15 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Let me paint you a picture: tender rotini pasta twirled around your fork, coated in a silky, cheesy cream sauce with a kiss of Dijon mustard. You get juicy chicken, savory ham, and gooey melted Swiss and mozzarella cheeses all in one bite. Oh, and did I mention it’s ready in 15 minutes? Yep, this pasta is weeknight magic.

This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta takes all the flavors of the classic French dish—chicken, ham, Swiss cheese, and breadcrumbs—and transforms them into a comforting, creamy pasta you can whip up without breaking a sweat. It’s rich, satisfying, and a total crowd-pleaser, but with none of the fuss of pounding chicken breasts, stuffing, breading, and frying.

Instead, you’ve got one pan, simple ingredients, and a recipe that feels way fancier than the effort it takes. Trust me, you’re going to love this shortcut to decadence.

Recipe Origin

Classic chicken cordon bleu is a European favorite that originated in Switzerland (cordon bleu means “blue ribbon” in French, symbolizing high culinary honors). Traditionally, it’s a breaded chicken cutlet stuffed with ham and cheese, then fried or baked. Delicious? Absolutely. Time-consuming? Definitely.

This pasta version was born out of a craving for those same flavors—but with a busy schedule in mind. By deconstructing the dish and tossing it into a creamy pasta, you get the essence of chicken cordon bleu in a fraction of the time. It’s comfort food meets convenience.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cheese grater (if shredding your own cheese)
• Serving spoon
• Optional: small pan for toasting breadcrumbs

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Why You’ll Love 15 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

This isn’t just a pasta recipe—it’s a lifesaver on nights when you want something indulgent without spending hours in the kitchen. Here’s why it’s a must-make:

Versatile

Perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights at home, or even serving to guests when you want to impress with minimal effort.

Budget-Friendly

Uses everyday ingredients like chicken, ham, cheese, and pantry staples. Nothing fancy, but the end result tastes luxurious.

Quick and Easy

From fridge to fork in just 15 minutes—faster than ordering takeout.

Customizable

Not a fan of ham? Swap in turkey. Want a lighter sauce? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Crowd-Pleasing

Cheese, pasta, creamy sauce—need I say more? It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone at the table happy.

Chef’s Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Use rotisserie chicken: It’s a huge time-saver and adds extra flavor.
• Toast the breadcrumbs: Just a minute in a dry pan makes them golden and nutty, adding crunch.
• Shred your own cheese: Pre-shredded doesn’t melt as smoothly. Freshly shredded Swiss and mozzarella = creamier sauce.
• Finish with lemon: A splash of lemon juice brightens the richness of the sauce beautifully.
• Serve immediately: Cream sauces thicken as they cool, so enjoy this one hot off the stove.

Ingredients in 15 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Here’s what goes into this quick, decadent pasta:

Olive Oil

Used to sauté and bring everything together with a silky base.

Cooked Chicken Breast Strips

Tender, juicy chicken provides the hearty protein base of the dish. Pre-cooked saves tons of time.

Cubed Ham

Savory, salty, and the perfect partner to chicken and cheese. It’s the signature “cordon bleu” flavor.

Heavy Whipping Cream

The luxurious base of the sauce—rich, creamy, and luscious.

Dijon Mustard

The secret weapon! It adds tang and depth, cutting through the cream and cheese.

Garlic Powder & Onion Powder

Simple pantry seasonings that layer in subtle, savory flavor.

Salt & Black Pepper

The classics. They balance and highlight all the other flavors.

Rotini Pasta (Barilla Ready Pasta)

Ready-to-go pasta that makes this dish lightning fast. The spirals catch all that creamy sauce perfectly.

Swiss Cheese

The traditional cheese of cordon bleu—nutty, melty, and oh-so comforting.

Mozzarella Cheese

Mild, stretchy, and adds that gooey, melty texture we all love.

Breadcrumbs

A nod to the classic breading in cordon bleu. Toasted on top for crunch and texture.

Lemon Juice (Optional)

Adds brightness to balance the richness. Just a squeeze is magic.

Fresh Parsley (Optional)

For garnish—fresh, herby, and a pop of green to make the dish shine.

Instructions

Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:

Heat the Skillet

Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

Add the Chicken and Ham

Toss in the cooked chicken and ham. Stir until warmed through and lightly browned at the edges.

Build the Sauce

Pour in the heavy cream, then whisk in Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.

Add the Pasta

Stir in the ready-to-go rotini, making sure every twisty noodle is coated in that velvety sauce.

Melt the Cheese

Sprinkle in the Swiss and mozzarella cheeses. Stir until melted into the sauce, creating cheesy, creamy perfection.

Add the Topping

Toast breadcrumbs in a dry pan (optional), then sprinkle over the pasta for crunch.

Finishing Touches

Squeeze in lemon juice if desired, then garnish with fresh parsley.

Serve and Enjoy

Spoon into bowls and serve immediately while the sauce is hot, cheesy, and irresistible.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~540 (depending on portion and toppings)

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

How to Serve 15 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

• With a Side Salad: A crisp Caesar or green salad balances the richness.
• Garlic Bread: Because cheesy pasta + garlic bread = heaven.
• Roasted Veggies: Broccoli, asparagus, or Brussels sprouts pair beautifully.
• As a Main Dish: Honestly, this pasta is hearty enough to stand alone.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

• Prep Ahead: Cook and cube the chicken and ham in advance for lightning-fast cooking.
• Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Warm gently on the stovetop with a splash of milk or cream to loosen the sauce.
• Freezing: Cream-based pastas don’t freeze well—the sauce can separate. Best enjoyed fresh.

Variations to Try

• Chicken Alfredo Twist: Swap ham for bacon and skip the mustard for a more Alfredo-style vibe.
• Extra Veggies: Add spinach, peas, or mushrooms for a nutritious boost.
• Different Cheese: Try Gruyère, provolone, or even cheddar for a new flavor profile.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce.

Additional Tips

• For best texture, use fresh rotini if you don’t have ready pasta.
• Keep breadcrumbs crunchy by adding them right before serving.
• Double the recipe for meal prep—you’ll thank yourself later.
• Don’t skip Dijon—it’s what makes this pasta taste authentically “cordon bleu.”

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use uncooked pasta instead of ready pasta?
A1: Yes, just cook it separately and add it to the sauce.

Q2: Can I use leftover rotisserie chicken?
A2: Definitely—it’s a huge time-saver and adds flavor.

Q3: What kind of ham works best?
A3: Any cooked ham will do—deli ham, spiral ham leftovers, or even prosciutto.

Q4: Can I make it lighter?
A4: Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream, and reduce the cheese slightly.

Q5: Can I make it gluten-free?
A5: Yes! Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.

Q6: How do I prevent the sauce from getting too thick?
A6: Add a splash of chicken broth or milk if it thickens too much.

Q7: What can I use instead of Dijon mustard?
A7: Spicy brown mustard or whole-grain mustard work well.

Q8: Can I bake this into a casserole?
A8: Absolutely. Transfer to a baking dish, top with breadcrumbs, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.

Q9: Is this kid-friendly?
A9: Yes! It’s creamy, cheesy, and not spicy at all—kids love it.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes, but make sure your skillet is big enough to hold everything.

Conclusion

This 15 Minute Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to take hours. With creamy sauce, melty cheese, juicy chicken, savory ham, and a crunchy breadcrumb topping, it’s indulgent, delicious, and unbelievably easy.

So next time you’re craving something hearty but don’t want to spend all night in the kitchen, give this pasta a whirl. In just 15 minutes, you’ll have a dish that feels fancy enough for guests but simple enough for Tuesday night. One bite, and you’ll know—it’s a keeper.

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