Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal

Imagine a dish that brings together creamy, cheesy pasta with the classic flavors of chicken cordon bleu, all with minimal effort. This slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta delivers exactly that! It transforms a sophisticated meal into a simple, dump-and-go recipe perfect for busy evenings. Prepare to delight your family with this comforting and incredibly flavorful meal.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

This amazing slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta will quickly become a family favorite. Here is why you need to try it:

• Effortless Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker for a hands-off experience.
• Rich, Creamy Flavor: Enjoy an indulgent sauce perfectly coating tender chicken and pasta.
• Ultimate Comfort Food: This hearty dish warms you from the inside out, ideal for any season.
• Family-Approved: Even picky eaters will love the familiar, delicious taste.
• Minimal Cleanup: One pot means less time scrubbing and more time enjoying.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients to create your delectable slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta:

• 2 cups Progresso™ chicken broth (from 32-oz container)
• 1 jar (15 oz) Alfredo pasta sauce
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package (16 oz) boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (about 2 1/4 cups)
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped deli-sliced ham (about 4 oz)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs

Notes & Substitutions

You can easily adapt this recipe to your pantry or preferences. Feel free to use any brand of chicken broth or even a homemade version if you have it. For the Alfredo sauce, pick your favorite store-bought brand or make a quick homemade batch for extra freshness. If Swiss cheese is not your preference, Gruyère offers a similar nutty flavor, or try mozzarella for a milder, stretchier cheese. Instead of deli ham, consider using diced smoked ham or even cooked bacon bits for a different flavor profile. Lastly, while penne works wonderfully, other pasta shapes like rotini, elbow macaroni, or cavatappi will also be delicious in this slow cooker chicken pasta dish.

Equipment

You only need a few basic kitchen tools to make this delightful dish:

• 5-quart slow cooker
• 8-inch skillet (for breadcrumbs)
• Cutting board and knife
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Stirring spoon

Instructions

Creating this slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta is straightforward and fun! Follow these steps for a perfect meal.

Step 1: Combine Base Ingredients & Chicken

Begin by lightly spraying your 5-quart slow cooker insert with cooking spray to prevent sticking. In the slow cooker, whisk together the chicken broth, Alfredo pasta sauce, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until well combined. Stir in the 1-inch pieces of boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Secure the lid and cook on the High heat setting for 1 1/2 to 2 hours.

To ensure food safety, the USDA recommends cooking all poultry to a specific internal temperature.

Ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of at least 165°F and is cooked through.

Step 2: Add Pasta and Ham

Once the chicken is cooked, open the slow cooker and give the mixture a quick stir. Add the uncooked penne pasta and the coarsely chopped deli-sliced ham to the slow cooker. Stir these new additions gently into the sauce, making sure the pasta is mostly submerged. Cover the slow cooker again and continue to cook on the High heat setting for an additional 25 to 30 minutes. Remember to stir the pasta twice during this cooking period to ensure it cooks evenly and prevents it from clumping or sticking together.

Step 3: Stir in Cheese

When the pasta is tender, remove the lid. Sprinkle the shredded Swiss cheese evenly over the hot pasta and chicken mixture. Stir gently until the cheese has completely melted and is fully incorporated, creating a creamy, luxurious sauce. Once the cheese is melted, replace the lid and let the dish stand, covered, for 5 to 10 minutes. This resting time allows the sauce to thicken slightly, making your creamy chicken cordon bleu pasta even more luscious. Give it one final stir before serving.

Step 4: Prepare and Add Crispy Topping

While the pasta rests, prepare the irresistible crispy breadcrumb topping. In an 8-inch skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the Progresso™ Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs to the melted butter. Cook the bread crumbs for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently with a spoon or spatula. Continue stirring until the bread crumbs turn a beautiful golden brown and become fragrant and crispy. Watch them carefully to prevent burning. Sprinkle these toasted breadcrumbs generously over the individual servings of pasta just before you serve this delicious slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta.

How to Make a Crispy Breadcrumb Topping

Melting butter in a small skillet provides the perfect fat for toasting. Add Panko bread crumbs and ensure they are evenly coated. Toasting Panko over medium heat makes them incredibly crispy and golden. Stir the bread crumbs constantly to promote even browning and prevent any from burning. This simple step adds a wonderful textural contrast to the creamy pasta.

Pro Tips for Success

Achieve the best results with these helpful tips for your slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta:

• Even Chicken Pieces: Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for consistent cooking times.
• Monitor Pasta: Check pasta for tenderness; it should be al dente, not mushy.
• Accurate Temperature: Ensure your slow cooker heats properly for optimal cooking.
• Fresh Shredded Cheese: Freshly shredded Swiss cheese melts smoother than pre-bagged varieties.
• Culinary experts explain that anti-caking agents in pre-shredded cheese can hinder smooth melting.
• Don’t Skip Topping: The crispy breadcrumb topping adds a crucial texture and flavor dimension.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking Pasta: Pasta can quickly turn mushy in a slow cooker; stir and check for tenderness.
• Under-seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding chicken and adjust seasonings if needed.
• Not Stirring Pasta: Pasta can stick together or to the bottom; stir periodically during cooking.
• Forgetting Cooking Spray: Spraying the slow cooker prevents stubborn residue and makes cleanup easier.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

Serving Suggestions

This hearty chicken cordon bleu pasta is fantastic on its own. For a complete meal, pair it with a crisp, fresh green salad tossed with a light vinaigrette. A side of warm, crusty bread is perfect for soaking up any extra creamy sauce. Garnish individual servings with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness.

Storage Tips

Cool any leftover pasta completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate the leftovers promptly, and they will keep well for up to 5 days. When reheating, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or milk to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring occasionally, to maintain the pasta’s best texture.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your slow cooker cordon bleu pasta!

• Cheese: Experiment with Gruyère for a nuttier flavor, provolone, or even a blend of mozzarella and cheddar.
• Protein: Swap chicken for turkey breast, or add crispy bacon bits to the mix.
• Vegetables: Stir in frozen peas, chopped fresh spinach, or sautéed mushrooms during the last 10 minutes of cooking.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes added with the other seasonings provides a delightful warmth.
• Herbaceous: Fresh thyme or rosemary leaves stirred in with the ham can elevate the aroma and taste.

Nutrition Information

This slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta offers a satisfying and flavorful meal. Here is a breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet. This dish provides significant protein and is a good source of calcium and iron.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can I use frozen chicken breasts?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but you must thaw them completely first. Cooking frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and might alter the recipe’s timing.

What if I do not have Dijon mustard?

You can omit it if necessary, though it adds a subtle tang that balances the richness. A small pinch of dry mustard powder can be used as a substitute, but be sparing.

Can I cook the pasta separately?

Yes, you can cook the pasta separately and stir it in at the very end with the cheese. This gives you more control over the pasta’s doneness, but it also means an extra pot to wash.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Cooked pasta dishes can sometimes become mushy when frozen and reheated. While technically possible, it is best enjoyed fresh or from refrigeration for the optimal texture of this slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta.

What size slow cooker is best?

A 5-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe’s volume. If using a smaller slow cooker, you may need to halve the recipe; for a larger one, the cooking time might be slightly shorter.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta truly delivers on its promise of an easy, incredibly flavorful, and comforting meal. It effortlessly brings together classic tastes in a convenient, one-pot format, making weeknight dinners a breeze. Enjoy the rich, creamy goodness, knowing you have created a dish that will be a hit with everyone. Give this recipe a try tonight and discover your new favorite! Feel free to share your feedback or any delicious variations you create in the comments below.

Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta: The Ultimate Easy Weeknight Meal

This easy slow cooker recipe combines tender chicken, ham, and penne pasta in a creamy Alfredo sauce, topped with toasted Panko bread crumbs for a satisfying weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 2 hours hrs

Total Time 2 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 650

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 cups Progresso chicken broth (from 32-oz container)
• 1 jar Alfredo pasta sauce (15 oz)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 package boneless skinless chicken breasts (16 oz), cut into 1-inch pieces
• 8 oz uncooked penne pasta (about 2 1/4 cups)
• 3/4 cup coarsely chopped deli-sliced ham (about 4 oz)
• 1 cup shredded Swiss cheese (4 oz)
• 1 tablespoon butter
• 1/2 cup Progresso Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs

Equipment

• 5-quart slow cooker
• 8-inch skillet

Method

 

Instructions

1. Spray a 5-quart slow cooker with cooking spray. Combine broth, Alfredo sauce, Dijon mustard, and pepper in the slow cooker, then stir in the chicken. Cover and cook on High for 1 1/2 to 2 hours until the chicken is thoroughly cooked.
2. Add pasta and ham to the slow cooker, then cover and continue cooking on High for 25 to 30 minutes, stirring twice, until the pasta is tender.
3. Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese until it melts, then let the mixture stand covered for 5 to 10 minutes to thicken slightly before stirring again.
4. In an 8-inch skillet, melt butter over medium heat, then add bread crumbs and cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until toasted. Top the pasta with this bread crumb mixture before serving.

Notes

Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. For best results, stir the pasta twice during its cooking phase to prevent sticking.