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.
Variations:
- Broccoli Addition: Mix in steamed broccoli florets to add a nutritious and colorful twist to the casserole, creating a Chicken Cordon Bleu and Broccoli Casserole.
- Ham Swap: Substitute diced cooked ham for the rotisserie chicken to make a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole with Ham.
- Turkey Twist: Use diced leftover turkey instead of chicken for a flavorful variation, transforming it into a Turkey Cordon Bleu Casserole.
- Vegetarian Option: Omit the chicken and add sautéed mushrooms or diced tofu for a vegetarian-friendly version of the casserole.
- Spinach Infusion: Incorporate chopped fresh spinach leaves into the casserole mixture for added nutrients and vibrant green color.
- Italian Inspired: Add sun-dried tomatoes, chopped basil, and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning to the casserole for an Italian twist on the classic dish.
- Bacon Lover’s Delight: Mix crispy cooked bacon pieces into the casserole for a smoky and savory flavor enhancement.
- Mexican Fusion: Replace Swiss cheese with shredded Monterey Jack cheese, and add diced green chilies and a pinch of cumin for a Tex-Mex flair.
- Buffalo Chicken Variation: Toss diced chicken in buffalo sauce before adding it to the casserole mixture for a spicy Buffalo Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole.
- Greek-Inspired: Use feta cheese instead of Swiss cheese, add diced tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and oregano for a Mediterranean twist.
- Artichoke Hearts Addition: Stir in chopped marinated artichoke hearts for a tangy and flavorful addition to the casserole.
- Alfredo Sauce Swap: Replace the cream of chicken soup with Alfredo sauce for a richer and creamier version of the casserole.
- Broth Base: Substitute half & half with chicken broth for a lighter version of the casserole, reducing the calorie content.
- Asparagus Inclusion: Add chopped cooked asparagus spears to the casserole for a crunchy texture and subtle flavor.
- Truffle Oil Drizzle: Finish the casserole with a drizzle of truffle oil before serving for a luxurious touch and decadent aroma.
FAQs :
- Can I use regular mustard instead of Dijon mustard? While Dijon mustard adds a unique flavor to the casserole, you can use regular mustard as a substitute if preferred.
- Can I use a different type of pasta? Yes, you can use your favorite pasta shape such as penne, fusilli, or rigatoni instead of cavatappi.
- Can I make this casserole ahead of time? Yes, you can assemble the casserole ahead of time and refrigerate it until ready to bake. Allow it to come to room temperature before baking.
- Can I use pre-cooked chicken instead of rotisserie chicken? Yes, you can use leftover cooked chicken, grilled chicken breasts, or shredded rotisserie chicken for convenience.
- Can I freeze the casserole before baking? Yes, you can assemble the casserole, cover tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil, and freeze it. Bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.
- How do I know when the casserole is done baking? The casserole is done when the top is golden brown, and the edges are bubbly. You can also insert a knife into the center to check if it comes out clean.
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.