Slow-Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta with Swiss Cheese
This creamy pasta dish transforms the classic chicken cordon bleu into a convenient slow-cooker meal. Tender chicken pieces, deli ham, and penne pasta are cooked in a rich Alfredo and Dijon mustard sauce, then finished with melted Swiss cheese. The dish is topped with golden, buttery toasted breadcrumbs that add a delightful crunch reminiscent of traditional cordon bleu coating. Perfect for busy weeknights when you want comfort food without the fuss, this one-pot meal delivers all the flavors of the beloved dish in pasta form.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Progresso chicken broth, from 32-oz container
- 1 jar Alfredo pasta sauce, 15 oz
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 package boneless skinless chicken breasts, 16 oz, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 8 oz penne pasta, uncooked, about 2 1/4 cups
- ¾ cup deli-sliced ham, coarsely chopped, about 4 oz
- 1 cup Swiss cheese, shredded, 4 oz
- 1 tablespoon butter
- ½ cup Progresso Panko Italian style crispy bread crumbs
Instructions
- 1
Spray slow cooker with cooking spray and mix broth, Alfredo sauce, Dijon mustard and pepper
- 2
Stir in chicken pieces and cover
- 3
Cook on high heat setting until chicken reaches 165°F
- 4
Stir pasta and ham into slow cooker and cover
- 5
Cook on high heat setting until pasta is tender, stirring twice
- 6
Stir in cheese until melted and let stand covered until slightly thickened
- 7
Melt butter in skillet over medium heat
- 8
Add bread crumbs and cook stirring frequently until toasted
- 9
Top pasta with toasted bread crumb mixture before serving
Tips
Cut chicken into uniform 1-inch pieces for even cooking in the slow cooker.
Stir the pasta mixture twice during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking.
Let the dish stand covered after adding cheese to allow the sauce to thicken naturally.
Good to Know
Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in covered container. Reheat gently to avoid breaking the sauce.
Can prep ingredients up to 1 day ahead. Store cut chicken and chopped ham separately in refrigerator.
Serve immediately while hot with the crispy breadcrumb topping for best texture contrast.
Common Mistakes
Don't skip stirring during pasta cooking to avoid sticking and uneven texture.
Don't add cheese too early or it may curdle from prolonged heat exposure.
Don't skip the standing time after adding cheese or sauce won't thicken properly.
Substitutions
FAQ
Can I use a different type of pasta for this recipe?
Yes, any short pasta like rotini, rigatoni, or shells works well. Use the same 8 oz amount and adjust cooking time as needed for pasta tenderness.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
You can make this on the stovetop in a large pot. Cook chicken first, then add liquids and simmer. Add pasta and cook until tender, about 12-15 minutes.
How long will leftovers keep in the refrigerator?
Leftovers will keep for up to 3 days when stored in a covered container. Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.