This One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole brings all the flavors of the classic dish into an easy, cozy meal. Juicy chicken, ham, and melty cheese are mixed with pasta, making it super tasty.
It’s great for busy nights when you want comfort food without the fuss. You just toss it all in one pot and let it cook. Perfect for leftovers too—if there’s any left, that is! 😂
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Rotini Pasta: This corkscrew-shaped pasta holds onto the sauce well. If you’re out of rotini, you can easily swap it for any short pasta like penne or fusilli; they all work nicely in casseroles!
Cooked Chicken Breast: I like using rotisserie chicken because it’s so convenient. If you’re vegetarian, feel free to use cooked tofu or chickpeas instead for a protein-packed alternative.
Diced Ham: Ham adds a nice salty flavor. If you don’t have ham or prefer not to use it, turkey or even a vegetarian sausage would work great here.
Cheeses: The combo of mozzarella and cheddar gives a rich flavor. If you want a twist, try gouda or pepper jack for a spicy kick! Dairy-free cheese can be a good substitute if you’re avoiding dairy.
Heavy Cream: While heavy cream makes it rich and creamy, you can use half-and-half or a plant-based cream for a lighter or dairy-free option.
Breadcrumbs: They add a crunchy topping that contrasts the creamy casserole. If you’re out, crushed crackers or tortilla chips can also give you that nice crunch!
How Do I Make Sure My Casserole Is Creamy and Tender?
Getting a creamy and tender casserole is key! Here’s how to do it:
- Combine the uncooked pasta with your other ingredients well. Don’t rush this step—mixing thoroughly helps distribute flavors.
- Using broth and cream together allows the pasta to absorb moisture while baking. Covering with foil for part of the baking keeps everything moist.
- After the initial bake, stirring before adding the cheese ensures an even melt and prevents any unexpected dryness.
- Finally, watch your casserole in the last stages of baking. You want that cheese bubbly and breadcrumbs golden, but be careful not to overbake!
One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Casserole:
- 2 cups rotini pasta
- 1 lb cooked chicken breast, diced
- 1 cup diced ham
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnish:
- Fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful casserole takes about 10 minutes to prepare and around 40 minutes to bake. In total, you should set aside about 50 minutes to enjoy this comforting one-pot meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C). This will ensure it’s ready to cook your casserole evenly and thoroughly.
2. Combine the Ingredients:
In a large casserole dish, throw together the uncooked rotini pasta, diced chicken, diced ham, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Use a spoon or spatula to mix everything well. This is where all the delicious flavors come together!
3. Add the Liquids:
Pour the chicken broth and heavy cream over the pasta mixture. Gently stir everything together so that the liquid distributes evenly amongst all the ingredients. This helps the pasta cook beautifully as it absorbs all the flavors.
4. Bake Covered:
Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes. This step allows the pasta to soften perfectly!
5. Stir and Add Toppings:
After 25 minutes, carefully remove the foil and give the casserole a good stir. Now it’s time to add that cheesy goodness! Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and cheddar cheese on top, followed by an even layer of breadcrumbs for a nice crunchy topping.
6. Bake Uncovered:
Return the casserole to the oven, but this time leave it uncovered. Bake for an additional 10-15 minutes, or until you see the cheese melt and bubble, and the breadcrumbs turn golden brown. It’ll smell amazing!
7. Serve and Garnish:
Take the casserole out of the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Finally, sprinkle some fresh chopped parsley on top for a pop of color and flavor. Now, grab a spoon and dig into your delicious One-Pot Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole. Enjoy!
Can I Use Raw Chicken Instead of Cooked?
It’s best to use cooked chicken for this recipe, but if you want to use raw, you can! Just cut the chicken into small pieces and sauté it in a skillet until fully cooked before adding it to the casserole. Make sure to adjust the cooking time, as it will require a bit longer to bake thoroughly.
Can I Substitute the Cream with a Lighter Option?
Absolutely! You can replace the heavy cream with half-and-half or whole milk for a lighter version. However, keep in mind that using milk might result in a less creamy texture, so consider adding a tablespoon of flour to thicken it if needed!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, microwave individual portions or place the casserole back in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. You can add a splash of broth or cream to keep it moist.
Can I Make This Casserole Vegetarian?
Yes! To make a vegetarian version, simply omit the chicken and ham. You can add a variety of vegetables like broccoli, bell peppers, or mushrooms for added flavor. Also, consider using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth for a fully vegetarian dish.
