
If you love the creamy, savory flavors of chicken cordon bleu but crave a simpler way to enjoy it, this Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is your answer!
This one-pan wonder combines tender chicken, savory ham, melty Swiss cheese, and perfectly cooked penne pasta in a creamy, flavorful sauce.
It’s a quick, satisfying dinner that’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that’s sure to become a household favorite.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Made in under an hour with minimal prep and cleanup.
- Family-Friendly: The creamy, cheesy flavors are a hit with kids and adults alike.
- One-Pan Meal: Everything cooks in one skillet, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delicious pasta dish:
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup cooked ham, diced
- 2 ½ cups penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces Swiss cheese, grated
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare Your Baking Dish – Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray and set it aside.
2. Sauté the Chicken and Garlic – Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds to 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chicken cubes and sauté for 2-3 minutes, just until browned (they don’t need to be fully cooked yet).
3. Add Ham, Pasta, and Seasonings – To the skillet, add the diced ham, penne pasta, chicken broth, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
4. Simmer Until Pasta is Cooked – Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let it simmer for 20 minutes or until the pasta is tender and cooked through.
5. Stir in the Cheese – Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the grated Swiss cheese until it’s completely melted and the sauce is creamy.
6. Broil to Perfection – Transfer the pasta mixture to the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle breadcrumbs evenly over the top. Place the dish under the broiler for about 5 minutes, keeping a close eye to prevent burning.
7. Garnish and Serve – Remove the dish from the oven and sprinkle with fresh parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy!
Tips for Success
- Don’t Overcook the Chicken: Browning it slightly before simmering ensures it stays tender.
- Watch the Broiler: The breadcrumbs can burn quickly, so keep an eye on them.
- Make It Your Own: Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyère or add a pinch of paprika for extra flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat: Warm in the oven at 350°F or in the microwave until heated through.
More Recipes You’ll Love
Looking for more easy and delicious dinner ideas? Check out these recipes from SomewhatSimple.com:
HERE’S A PRINTABLE RECIPE CARD FOR YOUR CONVENIENCE –
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 cup ham, cooked and diced
- 2 ½ cups penne pasta
- 3 cups chicken broth
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 8 ounces swiss cheese, grated
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs
- 3 Tablespoons parsley
Instructions
- Lightly coat a 9×13 baking dish with nonstick spray. Set aside.
- Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds – 1 minute, or until fragrant.
- Add the chicken and sauté for 2-3 minutes until browned, but not cooked through.
- Add ham, pasta, broth, salt, pepper, garlic and onion powder. Stir and bring to a boil.
- Reduce heat to low, then cover and simmer for 20 minutes, or until noodles are cooked through.
- Remove the pan from heat and add Swiss cheese. Stir until completely melted.
- Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish and sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Place under the broiler for about five minutes, watching closely so it doesn’t burn.
- Remove from the oven and sprinkle the top with parsley just before serving.