Description
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole is a creamy, comforting baked pasta dish that combines tender rotisserie chicken with Swiss cheese, Dijon mustard, and a crispy panko-Parmesan topping. Perfect for a family dinner, it offers the flavors of traditional chicken cordon bleu in a hearty, easy-to-make casserole.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound (about 450g) cavatappi pasta
Sauce and Filling
- 2 cans (10.5 ounces each) cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups (480ml) half & half
- 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lowry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 cups (about 340g) Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 cups (about 300g) rotisserie chicken, diced
Topping
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup (about 45g) plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup (about 25g) grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and spray a 9×13-inch (23×33 cm) casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the cavatappi pasta according to package instructions, approximately 7 to 8 minutes, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Mix the Sauce: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped fresh parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
- Add Cheese, Chicken, and Pasta: Stir the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked pasta into the sauce mixture, ensuring all ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Assemble the Casserole: Pour the combined mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.
- Prepare the Topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted unsalted butter, panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese until well blended.
- Top the Casserole: Evenly sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the top of the casserole to create a crispy crust when baked.
- Bake: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and the casserole is bubbling hot throughout.
Notes
- Using rotisserie chicken speeds up preparation, but leftover cooked chicken or freshly cooked chicken breast can also be used.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a teaspoon of garlic powder or onion powder to the sauce mixture.
- Make sure not to overcook the pasta so it maintains texture after baking.
- Substitute half & half with whole milk or cream for a lighter or richer sauce, respectively.
- Let the casserole cool for a few minutes before serving to allow it to set.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
