Experience the epitome of culinary indulgence with our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. This decadent dish combines tender rotisserie chicken, al dente cavatappi pasta, and luscious Swiss cheese, all enveloped in a creamy sauce infused with Dijon mustard and fresh herbs. Topped with a golden breadcrumb crust, this casserole is a luxurious twist on the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, offering all the flavor and comfort in an easy-to-make, crowd-pleasing format. Perfect for family dinners or special occasions, this recipe is sure to elevate your dining experience to new heights.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound cavatappi pasta
- 2 (10.5-ounce) cans of cream of chicken soup
- 2 cups of half & half
- 3 tablespoons of Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon of fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon of season salt (such as Lowry’s brand)
- ½ teaspoon of black pepper
- 3 cups of Swiss cheese, shredded
- 2 cups of rotisserie chicken, diced
- 1 tablespoon of unsalted butter, melted
- ¾ cup of plain panko breadcrumbs
- ¼ cup of grated Parmesan cheese
Directions:
- Preheat the oven to 375°F. Grease a 9×13 casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set aside.
- Cook the cavatappi pasta in a large pot of boiling water according to package directions, until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, season salt, and black pepper. Stir until well mixed.
- Add the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked cavatappi pasta to the sauce mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Pour the chicken cordon bleu casserole filling into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it out evenly.
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, plain panko breadcrumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the top of the casserole filling.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and the casserole is bubbly.
- Once done, remove from the oven and let it cool slightly before serving.
Nutritional Information:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Calories: 766 kcal
- Servings: 6 servings
Serving and Storage Tips:
- Serving Suggestions: When serving the Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, use a sharp knife to cut neat portions, ensuring each serving has a generous amount of creamy pasta, tender chicken, and golden breadcrumb topping.
- Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Add a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley or thyme over the casserole just before serving to enhance its visual appeal and add a burst of fresh flavor.
- Accompaniments: Pair the casserole with simple sides like steamed green beans, roasted vegetables, or a crisp garden salad to create a well-balanced meal. Crusty bread or garlic knots also make excellent additions for soaking up the delicious sauce.
- Presentation: Serve the casserole straight from the oven to the table for an inviting presentation. A colorful serving platter or baking dish can elevate the visual appeal of the dish, making it even more enticing.
- Leftovers: If you have leftovers, allow the casserole to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat individual servings in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in the oven at 350°F until heated through.
- Freezing: This casserole is freezer-friendly, making it perfect for meal prep. Once cooled, portion the casserole into freezer-safe containers or aluminum foil trays, and tightly wrap with plastic wrap or foil. Label with the date and contents before freezing. The casserole can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and bake until warmed through.
- Customization: Feel free to customize the casserole by adding your favorite ingredients. You can incorporate diced ham or cooked bacon for extra flavor, or mix in sautéed mushrooms, onions, or spinach for added depth.
- Party Appetizer: Cut the casserole into smaller squares and serve as an appetizer at parties or gatherings. Toothpicks can be inserted into each square for easy serving.
- Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the casserole in advance up to the point of baking. Cover and refrigerate overnight, then bake as directed when ready to serve. This makes it a convenient option for busy weeknights or entertaining guests.
- Reheating Tip: To prevent the breadcrumbs from becoming soggy when reheating leftovers, sprinkle a fresh layer of breadcrumbs on top before reheating in the oven. This will help maintain the crispy texture of the topping.
By following these serving and storage tips, you can enjoy the delightful flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole while maximizing convenience and minimizing food waste.
Elevate your dining experience with our Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole, a gourmet delight that brings together the rich flavors of Swiss cheese, tender chicken, and aromatic herbs in a creamy sauce. Whether enjoyed for a cozy family dinner or as the centerpiece of a special gathering, this casserole is sure to impress with its decadent taste and comforting appeal. Treat yourself to a taste of gourmet comfort with every forkful of this irresistible dish.