Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: A Classic Reimagined

When I first created this chicken cordon bleu pasta dish, I was searching for a way to transform the classic chicken cordon bleu into something more approachable for weeknight dinners. The traditional recipe requires pounding chicken breasts, rolling them with ham and cheese, then breading and frying—a process that demands time and attention to detail. This pasta version captures all those beloved flavors in a comforting, family-friendly casserole that comes together in under an hour.

The combination of tender chicken, smoky ham, and crispy bacon folded into a creamy Swiss cheese sauce creates a decadent chicken cordon bleu pasta that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The light breadcrumb topping offers that satisfying crunch reminiscent of the breaded exterior of traditional cordon bleu, while requiring significantly less effort.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: Essential Ingredients

The secret to an authentic chicken cordon bleu pasta lies in quality ingredients that honor the classic French-inspired dish while adapting it to a more casual format.

Main Components	Quantity	Notes
Penne pasta	3 cups uncooked	Provides perfect texture and sauce-catching ridges
Chicken breasts	3 cups cooked, sliced	The star protein of chicken cordon bleu
Ham	3/4 cup cubed	Traditional cordon bleu component
Bacon	3/4 cup crumbled	Adds smoky depth to the dish

Sauce Elements	Quantity	Purpose
Heavy cream	2 cups	Creates rich, velvety base
Cream cheese	8 ounces, softened	Provides thickness and tanginess
Swiss cheese	1-1/2 cups, divided	The authentic cheese for cordon bleu
Seasonings	As specified below	Enhances flavors without overwhelming
Bread crumbs	3 tablespoons	Creates crispy topping reminiscent of breaded cordon bleu

How to Prepare Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Preheat oven to 350°F. Fill a large pot with water, add a generous pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add penne and cook until al dente according to package directions, usually about 9-11 minutes. The pasta should retain a slight firmness as it will continue cooking in the oven.
Meanwhile, in a large saucepan, combine the heavy cream and cream cheese over medium heat. Stir frequently until the cream cheese is completely melted and the mixture is smooth. Add 1 cup of shredded Swiss cheese, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Continue stirring until the cheese has melted and the sauce is velvety smooth. Reduce heat to low and keep warm, stirring occasionally to prevent the sauce from separating.
When the pasta is done, drain thoroughly in a colander, shaking off excess water. Transfer the pasta to a large mixing bowl. Add the sliced chicken breast, crumbled bacon, and cubed ham. Pour the warm cheese sauce over the pasta mixture and fold gently with a rubber spatula until all ingredients are well coated. Be careful not to break the pasta or shred the chicken while mixing.
Lightly grease a 13×9-inch baking dish with cooking spray or butter. Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 cup of Swiss cheese over the top, followed by an even layer of bread crumbs. The breadcrumbs will create a delightful golden crust as the dish bakes.
Bake, uncovered, in the preheated oven for 18-22 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbling around the edges and the top is golden brown. For an extra-crispy topping, you can place the dish under the broiler for 1-2 minutes at the end of baking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Remove from the oven and let stand for 5 minutes before serving. This brief resting period allows the sauce to thicken slightly and the flavors to settle.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Variations and Tips

The beauty of chicken cordon bleu pasta lies in its versatility. Here are some expert tips to make this dish your own:

For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half for the heavy cream and use reduced-fat cream cheese.
Feel free to use rotisserie chicken to save time. It adds a nice flavor dimension and makes this dish even more convenient.
This chicken cordon bleu pasta casserole can be assembled ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 24 hours before baking. If baking from cold, add 10-15 minutes to the cooking time.
The dish freezes beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking.
Try different pasta shapes like fusilli or farfalle for a fun variation that still captures sauce wonderfully.
For an extra-cheesy chicken cordon bleu pasta, add 1/4 cup of grated Parmesan to the sauce mixture.

Serving Suggestions for Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

This rich pasta dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the creaminess. A side of steamed asparagus or roasted Brussels sprouts adds color and nutritional value to complete the meal. For wine enthusiasts, a glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Noir complements the flavors nicely.

The chicken cordon bleu pasta makes excellent leftovers, with flavors that continue to develop overnight in the refrigerator. Simply reheat individual portions in the microwave for 1-2 minutes or until heated through.

Nutrition Information

Per serving (1-1/2 cups):

Calories: 826
Fat: 56g (33g saturated fat)
Cholesterol: 249mg
Sodium: 1093mg
Carbohydrates: 33g (3g sugars, 1g fiber)
Protein: 47g

This chicken cordon bleu pasta transforms the beloved classic into a comforting dish perfect for family dinners. With its creamy Swiss cheese sauce, tender chicken, smoky ham, and crispy bacon, it brings all the traditional flavors to your table in a fraction of the time. The combination of textures—from the tender pasta to the melty cheese and crisp topping—creates a memorable meal that will quickly become a requested favorite in your household.

Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner rotation, this chicken cordon bleu pasta delivers restaurant-quality flavor with home-cooked comfort. The dish honors its French-inspired origins while embracing the practical needs of today’s busy home cooks.