese – directly into a creamy pasta dish. This approach allows for all the savory, cheesy goodness to meld together, creating a comforting and cohesive meal that’s much simpler to prepare but equally, if not more, satisfying.

The Perfect Harmony of Ingredients

My version combines medium shell pasta, which is ideal for capturing and holding the rich sauce, with tender, shredded rotisserie chicken. To elevate the “ham” component, I’ve opted for prosciutto, baked until wonderfully crisp. This step is crucial, as the crispy prosciutto provides an incredible depth of flavor and a delightful textural contrast that ordinary ham simply cannot match. It introduces a salty, savory crunch that really makes the dish sing. We also use shredded Gruyère cheese, known for its nutty, complex flavor and excellent melting qualities, along with fresh thyme leaves that impart a subtle, aromatic freshness. All of these fantastic ingredients are generously tossed in a smooth, creamy sauce, then baked to absolute perfection until bubbly and golden brown.

To keep this dish truly fuss-free and weeknight-friendly, I enthusiastically recommend using store-bought shredded rotisserie chicken. It’s a fantastic shortcut that saves a significant amount of time and effort, allowing you to get this delectable meal on the table much faster without compromising on flavor or tenderness. The beauty of rotisserie chicken is that it’s already perfectly cooked and seasoned, ready to be incorporated directly into your pasta bake. This decision is all about embracing convenience without sacrificing quality, ensuring that even on your busiest days, you can still enjoy a homemade, gourmet-inspired meal.

Regarding the prosciutto, my decision to use it over traditional ham was quite deliberate. While ham works fine, crisping prosciutto in the oven transforms it into something truly spectacular. The thin slices render beautifully, becoming incredibly delicate and brittle, almost like savory bacon bits. This process intensifies its salty, savory flavor and adds an irresistible crunch that contrasts wonderfully with the creamy pasta and tender chicken. It’s a small change that makes a big difference, elevating the entire dish from simply good to absolutely unforgettable.

Wine Pairings for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

When it comes to beverages, this rich and creamy dish pairs exquisitely with a few select wines. A crisp, unoaked Chardonnay offers a delightful counterpoint to the creaminess, with its bright acidity and notes of green apple or citrus. Alternatively, a refreshing Sauvignon Blanc, with its herbaceous undertones and vibrant acidity, also cuts through the richness beautifully, providing a lovely balance to the savory flavors of the chicken and prosciutto. For those who prefer a red, a light-bodied Pinot Noir with its earthy notes and subtle fruitiness can also complement the dish without overpowering it.

Essential Cook’s Notes for Success

To ensure your Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake turns out perfectly every time, here are a few additional tips and considerations:

Serving Suggestion: I always love to serve this hearty dish with a small, crisp green salad. The fresh, vibrant flavors and light dressing provide a wonderful balance to the rich and creamy pasta bake. A simple vinaigrette on mixed greens or a Caesar salad would be ideal.
Chicken Convenience: As mentioned, using shredded rotisserie chicken from your local market is a fantastic time-saver. It’s already cooked, tender, and seasoned, making the assembly of this recipe incredibly quick and easy. If you prefer to cook your own chicken, simply poach or bake a few chicken breasts, then shred them before adding to the pasta.
Cheese Choices: While I adore the distinctive nutty flavor that shredded Gruyère cheese brings to this recipe, you can certainly use shredded Swiss cheese as a readily available and equally delicious alternative. Both will melt beautifully and provide that signature Cordon Bleu taste. Other great options could include a blend of Swiss and Fontina for extra creaminess, or even a touch of Parmesan for added saltiness.
Perfect Pasta: Cook your pasta to al dente. Since it will bake further in the oven, cooking it slightly firm ensures it won’t become mushy. Always salt your pasta water generously for the best flavor foundation.
Crispy Prosciutto: Don’t skip the step of crisping the prosciutto! This adds a vital layer of flavor and texture. Ensure the slices are laid flat and baked until truly crisp for the best results. Watch it closely, as it can go from perfectly crisp to burnt quickly.
Creamy Sauce Base: When making the roux (butter and flour mixture), ensure it cooks for a full two minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Whisk constantly as you add the broth to prevent lumps and achieve a silky-smooth sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer and thicken gently.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake Recipe

Author: MaryAnn Dwyer

Servings: 4 servings

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is a winner for comfort food season! It’s a creamy, cheesy, and incredibly satisfying dish perfect for any night.

Prep Time: 30 mins

Cook Time: 30 mins

Ingredients

6 oz. prosciutto slices, thinly sliced
3 cups medium shell pasta
6 Tbsp. butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
7 Tbsp. all-purpose flour
4 1/2 cups low-sodium chicken broth
1 Tbsp. fresh thyme leaves
2 tsp. kosher salt
1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
1/2 cup heavy whipping cream
1 1/2 cups shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese)
1 lb. shredded rotisserie chicken

Instructions

In a large pot of salted water, cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Drain thoroughly. Spray a 9×13 inch pan or similar size baking dish with nonstick cooking spray. Set aside.
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F (190 degrees C). Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper. Lay slices of prosciutto flat on the prepared sheet and bake until crisp, about 13-15 minutes. Baking time may vary, so watch carefully. Transfer the crispy prosciutto to a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess fat. When cool enough to handle, crumble it into small pieces. Set aside.
In a large Dutch oven or a heavy-bottomed pot, melt the 6 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until fragrant but not browned.
Gradually whisk in the all-purpose flour. Continue whisking constantly for 2 minutes, ensuring a smooth roux is formed and any raw flour taste is cooked out.
Slowly whisk in the low-sodium chicken broth until completely smooth and no lumps remain. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, whisking frequently.
Stir in the fresh thyme leaves, kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, and the heavy whipping cream. Reduce the heat to low and continue whisking gently until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency, which should take approximately 10-12 minutes.
Remove the pot from the heat. Add the shredded Gruyere cheese (or Swiss cheese) to the sauce and stir continuously until the cheese is completely melted and incorporated, creating a rich and creamy cheese sauce.
Add the cooked pasta, the crumbled crispy prosciutto, and the shredded rotisserie chicken to the sauce. Stir gently until all ingredients are well combined and coated in the luxurious sauce.
Pour the entire mixture into the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly.
Bake in the preheated oven for 30-35 minutes, or until the pasta bake is bubbly around the edges and lightly golden brown on top.
Serve immediately, perhaps with a fresh green salad on the side, and enjoy this incredible comfort food masterpiece!

Nutrition Information (per serving)

Keyword: Comfort Food, Pasta

Cuisine: French

Course: Main Dish

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of rich flavors, comforting textures, and the joy of a well-made, hearty dish. Whether you’re looking for a new family favorite or a show-stopping meal for guests, this recipe is sure to impress. The combination of tender chicken, savory prosciutto, and nutty Gruyère in a creamy, herb-infused sauce, all baked with perfectly cooked pasta, creates an unforgettable culinary experience that truly embodies the spirit of comfort food. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and prepare to delight your senses with this incredible pasta bake!