This Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta takes all the classic flavors you love, tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss, and turns them into an easy, family-friendly dinner. No rolling, no stuffing, no fuss. Just creamy, comforting pasta loaded with that salty-savory combo everyone loves. It feels a little elevated but cooks up simple enough for a busy weeknight, which is exactly how I like dinner to work.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Tender chicken, savory ham, and melty Swiss cheese come together in a creamy, comforting pasta that delivers all the flavors of classic Chicken Cordon Bleu, without the extra steps.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings

Calories 575 kcal

Ingredients

2.5 lbs Chicken thighs boneless skinless
8 oz Ham steak cubed
15 oz Alfredo sauce jar
1 cup Water
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1.5 tsp Salt
0.5 tsp Black pepper

Day of Cooking:

14.5 oz Chicken broth can
12 oz Penne pasta*
2 cups Swiss cheese** shredded

For Serving:

Gluten free breadcrumbs optional
Parmesan cheese optional

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Instructions

Make it Fresh – Slow Cooker Directions

Add all ingredients, except penne pasta, Swiss cheese, and For Serving ingredients, to the slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Use two forks to shred the chicken, stir in cheese until melted, then stir in penne pasta.
Cook on high for 30 more minutes.
Stir and serve.
Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese.

Freezer Meal Prep Directions

Prepare a gallon freezer bag, labeling according to your preferred method.***
Add all ingredients, except Day of Cooking and For Serving ingredients, to the freezer bag.
Seal bag, removing as much air as possible, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Slow Cooker Directions

Thaw freezer bag in fridge 12-24 hours before cooking.
Add the contents of the freezer bag, plus chicken broth, to slow cooker.
Cook on low for 5 hours.
Use two forks to shred the chicken, stir in cheese until melted, then stir in penne pasta.
Cook on high for 30 more minutes.
Stir and serve.
Optional: Top with breadcrumbs and/or Parmesan cheese.

Instant Pot Directions

Thaw in the fridge for 12-24 hours before cooking. (Meals can be cooked from frozen, but some Instant Pots may trigger a burn notice due to slow steam generation.)
Dump the contents of the freezer bag, plus 14.5 oz can chicken broth, into the Instant Pot.
Set to high pressure for 8 minutes, then perform a quick release.
Use two forks to shred the chicken, stir in cheese until melted, then stir in penne pasta. Cook on high pressure for 4 minutes. Then, perform a quick release.
Stir and serve.
Optional: Top with bread crumbs and/or Parmesan cheese.

Notes

*For gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta and alfredo sauce.

**For best results, buy blocks of cheese and shred/grate at home.

***Labeling Methods:

Handwrite recipe name and cooking directions on freezer bag with permanent marker.
Print off a blank freezer label, write in recipe name and cooking directions, and tape onto freezer bag.
Use a pre-filled sticker label, just peel and stick to your freezer bag.

Nutrition

Serving: 1.5cupsCalories: 575kcalCarbohydrates: 38.8gProtein: 37.5gFat: 29.6g

Keyword Chicken Cordon Bleu, Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe, Chicken Freezer Meals, Slow cooker chicken recipes, Slow Cooker Freezer Meals

Why You’ll Love this Easy Chicken Cordon Bleu Recipe

Stress-Free: Reduces the stress of figuring out what to cook every night.
Impressive: Looks and tastes gourmet, perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests.
Cost-Effective: Using basic ingredients can be more budget-friendly than dining out.
Easy Instructions: Simple steps make it accessible for all cooking skill levels.
Reliable: Always turns out delicious, eliminating the worry of dinner flops.
Family Bonding: Involves kids in the preparation process for a fun, family-friendly activity.

How to Make a Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal Recipe

What to Pair with your Easy Cordon Bleu Freezer Recipe

Sides:

Gruyere Cheese and Bacon Asparagus
Garlic Herb Roasted Potatoes
Creamy Garlic Shells

Desserts:

Oreo Cheesecake Bites
S’mores Pie
Lemon Bars

Mocktails:

Honey, Blackberry and Sage Refresher
Spicy Grapefruit Ginger Fizz Mocktail
Miami Vice Mocktail

Popular Substitutions an Additions

Substitutions:

Chicken Thighs for Chicken Breasts: Using chicken thighs instead of breasts can add extra flavor and tenderness to your Chicken Cordon Bleu. Replace chicken breasts with an equal weight of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Follow the same pounding, filling, and breading process.
Alfredo Sauce for Breadcrumb Coating: Instead of the traditional breadcrumb coating, you can use Alfredo sauce for a creamy version of Chicken Cordon Bleu. After rolling the chicken with ham and cheese, coat each piece with Alfredo sauce before freezing. When ready to cook, bake until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce is bubbly.
Penne Pasta for Serving: Instead of serving Chicken Cordon Bleu as a standalone dish, pair it with Penne Pasta for a complete meal. Cook the Penne Pasta until al dente, then toss with a portion of the Alfredo sauce and serve alongside or under the baked Chicken Cordon Bleu.

Additions:

Ham Steak, Cubed: Incorporate cubed ham into the Alfredo sauce before coating the chicken, or add it to the Penne Pasta mix.
Parmesan Cheese Garnish: After coating the chicken with Alfredo sauce, sprinkle generously with Parmesan cheese before freezing. When baking, this will create a golden, cheesy topping.
Dijon Mustard for Extra Flavor: Mix a tablespoon of Dijon mustard with the Alfredo sauce before coating the chicken. Alternatively, spread a thin layer of mustard on the chicken before adding the ham and cheese.

Make Ahead Chicken Cordon Bleu Freezer Meal FAQs

What is cordon bleu sauce made of?

Cordon Bleu Sauce, often referred to as a dijon sauce, includes ingredients like butter, flour, milk, or heavy cream, Dijon mustard, and sometimes white wine or chicken broth.

This sauce, often creamy and tangy, compliments the flavors of Chicken Cordon Bleu by adding a richness and hint of acidity that pairs well with the savory ham and melted cheese. This sauce is super easy to make and can be prepared in advance, making it a perfect freezer meal option.

What are the main ingredients of a chicken cordon bleu recipe?

The main ingredients of a classic Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe include boneless, skinless chicken breasts, ham, and swiss cheese.

The chicken is pounded thin, filled with ham and cheese, rolled up and breaded with a mixture of flour eggs, and breadcrumbs. Adding a creamy dijon sauce can elevate the dish making it a perfect meal for busy weeknights.

What is the blue in Chicken Cordon Bleu?

The “Blue” In Chicken Cordon Bleu does not refer to the color of the dish, but rather from the French term “Cordon Bleu” which translates to “Blue Ribbon”. This term historically signifies the elevated and high level of culinary excellence and luxurious experience that a Cordon Bleu brings.

This dish is often associated with very prestigious cooking awards and high quality experiences. This dish, with its combination of incredible ingredients, lives up to its name, offering a “blue ribbon” culinary experience.

What do you serve with Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu by itself is a culinary experience, but adding delicious sides will turn this into an experience not to be forgotten. Pairing dishes like Roasted Vegetables, such as asparagus and green beans, add a crisp, fresh contrast. Garlic mashed potatoes are also a great side dish that offer a comforting, starchy balance. Consider a french baguette or dinner rolls to bring in a complete meal.

What’s the difference between Cordon Bleu and Extra Cordon Bleu?

Extra Cordon Bleu refers to the using of premium ingredients or adding extra components to the recipe like a richer cheese, more layers of ham, or a more elaborate bread crumb process.

An “Extra” version might also include additional gourmet touches that the chef has added to the stuffing variation or process.

What is the origin of Chicken Cordon Bleu?

Chicken Cordon Bleu is believed to have originated in Switzerland in the 1940’s, though it also has strong ties to French culinary traditions. The name “Cordon Bleu” translates to “Blue Ribbon”, which historically talks about the culinary experience that Cordon Bleu presents.

What are some substitutes to make in a Chicken Cordon Bleu recipe?

When preparing Chicken Cordon Bleu, you can make several substitutions to suit your taste preferences or dietary needs. Instead of chicken breasts, you can use chicken thighs for a juicer protein option.

For a different flavor profile, use a different cheese, a Gruyere or Provolone will do the trick. If you want a gluten-free version, ensure you have gluten free breadcrumbs for the coating. These substitutions ensure that your Chicken Cordon Bleu freezer meal is delicious and adaptable to your various preferences.