Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: Your Ultimate Weeknight Comfort Food
Transforming a classic into a quick and delicious creamy pasta dish, perfect for any night of the week!
There’s nothing quite like a comforting bowl of pasta, especially when it features tender chicken in a rich, creamy sauce. It’s the kind of meal that wraps you in a warm hug, perfect after a long day. Recipes like our Tuscan Chicken Pasta are frequent favorites in our home for exactly this reason. The combination of savory pasta, succulent chicken, and a velvety sauce creates a culinary experience that satisfies every time.
And what could be more exciting than taking a beloved classic, like the elegant Chicken Cordon Bleu, and reimagining it as a comforting pasta dish? This innovative approach allows you to enjoy all the iconic flavors of chicken cordon bleu – the savory ham, the rich Swiss cheese, and the tender chicken – without the fuss of rolling and frying. It’s a truly brilliant idea for a fun, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that brings gourmet taste to your everyday table.
What Exactly is Chicken Cordon Bleu?
Before we dive into our delightful pasta rendition, let’s briefly explore the origins and characteristics of the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu. This dish is celebrated worldwide for its elegant presentation and harmonious blend of flavors.
- Traditional Preparation: At its core, Chicken Cordon Bleu typically consists of a thin cutlet of chicken (or sometimes veal or pork) that is wrapped around a slice of ham and a generous piece of Swiss cheese. This roulade is then breaded and shallow-fried or baked until golden brown and crispy, much like a schnitzel. The result is a wonderfully tender and juicy interior with a satisfyingly crisp exterior, and a melty, gooey cheese center.
- Beyond Chicken: While “chicken” is in the name for this specific variant, the concept of “Cordon Bleu” isn’t exclusive to poultry. You can find versions made with pork cutlets (Pork Cordon Bleu) or even veal (Veal Cordon Bleu), showcasing the versatility of this classic preparation method across different meats. The key elements remain the ham and Swiss cheese stuffing, encased in a breaded cutlet.
- Swiss Origins with European Flair: The exact origin of Cordon Bleu is often debated, but it’s widely believed to have originated in Switzerland, potentially in the Valais region, during the early to mid-20th century. The name “Cordon Bleu” itself is French for “blue ribbon,” which traditionally signifies culinary excellence or high distinction. Over time, variations of this popular dish have spread across Europe and beyond, becoming a staple in many cuisines and a symbol of comfort and sophisticated simplicity.
Our Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta takes these iconic flavors and transforms them into a more accessible, deconstructed form, perfect for a less formal, yet equally delicious, weeknight meal. Instead of individual roulades, we dice the chicken and ham and incorporate them directly into a luscious, cheesy sauce with pasta, simplifying the process without compromising on taste.
This easy chicken cordon bleu pasta recipe truly couldn’t be simpler to prepare. Forget the time-consuming steps of rolling, breading, and deep-frying individual chicken pieces. Here, you simply dice the chicken and ham, eliminating any complex preparation. While the pasta cooks in a separate pot to achieve that perfect al dente bite, you’ll concurrently sauté the chicken and begin crafting the rich, creamy sauce. The beauty of this sauce is that it’s predominantly made with skim milk, featuring just a touch of heavy cream, offering a wonderfully indulgent flavor with a slightly lighter feel, so you can savor every bite with a little less guilt.
Crafting Your Creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: A Step-by-Step Guide
Creating this flavorful Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is a straightforward process, designed for maximum flavor with minimal fuss. Follow these detailed steps to bring this comforting dish to your table:
- Cook the Pasta to Perfection: Begin by bringing a large pot of generously salted water to a rolling boil. Salt the water as you would the ocean – it’s crucial for seasoning the pasta from within. Add your chosen short-cut pasta (bowties, penne, or rotini are excellent choices as their shapes expertly capture the creamy sauce) and cook according to the package directions until it’s al dente. This means it should be tender but still have a slight bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving about ½ cup of the starchy pasta water in case you need to thin out your sauce later.
- Sauté Chicken and Onion: In a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the diced chicken breasts and finely chopped onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is thoroughly browned and cooked through, and the onion has softened and turned translucent. Browning the chicken not only cooks it but also adds a depth of flavor that will enhance the entire dish.
- Incorporate Garlic and Ham: Once the chicken and onion are cooked, stir in the minced garlic and diced ham. Continue to cook for just 2-3 minutes, allowing the ham to warm through and the garlic to become fragrant, releasing its aromatic oils. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Once warm, transfer the chicken, onion, garlic, 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 (Sauce Base): Using the same skillet (no need to clean it, those delicious browned bits add flavor!), melt the butter over medium heat. Once melted, sprinkle in the flour. Stir constantly with a whisk for 1-2 minutes until a smooth paste, or roux, forms and any white streaks of flour disappear. This step is essential for thickening your sauce and preventing lumps.
- Whisk in Liquids: Gradually, slowly whisk in the skim milk, followed by the heavy cream, into the roux. Pouring the liquids in slowly and whisking continuously helps create a perfectly smooth, lump-free sauce. Continue to whisk until the mixture is completely smooth and combined.
- Season and Thicken the Sauce: Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper to the sauce. Stir well to incorporate these seasonings, which give the cordon bleu sauce its distinctive tangy and savory flavor profile. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it begins to visibly thicken to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
- Melt the Cheese: Reduce the heat to low and stir in the shredded Swiss cheese. Continue to mix gently until the cheese has completely melted into the sauce, making it smooth, creamy, and wonderfully gooey. The Swiss cheese is key to the cordon bleu flavor.
- 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 thoroughly, ensuring every piece of pasta and protein is evenly coated in the luscious sauce. Heat gently for another minute or two, just until everything is warmed through.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Serve immediately, garnished with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and fresh flavor. This creamy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is now ready to be devoured!
This streamlined approach allows you to enjoy the rich, satisfying flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu in a comforting pasta format, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights when you crave something special yet easy.
This recipe is particularly fantastic if you find yourself with leftover Baked Ham from the holidays or a special occasion. We all know the dilemma of having delicious but abundant leftovers, and sometimes you just crave something completely new and exciting. This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is the perfect solution for transforming that savory ham into a truly different and delightful meal. It’s a creative way to repurpose ingredients while enjoying a fresh flavor profile that feels far removed from its original form, making meal planning both efficient and delicious.
Perfect Pairings: What To Serve With Your Creamy Pasta
A rich and creamy pasta dish like our Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta pairs beautifully with a variety of sides that offer balance and enhance the meal. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:
- Texas Roadhouse Rolls: Soft, warm, and slightly sweet rolls are perfect for soaking up any remaining creamy sauce.
- Olive Garden Breadsticks: Light, fluffy, and garlic-infused breadsticks are another fantastic option for dipping.
- Simple Tossed Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing counterpoint to the richness of the pasta.
- Sautéed Asparagus: Fresh, tender-crisp asparagus offers a touch of green vegetable goodness and a slightly earthy flavor.
- Steamed Green Beans: A simple side of steamed or lightly sautéed green beans with a hint of lemon adds freshness and a vibrant color.
- Garlic Knots: Another savory bread option that complements the flavors of the dish without overpowering it.
More Easy Dinner Recipes to Love
If you’re looking for more simple and satisfying meal ideas that are perfect for any night of the week, explore some of our other popular dinner recipes:
- Air Fryer Chicken Tenders: Crispy, juicy, and quick, these are a family favorite.
- Baja Shrimp Tacos: A vibrant and zesty meal that brings the taste of the coast to your kitchen.
- One Pan Spinach Chicken Alfredo: Creamy, cheesy, and incredibly easy, all in a single pan.
- Ham & Cheese Sliders: Perfect for a quick snack, appetizer, or light dinner.
- Ground Beef Stroganoff: A comforting classic made simpler with ground beef.
- Ham & Cheese Tortellini: Another delightful way to combine ham and cheese in a pasta dish.
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 until al dente. Drain well and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced chicken and chopped onion. Cook until chicken is browned and cooked through, and onion is softened.
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Add minced garlic and diced ham to the pan. Cook for 2-3 minutes until ham is warmed through and garlic is fragrant. Remove mixture from heat and transfer to a plate, covering with foil to keep warm.
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In the same skillet, melt butter over medium heat. Stir in flour and cook for 1-2 minutes until lightly browned, forming a roux. Slowly whisk in skim milk and heavy cream until smooth.
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Season the sauce with Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring, until the sauce begins to thicken.
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Reduce heat to low and stir in shredded Swiss cheese until completely melted and smooth.
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Add the cooked pasta and the chicken mixture back into the skillet with the sauce. Toss everything to combine well and ensure all ingredients are coated and warmed through.
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Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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