Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini

Imagine the classic flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu — the crispy breaded chicken, the savory ham, and the nutty Swiss cheese — all coming together in a delightful casserole form. This is exactly what Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini offers: a comforting pasta dish that combines all those beloved flavors into one cozy, creamy bake.

The breadcrumb topping on this casserole takes inspiration from the traditional Chicken Cordon Bleu, featuring Panko breadcrumbs mixed with melted butter and Parmesan cheese. The result? A perfectly golden, toasty topping that adds just the right amount of crunch to each bite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Comforting: This dish is the epitome of comfort food, with its creamy sauce and satisfying pasta.
  • Flavorful: The combination of chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese is a match made in heaven.
  • Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this dish is perfect even for weeknight dinners.

Kitchen Equipment You’ll Need

  • Large skillet
  • Whisk
  • 9×13-inch baking dish
  • Microwave-safe bowl

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup unsalted butter, divided
  • 1/2 yellow onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 cups chicken stock
  • 2 cups heavy cream
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups ham, chopped
  • 1 pound spaghetti, cooked according to package directions
  • 3/4 cup Swiss cheese, grated
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup Parmesan, grated

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F and grease a 9×13-inch baking dish with nonstick spray. Set it aside.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1/4 cup of the butter. Add the chopped onions and cook until they are translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
  3. Sprinkle the flour over the onions and cook for one more minute. Then, whisk in the chicken broth and heavy cream. Bring the mixture to a slow boil, reduce the heat, and continue cooking until it thickens, about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  4. Season the sauce to taste with salt and pepper. Stir in the cooked chicken, ham, spaghetti, and Swiss cheese. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish.
  5. In a microwave-safe bowl, melt the remaining butter. Stir in the Panko breadcrumbs and Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this breadcrumb mixture evenly over the casserole.
  6. Bake the casserole until it is hot and bubbling and the breadcrumbs are golden brown, about 30 minutes. Let it cool for 5 minutes before serving. Enjoy!

Tips for Success

  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Freshly grated cheese and freshly minced garlic will enhance the flavors significantly.
  • Cook Pasta Al Dente: The pasta will continue to cook in the oven, so be sure not to overcook it initially.
  • Season Generously: Don’t forget to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning before baking.

Additional Tips or Variations

  • Add Veggies: Consider adding some steamed broccoli or peas for extra color and nutrition.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and flour for a gluten-free version of this dish.

Nutritional Highlights (Per Serving)

  • Calories: Approximately 650
  • Protein: 30g
  • Carbohydrates: 50g
  • Fat: 35g

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

  • Can I make this dish ahead of time? Yes, you can prepare the casserole a day in advance and bake it just before serving.
  • What can I substitute for Swiss cheese? Gruyère or mozzarella can be used as alternatives.
  • Can I freeze the leftovers? Yes, this dish freezes well. Just be sure to let it cool completely before freezing.

In conclusion, Chicken Cordon Bleu Tetrazzini is a delightful twist on a classic dish that is sure to please everyone at the table. I invite you to try this recipe and share your experiences in the comments below. Happy cooking!

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