Name: Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 lb cavatappi pasta; 2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced; 2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup; 2 cups half & half; 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped; 1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s); ½ teaspoon black pepper; 3 cups shredded Swiss cheese; 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted; ¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs; ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Ingredients

1 lb cavatappi pasta

2 cans (10.5 oz each) cream of chicken soup

2 cups half & half

3 tablespoons Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

1 teaspoon seasoned salt (e.g., Lawry’s)

½ teaspoon black pepper

3 cups shredded Swiss cheese

2 cups rotisserie chicken, diced

1 tablespoon unsalted butter, melted

¾ cup plain panko bread crumbs

¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Spray a 9×13-inch casserole dish with nonstick cooking spray and set it aside.

Step 2: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the cavatappi pasta according to the package directions (about 7-8 minutes) until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.

Step 3: In a large bowl, combine the cream of chicken soup, half & half, Dijon mustard, chopped parsley, seasoned salt, and black pepper. Stir well to create a creamy mixture.

Step 4: Add the shredded Swiss cheese, diced rotisserie chicken, and cooked pasta to the bowl with the sauce. Stir everything together until well incorporated. Pour the mixture into the prepared casserole dish, spreading it evenly.

Step 5: In a small bowl, combine the melted butter, panko bread crumbs, and grated Parmesan cheese. Stir until the bread crumbs are coated with the butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.

Step 6: Place the casserole in the preheated oven and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the casserole is bubbly and the top is golden brown.

Step 7: Let the casserole cool for a few minutes, then garnish with extra parsley if desired. Serve hot and enjoy!

Tips & Variations

Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey as a substitute for rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.

For a crispier topping, broil the casserole for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking, watching closely to avoid burning.

Add sautéed mushrooms or spinach to the sauce mixture for extra flavor and nutrition.

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary preferences.

Storage

Store leftover casserole covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm the entire casserole in a 350°F (175°C) oven until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the casserole before baking in an airtight container for up to 2 months; bake from frozen, adding extra baking time as needed.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Yes, you can cook and dice fresh chicken breasts or thighs. To keep the casserole flavorful and tender, poach or bake the chicken before adding it to the dish.

Is there a substitute for cream of chicken soup?

If you prefer homemade or healthier options, you can make a simple white sauce (béchamel) using butter, flour, milk, and chicken broth as a substitute. This will provide a similar creamy texture without the canned soup.