Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a comforting, creamy baked dish combining tender rotisserie chicken, Swiss cheese, and cavatappi pasta topped with a crunchy Parmesan-panko breadcrumb crust. It’s a delightful twist on the classic chicken cordon bleu, simplified into an easy one-dish meal that’s perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Chicken Mixture
- 1 lb cavatappi pasta
- 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced
Sauce
- 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese
Topping
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat Oven and Cook Pasta: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cream of chicken soups, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Mix well until smooth and creamy.
- Combine Pasta, Chicken, and Cheese: Add the cooked pasta, diced rotisserie chicken, and shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce mixture. Stir gently to evenly coat all ingredients.
- Assemble the Casserole: Transfer the mixture into a greased baking dish, spreading it out evenly to ensure uniform baking.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix the melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese until combined. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.
- Bake the Casserole: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Cool and Serve: Remove from the oven and allow the casserole to cool for about 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with extra fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- You can substitute rotisserie chicken with cooked, shredded chicken breast if preferred.
- Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs to make this dish gluten-free.
- For a richer flavor, add a teaspoon of garlic powder to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta during boiling to avoid mushy texture after baking.
- This casserole freezes well; reheat covered in the oven until warmed through.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: Chicken Cordon Bleu, Casserole, Baked Chicken, Comfort Food, Swiss Cheese, Creamy Pasta
