Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipe
Indulge in the deliciousness of Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta – a simple yet incredibly satisfying dish that reimagines the classic into a creamy, comforting pasta perfect for any night of the week!
When the craving for ultimate comfort food strikes, my thoughts almost invariably drift towards hearty chicken pasta recipes. There’s an undeniable allure to a generous bowl of pasta, coated in a luscious, creamy sauce, studded with tender pieces of chicken. It’s a combination that hits all the right notes every single time, offering warmth and satisfaction in every bite. Much like a favorite Tuscan Chicken Pasta, this dish promises to be a new staple in your culinary repertoire.
Taking a beloved classic like Chicken Cordon Bleu and transforming it into a convenient, delicious pasta dish isn’t just a good idea – it’s a stroke of genius! This recipe captures all the iconic flavors of the original in a format that’s much quicker and simpler to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you still want a gourmet-quality meal.
What is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before diving into this delightful pasta rendition, let’s briefly revisit the origins and characteristics of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. Understanding the classic dish helps appreciate the creative adaptation we’re making:
- Traditionally, Chicken Cordon Bleu is an elegant dish consisting of a thin piece of chicken (or veal or pork) that is carefully wrapped around a slice of ham and a generous portion of Swiss cheese.
- This assembled package is then typically breaded, often with a crispy panko or regular breadcrumb coating, and either pan-fried or deep-fried until golden brown and cooked through. The result is a wonderfully crisp exterior with a tender, juicy interior and a molten, cheesy center – a true culinary delight.
- While often associated with chicken, variations made with pork or veal are also common, showcasing the versatility of the “cordon bleu” preparation method across different meats.
- The dish is believed to have originated in Switzerland, but its popularity has spread across Europe and indeed, the world, with various interpretations and regional twists. The name “Cordon Bleu” itself, meaning “blue ribbon,” is a French term often associated with culinary excellence.
While the classic Cordon Bleu is undeniably impressive, it can be a bit labor-intensive for a casual weeknight meal. That’s precisely where this pasta version shines – delivering all the beloved flavors without the fuss of rolling, breading, and frying individual cutlets.
You truly won’t find a simpler way to enjoy the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu than with this easy pasta recipe. Forget the tedious steps of pounding chicken, carefully wrapping it, and dealing with messy breading and frying. Here, all you need to do is dice the chicken and ham, eliminating the rolling and deep-frying entirely. The pasta cooks conveniently in a separate pot, while you simultaneously cook the chicken and whisk up the rich, flavorful sauce in a single skillet. The sauce itself is designed with a touch of mindfulness, utilizing mostly skim milk with just a hint of heavy cream, offering that luxurious mouthfeel with a little less guilt. This streamlined approach means you can have a gourmet-tasting meal on the table in about 30 minutes, making it a perfect solution for busy evenings.
How To Make Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
This recipe is designed for maximum flavor with minimal effort. Here’s a detailed look at how to bring this comforting dish to life:
- Cook the Pasta: Begin by boiling a large pot of salted water. Add your chosen short-cut pasta (such as bowties, penne, or rotini) and cook according to the package directions until al dente. Short-cut pastas are ideal as their shapes effectively capture and hold the creamy sauce. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about half a cup of the pasta water, which can be useful later to adjust the sauce consistency if needed.
- Brown Chicken and Onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat two teaspoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breast and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is browned on all sides and cooked through, and the onion has softened and turned translucent. This step builds the foundational flavor of the dish.
- Add Garlic and Ham: Stir in the minced garlic and diced ham. Cook for just 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and the garlic to become fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once warm, transfer the chicken, onion, and ham mixture to a small plate or bowl and cover it loosely with foil to keep it warm while you prepare the sauce.
- Prepare the Roux: In the same skillet (no need to clean it!), melt two tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in two tablespoons of all-purpose flour. Whisk continuously for about 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste forms and no white streaks of flour remain. This is your roux, which will thicken the sauce.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually whisk in the skim milk, followed by the heavy cream, pouring slowly to ensure a smooth, lump-free sauce. Continue whisking until the mixture is well combined and begins to gently simmer and thicken.
- Season the Sauce: Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. The Dijon mustard adds a subtle tang that perfectly complements the ham and cheese, preventing the sauce from being overly rich.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and add the shredded Swiss cheese to the sauce. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.
- Combine and Serve: Finally, add the cooked pasta and the reserved chicken and ham mixture back into the skillet with the creamy cheese sauce. Toss everything together until the pasta and meats are thoroughly coated and warmed through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired for a touch of color and freshness.
Tips for the Perfect Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
- Pasta Choice: While bowties are charming, any short-cut pasta like penne, rotini, or even cavatappi will work beautifully. Their nooks and crannies are excellent for holding the creamy sauce.
- Cheese Variations: Swiss cheese is traditional, but don’t hesitate to experiment! Gruyère or even a good quality white cheddar can add interesting depth to the sauce.
- Spice It Up: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the sauce along with the other seasonings.
- Vegetable Boost: While not traditional, you can easily sneak in some vegetables. Sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or peas would be excellent additions for extra nutrition and color.
- Using Leftover Ham: If you happen to have leftover Baked Ham from the holidays or a family dinner, this recipe is an absolutely fantastic way to transform it into something new and exciting! I don’t know about you, but whenever I have leftover meat, I always look for creative ways to repurpose it, and this creamy pasta dish is exactly that. It’s a delicious way to avoid food waste and enjoy another incredible meal.
What To Serve With Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
This rich and flavorful pasta dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of simple sides that complement its creamy nature without overpowering it. Here are some excellent suggestions:
- Texas Roadhouse Rolls or Olive Garden Breadsticks: Warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up every last bit of the delicious creamy sauce. Garlic bread would also be a fantastic choice.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A light, fresh green salad with a vinaigrette dressing provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the pasta.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Green vegetables like sautéed asparagus, steamed green beans, or broccoli offer a vibrant pop of color and a healthy crunch.
- Roasted Vegetables: Consider roasted Brussels sprouts or carrots for a sweeter, caramelized side that pairs well with the savory flavors.
- A glass of crisp white wine, such as a Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, would also make a lovely accompaniment for the adults.
More Easy Dinner Recipes
If you’re always on the hunt for delicious and straightforward dinner ideas, you’ve come to the right place. Here are a few more easy recipes to add to your rotation:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, juicy, and perfect for a quick family meal.
- Baja Shrimp Tacos: A vibrant and flavorful seafood option that’s surprisingly easy to whip up.
- One Pan Spinach Chicken Alfredo: For those nights when you want minimal cleanup without sacrificing flavor.
- Ham & Cheese Sliders: A crowd-pleasing appetizer or a fun, light dinner option.
- Ground Beef Stroganoff: A classic comfort food made even easier in one pot.
- Ham & Cheese Tortellini: Another great way to use up leftover ham in a cheesy, satisfying dish.
This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta recipe truly embodies comfort and convenience. It takes the sophisticated flavors of a classic dish and adapts them into an approachable, creamy pasta that’s ready in about 30 minutes. Whether you’re looking for a new weeknight favorite or a creative way to use leftover ham, this recipe is sure to impress. Give it a try and enjoy a delightfully cheesy, savory, and satisfying meal!
Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
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Equipment
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Pot and Pan Set
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Liquid Measuring Cup
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Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 12 oz small cut pasta
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 small chicken breasts
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 cups ham, diced
- 2 Tablespoons butter
- 2 Tablespoons flour
- 2 cups skim milk
- 1/2 cup heavy cream
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 oz Swiss Cheese, shredded
Instructions
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Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions.
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In a large skillet heat olive oil until hot. Add chicken and onion to the pan, cook until browned.
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Add garlic and ham to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and keep warm.
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Melt butter in the skillet, mix in flour until lightly browned. Slowly whisk in milk and cream.
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Season with mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Cook sauce for 3-4 minutes until it starts to thicken.
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Mix in cheese until melted.
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Add cooked pasta and chicken mixture to the sauce, toss to combine.
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Garnish with parsley to serve.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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