Are you ready to elevate your dinner game with a dish that combines the comforting flavors of chicken cordon bleu and pasta? Look no further! Our Zesty Baked Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is a delightful fusion that promises to tantalize your taste buds and impress your family and friends. With just 15 minutes of prep time and a mere 30 minutes in the oven, you can serve up a hearty meal that’s rich, creamy, and oh-so-satisfying. Dive into this recipe that guarantees to be a crowd-pleaser, and discover how easy it is to whip up a dish that’s as delicious as it is comforting!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 3 cups cooked pasta
- 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded
- 1 cup ham, diced
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded
- 1 cup cream of chicken soup
- 1/2 cup milk
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, shredded chicken, and diced ham, ensuring they are evenly distributed.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together cream of chicken soup, milk, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well blended.
- Pour the creamy sauce over the pasta, chicken, and ham mixture, gently stirring to coat all ingredients thoroughly.
- Transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly across the dish.
- Sprinkle shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the top of the pasta mixture, covering the entire surface.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove the foil and continue baking for an additional 10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and golden brown.
- Remove from the oven and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow the sauce to set.
- Garnish with chopped parsley or green onions if desired, and serve hot.
Tips
- Cook Pasta Al Dente: To ensure your pasta maintains its texture during baking, cook it al dente before mixing it with the other ingredients. This will prevent it from becoming mushy in the oven.
- Use Rotisserie Chicken: For a quicker prep time, consider using store-bought rotisserie chicken. It adds great flavor and saves you from cooking chicken from scratch.
- Customize Your Cheeses: While Swiss cheese is traditional, feel free to mix it up! Try adding mozzarella or cheddar for a different flavor profile.
- Add Vegetables: For an extra nutritional boost, toss in some steamed broccoli or spinach. It adds color and makes the dish even heartier.
- Let It Rest: Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after baking. This helps the sauce thicken and makes serving easier.
- Garnish for Presentation: A sprinkle of fresh parsley or green onions not only adds a pop of color but also enhances the dish's flavor.
- Make Ahead: This dish can be assembled ahead of time. Just cover it with foil and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake—perfect for busy weeknights!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 95mg
