Creamy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Tips, FAQ & printable recipe

Tips for success

To achieve the best texture for the panko topping, you can toast the breadcrumbs in a dry skillet with a little butter for two minutes until they are golden brown before adding them to the dish.

This extra step enhances the flavor and ensures a satisfying crunch that contrasts beautifully with the creamy pasta and tender chicken.

If you find the sauce is too thick after adding the pasta, simply stir in an extra quarter cup of warm chicken broth. This will help loosen the sauce and ensure it coats the pasta evenly.

Always taste and adjust the seasoning with a little extra salt or pepper if needed, although the ham and broth usually provide sufficient saltiness.

Variations

• Spinach and Mushroom: Add two cups of fresh baby spinach and sliced cremini mushrooms during the final stirring stage for added flavor and texture.
• Spicy Cordon Bleu: Stir in a teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce with the mustard to add a gentle heat.

Storage and make-ahead

Fridge

Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

Freezer

Not recommended, as the cream-based sauce and pasta texture may degrade upon thawing.

Reheat

Reheat in a microwave-safe dish or on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth to restore the creamy consistency.

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Ensure the food has cooled to room temperature within two hours of cooking before placing it in the fridge.

Properly stored, the pasta will remain delicious for up to three days, though the pasta may absorb some of the sauce over time, so you might need a splash of water when reheating.

While this dish is best served fresh, you can prepare the chicken and sauce base ahead of time and keep them in the refrigerator overnight.

When ready to cook, simply place the mixture into the slow cooker and follow the cooking instructions. Avoid adding the pasta and cheese until the final stage to maintain the best possible texture.

Serving ideas

Serve this creamy pasta in shallow bowls to showcase the golden panko topping and the fresh herb garnish. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed green beans or a crisp garden salad, which provide a fresh, light counterpoint to the richness of the creamy cheese sauce and tender chicken.

For a formal presentation, you can portion the pasta into individual ramekins, top with the panko, and place them under a broiler for one minute to achieve an extra golden, crispy crust. This adds an elegant touch to the serving process, making it feel like a restaurant-quality meal prepared in your own kitchen.

Frequently asked questions

Recipe card

Creamy Crockpot Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Prep 10 minCook 3 hRest 5 minTotal 3 h 15 minServes 6

Ingredients

• 1.5 lb chicken breast strips
• 8 oz cubed honey-baked ham
• 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 16 oz penne pasta
• 2 cups shredded Gruyere and Swiss cheese
• 1 cup buttery toasted panko crumbs
• fresh chopped thyme, for serving

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breast strips, cubed honey-baked ham, Dijon mustard, chicken broth, cream cheese, and garlic powder into the slow cooker. Ensure the ingredients are evenly distributed to allow for uniform cooking throughout the process.
2. Cook the mixture on low for 3 hours. Once the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C), stir in the penne pasta and the shredded Gruyere and Swiss cheese. Continue to cook until the pasta reaches the desired tenderness and the cheese is fully melted and incorporated.
3. Top the pasta with the buttery toasted panko crumbs. Garnish the dish with fresh chopped thyme. Scoop the creamy Cordon Bleu penne onto plates and serve immediately while hot to enjoy the best texture and flavor.

Contains: gluten, eggs, milk, mustard

Estimated nutrition per serving

Calories

580

Protein

32.5 g

Carbohydrates

48 g

Fat

26 g

Fiber

2.5 g

Sugar

4 g

Sodium

950 mg

Automatic estimate from the ingredient list, not laboratory-verified.