If you have a craving for something cheesy, comforting, and packed with flavor, then this Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is about to become your new favorite dinner. Imagine tender rotini pasta tossed with juicy shredded rotisserie chicken, smothered in a rich, creamy sauce that’s bursting with garlic, Swiss, and Parmesan cheese, then topped off with crunchy, golden Ritz crackers. It’s a delightful twist on classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavors but made easy for a weeknight meal. This casserole brings all the familiar tastes you love into one warm, comforting dish that everyone will rave about.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This image shows many white bowls arranged on a white marbled surface, each bowl holding a different ingredient. There are three bowls with shredded pale yellow cheese, one bowl with cooked shredded chicken, one bowl with small cubes of cooked meat, one bowl with uncooked fusilli pasta, one bowl with white flour, one bowl with milk, one small bowl with yellow butter cubes, one small bowl with minced garlic, and one small bowl with a yellow sauce. A small bunch of fresh green parsley is placed on a small white plate near the top right. The colors include pale yellow browns, creamy whites, and fresh green from the parsley. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are simple but essential, each playing a vital role in creating the creamy texture, cheesy goodness, and that perfect crispy topping that makes this dish irresistible.

16 oz. rotini pasta: The spirals hold onto every bit of sauce for maximum flavor in every bite.
4 tablespoons butter: Adds richness and helps create the silky roux for the sauce.
6 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the casserole with a warm, aromatic foundation.
4 tablespoons flour: The thickening agent for the luscious creamy sauce.
32 ounces half and half: Provides a perfect balance of creaminess without being too heavy.
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard: Gives a subtle tang that brightens up the sauce.
8 ounces shredded Swiss cheese, divided: Melts beautifully, contributing that signature smooth, nutty flavor.
4 ounces shredded Parmesan cheese: Adds salty sharpness, deepening the flavor complexity.
2 cups shredded rotisserie chicken: Makes the dish hearty and convenient without extra fuss.
1 cup crushed Ritz crackers: Perfectly crunchy topping that adds buttery crispiness.
Kosher salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors.
Fresh cracked pepper: Adds gentle heat and depth.
Fresh chopped parsley, for garnish: A burst of fresh color and a hint of herbaceous brightness.

How to Make Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Start by heating your oven to 350 degrees. Cook the rotini pasta just until al dente according to package directions; this ensures it won’t become mushy once baked. Al dente pasta maintains a satisfying bite that holds up well under the creamy sauce and layers of cheese.

Step 2: Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce

While the pasta cooks, melt the butter in a large sauté pan over medium-low heat. Add minced garlic and flour, cooking while stirring constantly for about a minute to form a smooth roux. This little step is crucial because it thickens the sauce and ensures it has that velvety texture we all crave.

Step 3: Add the Half and Half and Mustard

Slowly whisk in the half and half and Dijon mustard, plus a couple of pinches of salt and pepper. Keep stirring over medium-low heat for 3 to 4 minutes until the sauce thickens but does not boil. This easy sauce is the heart of the casserole, delivering that luxurious, creamy base you’ll want to dive into.

Step 4: Incorporate the Cheeses

To the sauce, add half of the shredded Swiss cheese and all the Parmesan cheese, stirring until melted entirely. This melty combination packs in the classic Chicken Cordon Bleu flavor, creamy and slightly nutty, that brings comfort and delight in every spoonful.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Chicken

Toss the cooked pasta and shredded rotisserie chicken into the sauce, coating everything evenly and heating through over medium heat. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to make sure every bite sings with flavor.

Step 6: Bake and Broil for the Perfect Finish

Transfer the cheesy mixture to a greased 9×13-inch baking dish or enameled cast iron pan. Sprinkle the remaining Swiss cheese evenly on top to create a bubbly cheesy layer. Cover and bake for 5 to 10 minutes until everything is warmed through and the cheese melts beautifully. Then, sprinkle crushed Ritz crackers over the top and broil for 1 to 2 minutes until the crackers turn a gorgeous golden brown. This crispy topping adds irresistible texture and that final wow factor to this casserole.

How to Serve Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe

A white cooking pot with two handles is filled with three main ingredients arranged side by side on a white marbled surface. The largest section contains yellow spiral pasta with a smooth texture. Next to it, there are small cubes of light pink baked meat stacked in the top right area. Below the cubed meat, there are shredded pieces of light beige cooked chicken placed loosely. The pot interior is white with a black rim. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh chopped parsley is the ideal garnish here. It brightens the rich dish with a pop of color and adds a fresh, lightly herbal note that balances the creamy, cheesy flavors perfectly.

Side Dishes

This casserole loves company! Pair it with a simple green salad tossed in a tangy vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Steamed green beans or roasted asparagus also make lovely sides that add freshness and crunch alongside the comforting casserole.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve individual portions in small ramekins and top each with fresh herbs and a few crunchy Ritz cracker crumbs right before serving. Alternatively, add a drizzle of honey mustard sauce or a sprinkling of crispy bacon bits to elevate the flavors and presentation for a special occasion.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It keeps well for 3 to 4 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or dinners the next day.

Freezing

You can freeze this casserole either before or after baking. Just wrap it tightly with plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating for best results.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 325 degrees until warmed through to maintain that creamy texture and crispy topping. If you’re in a hurry, microwaving works too, but you might lose some crispness from the topping. You can always add a quick broil at the end to bring back some crunch.

FAQs

Can I use fresh chicken instead of rotisserie chicken?

Absolutely! Grilled or baked chicken breasts shredded into bite-sized pieces work perfectly. Just make sure the chicken is fully cooked before adding it to the sauce to keep that comforting texture.

Is there a substitute for Ritz crackers topping?

If you don’t have Ritz crackers, crushed buttery breadcrumbs or crushed crushed pretzels both offer a great crunchy topping with a slightly different flavor twist. You can also try crushed croutons for extra texture.

Can this casserole be made gluten-free?

Yes! Substitute the rotini pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta and use a gluten-free flour blend to make the roux. Just be sure any toppings like crackers are gluten-free as well.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

To make it vegetarian, skip the chicken and add more veggies like sautéed mushrooms, spinach, or broccoli. The cheese sauce is flavorful enough to stand on its own while providing that cozy, indulgent experience.

How spicy is this casserole?

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is mild and comforting with just a subtle kick from the Dijon mustard and black pepper. If you love spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce for a little extra warmth.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole Recipe is an absolute must-try if you love classic flavors but want a recipe that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for sharing. It’s the kind of dish that’s guaranteed to bring smiles to your dinner table and keep everyone asking for seconds. Cozy, cheesy, and just the right amount of crispy, give it a go and watch it become a beloved favorite in your home!