Ultimate Creamy Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake 🧀 – Comfort Food at Its Absolute Best

If you love classic Chicken Cordon Bleu—with its savory chicken, smoky ham, and melty cheese—you are going to fall hard for this Ultimate Creamy Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake. It takes everything people crave about the traditional dish and transforms it into a rich, bubbly, oven-baked pasta that’s easier to make, easier to serve, and arguably even more comforting.

This is the kind of recipe that instantly earns a spot in your regular dinner rotation. It’s indulgent without being complicated, hearty without being heavy, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Creamy sauce clings to every piece of pasta, tender chicken stays juicy, ham adds salty depth, and cheese brings it all together in a golden, irresistible finish.

Unlike classic cordon bleu, which can feel intimidating with pounding, rolling, breading, and frying, this pasta bake delivers the same flavors with far less effort. Everything comes together in one pan, bakes beautifully, and reheats like a dream. It’s comfort food done right.

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Why You’ll Love This Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

This dish checks all the boxes for a truly satisfying meal:

• Ultra-creamy sauce that coats every bite
• Bold savory flavor from chicken and ham
• Melty, cheesy goodness with a golden baked top
• Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
• Perfect for leftovers and meal prep

It’s the kind of meal that feels like a warm hug—rich, cozy, and deeply satisfying.

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What Makes This Recipe “Ultimate”

Not all pasta bakes are created equal. What sets this one apart is balance. The sauce is creamy but not gluey, cheesy but not overwhelming. The chicken stays tender, the ham doesn’t overpower, and the pasta holds its structure even after baking.

A few thoughtful techniques make all the difference:

• Using both cream and broth for depth without heaviness
• Choosing the right cheese blend for melt and flavor
• Baking just long enough to set and brown without drying out

The result? A pasta bake that tastes restaurant-quality but feels totally doable at home.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Ingredients:

• Short pasta (penne or rotini)
• Boneless, skinless chicken breast
• Cooked ham, diced
• Butter
• Garlic
• All-purpose flour
• Chicken broth
• Heavy cream
• Dijon mustard
• Swiss cheese, shredded
• Mozzarella cheese, shredded
• Parmesan cheese
• Breadcrumbs
• Olive oil
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Each ingredient plays a role. Swiss cheese gives that classic cordon bleu flavor, mozzarella adds stretch and creaminess, and Parmesan brings a savory finish. Dijon mustard subtly sharpens the sauce without making it taste “mustardy.”

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Instructions

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
2. Cook pasta in salted water until just al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. Season chicken with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook chicken until golden and cooked through. Remove and dice.
4. In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant.
5. Whisk in flour and cook for 1 minute to remove raw flour taste.
6. Gradually whisk in chicken broth, then cream, stirring until smooth and thickened.
7. Stir in Dijon mustard, Swiss cheese, and half the mozzarella until melted.
8. Add cooked pasta, diced chicken, and ham to the sauce. Stir until evenly coated.
9. Transfer mixture to prepared baking dish.
10. Top with remaining mozzarella, Parmesan, and breadcrumbs.
11. Bake uncovered for 25–30 minutes until bubbly and golden.
12. Let rest 5–10 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley if desired.

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The Secret to a Perfectly Creamy Sauce

The key to avoiding a dry or broken sauce is gentle heat and gradual mixing. Always add liquids slowly, whisk constantly, and keep the heat moderate. Cheese should be added off the heat or on very low heat so it melts smoothly instead of separating.

Also, undercooking the pasta slightly ensures it finishes perfectly in the oven without becoming mushy.

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Choosing the Best Pasta Shape

Short pasta works best here. Look for shapes with ridges or curves that trap sauce:

• Penne
• Rotini
• Cavatappi
• Rigatoni

Avoid long noodles—they don’t hold the sauce as well in baked dishes.

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Easy Variations to Try

Once you master the base, this recipe becomes endlessly adaptable:

• Broccoli Cordon Bleu Bake: Add steamed broccoli for freshness
• Smoky Version: Use smoked ham or smoked Gruyère
• Extra Crispy Top: Mix breadcrumbs with melted butter
• Lighter Option: Swap half the cream for milk

These small changes keep the recipe exciting without reinventing the wheel.

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What to Serve with Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake

This dish is rich, so simple sides work best:

• Crisp green salad with vinaigrette
• Roasted asparagus or green beans
• Garlic bread or crusty rolls

The contrast keeps the meal balanced and satisfying.

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Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips

This pasta bake is perfect for planning ahead:

• Make ahead: Assemble up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, then bake
• Refrigerate leftovers: Up to 4 days in an airtight container
• Freeze: Up to 2 months before baking
• Reheat: Cover with foil and warm gently to keep it creamy

The flavors actually deepen overnight, making leftovers even better.

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A Comfort Food Classic, Reinvented

Chicken Cordon Bleu has long been associated with indulgence and special occasions. Turning it into a pasta bake brings those flavors into everyday cooking—less formal, more shareable, and incredibly comforting. It’s a perfect example of how classic dishes can evolve while keeping their soul.

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Final Thoughts

Ultimate Creamy Cordon Bleu Pasta Bake 🧀 is everything comfort food should be: rich, satisfying, familiar, and just indulgent enough. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that feels special without being complicated.

Whether you’re feeding family, hosting friends, or just craving something cozy, this dish delivers every single time.