When it comes to hearty and comforting meals, the chicken cordon bleu hits all the right notes. But have you ever thought about taking this classic dish and turning it into a pasta recipe? It may sound like an unlikely pairing, but trust us, it works like a charm. This chicken cordon bleu mac and cheese recipe is the perfect example of how two seemingly different dishes can come together to create a new and satisfying meal.
To start off, cook 8 ounces of rigatoni pasta according to package instructions. While that’s cooking, heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a skillet over medium heat. Add in 2 cloves of minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Then, add in 1 pound of diced chicken breast and cook until browned on all sides.
Next, comes the cheese sauce. Melt 4 tablespoons of butter in a saucepan over medium heat. Whisk in 1/4 cup of flour until smooth. Gradually stir in 2 cups of milk, whisking constantly until the mixture comes to a simmer and thickens. Stir in 1/2 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of dried thyme, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper. Then, add in 1 cup of grated Swiss cheese and 1/2 cup of grated Parmesan cheese, and stir until melted and smooth.
Now, for the star of the dish – ham and Swiss cheese. Cut 6 ounces of ham into small cubes and add them to the pan with the cooked chicken. Then, add in the cheese sauce and stir until everything is well combined.
Finally, it’s time to assemble the dish. Drain the cooked pasta and add it to the pan with the chicken and cheese sauce. Stir until everything is evenly combined. Grease a 9×13 inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray and pour the mac and cheese mixture into it.
Top it all off with some bread crumbs and additional Parmesan cheese. Bake in the oven at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for 15-20 minutes, or until the bread crumbs are golden brown and the cheese is bubbly.
Voila! Your chicken cordon bleu mac and cheese is ready for consumption. This dish is perfect for when you’re craving something warm and comforting, but also want to switch things up from the usual chicken cordon bleu recipe. Plus, with pasta involved, you’re bound to have some leftovers for the next day’s lunch. Enjoy!
