Skinny Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta Recipe

My Busy-Day Pasta Trick

Some nights, you just need dinner to be easy. This is my go-to trick. It feels fancy but comes together fast. I still laugh at that.

You use a jar of good sauce. I add water to get every last bit. This matters because it stretches the flavor. Nothing goes to waste. What’s your favorite quick dinner trick? I’d love to know.

A Little Story About Ham

This recipe reminds me of big family Sundays. My grandma always had baked ham. The next day, we’d use the leftovers in everything.

That’s the spirit here. Using shaved ham makes it feel special. It’s a small touch that makes a big difference. Doesn’t that smell amazing when it hits the warm pasta?

Why The Swiss Wedge Matters

Don’t skip the creamy Swiss! It’s the magic step. Those little wedges melt into the sauce. They make it rich and silky.

This matters because it turns a simple sauce into something homemade. It adds a tangy creaminess. Fun fact: The holes in Swiss cheese are called “eyes.” Did you already know that?

Making It Your Own

Recipes are just friendly suggestions. You can use any pasta you have. Try penne or bows! You can cook fresh chicken if you have time.

The real joy is in the stirring. Seeing it all come together is the best part. Would you add peas, or maybe some broccoli? Tell me your idea.

A Warm Bowl of Comfort

Food is more than just eating. It’s about feeling cared for. This dish is a warm hug in a bowl. It’s creamy, salty, and so satisfying.

Sharing a meal like this slows the world down for a minute. That matters. It’s a small way to be good to yourself. Do you have a comfort food that makes you feel this way?

Ingredients:

Ingredient	Amount	Notes
Thin spaghetti	14 ounces
Grilled chicken breasts	1 ⅘ cups	Diced or shredded
Shaved ham	6 slices
Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo	16 ounces	Prepared sauce
Creamy swiss	4 wedges	Such as The Laughing Cow®

My Cozy Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta

Hello, my dear! Let’s make a cozy dinner together. This pasta reminds me of a fancy dish my mother used to make. But ours is much simpler for a busy night. It has all the good stuff—chicken, ham, and a creamy Swiss cheese sauce. Doesn’t that sound wonderful? I love how the kitchen smells when the cheese melts. It makes everyone gather around, hungry and happy.

We’ll use a jarred sauce to save time. I still laugh at how I used to make everything from scratch. Now, I know a good shortcut is just smart! This recipe feels special without any fuss. You’ll have it on the table in no time. Let’s get our pot and pan ready. I’m already looking forward to our meal.

Step 1:

First, fill a big pot with water. Add a big pinch of salt, just like the sea. Bring it to a rolling boil. Then, add your thin spaghetti. Cook it just like the package says. I always give it a little stir so it doesn’t stick. Drain it in a colander when it’s done.

Step 2:

Now, let’s warm up the chicken. You can use the microwave for this. Just follow the directions on the bag. Or, you can heat it in a skillet for a nicer color. (My hard-learned tip: If you use the microwave, cover the chicken with a damp paper towel. This keeps it from drying out!).

Step 3:

Take your slices of shaved ham. Stack them up and cut them into little bite-sized pieces. About one inch is perfect. This way, you get a bit of ham in every single forkful. It’s much better than a big, chewy piece, don’t you think?

Step 4:

Put the drained pasta back in the warm pot. Turn the heat to low. Pour in the whole jar of Roasted Red Pepper Alfredo sauce. Here’s my trick: add about half a cup of water to the jar. Put the lid on and shake it hard! This gets every last bit of sauce out. Pour that into the pot, too.

Step 5:

Add the warm chicken and the ham pieces to the saucy pasta. Stir it all together until everything is wearing a pretty, creamy coat. Now, add those four wedges of creamy Swiss cheese. Keep stirring gently over low heat. Watch the cheese melt into silky ribbons. What’s your favorite cheese to melt into pasta? Share below!

Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Category: Dinner, Pasta

Three Fun Twists to Try

This recipe is like a friendly base camp. You can explore from here! Try one of these easy twists next time you make it. They each give the dish a whole new personality. Cooking should always be a little fun, don’t you agree?

The Green Garden Twist:

Stir in a big handful of fresh baby spinach right at the end. The heat wilts it perfectly. It adds a lovely pop of color and goodness.

The “Everything But The Chicken” Twist:

Leave out the chicken. Add sliced mushrooms you’ve sautéed in a little butter instead. It becomes a rich, veggie-friendly delight.

The Zesty Lemon Twist:

Add the zest of one lemon to the sauce. Also, a squeeze of its juice. It makes the whole dish taste brighter and fresher.

Which one would you try first? Comment below!

Serving It Up Just Right

This pasta is a full meal in a bowl. But I always like to add a little something on the side. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette is perfect. It cuts through the richness. Some garlic bread is never a wrong choice either. For garnish, a sprinkle of black pepper or fresh parsley looks pretty.

What to drink? For the grown-ups, a crisp glass of Chardonnay pairs beautifully. For everyone, I love sparkling apple cider in a fancy glass. It makes a Tuesday night feel like a celebration. Which would you choose tonight?

Keeping Your Pasta Perfect for Later

Let’s talk about saving some for tomorrow. This pasta keeps well in the fridge for three days. Just pop it in a sealed container. For the freezer, use a freezer-safe bag for up to two months.

Thaw it overnight in the fridge. To reheat, add a splash of milk or water. Warm it slowly on the stove, stirring often. This keeps the sauce creamy and smooth.

I once reheated it too fast. The sauce separated and looked a bit funny. A little patience makes all the difference. Batch cooking this means a cozy meal is always ready.

That matters on busy nights. You can feed your family in minutes. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!

Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups

Even grandmas have little kitchen troubles. Here are three common ones and easy fixes. First, pasta can get sticky. Always rinse it with cool water after draining.

Second, the sauce might seem too thick. Just add that bit of water from the jar. It gets every last drop and thins the sauce perfectly. I remember when I forgot the water once.

The dish was too dry. Third, the cheese might not melt evenly. Cut the swiss wedges into small pieces before stirring. This helps them blend in smoothly and quickly.

Fixing small problems builds your cooking confidence. It also makes sure every bite tastes just right. Which of these problems have you run into before?

Your Quick Questions, Answered

Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Use your favorite gluten-free pasta. Check your alfredo sauce label too.

Q: Can I make it ahead? A: Absolutely. Follow the storage tips above. It reheats beautifully.

Q: What are easy ingredient swaps? A: Use leftover turkey instead of chicken. Try regular Swiss cheese slices too.

Q: How do I scale the recipe for a crowd? A: Just double the ingredients. Use a bigger pot for the pasta.

Q: Any optional tips? A: A sprinkle of parsley adds fresh color. Fun fact: Parsley can make a simple dish look fancy! Which tip will you try first?

From My Kitchen to Yours

I hope you love this cozy pasta dish. It always reminds me of Sunday dinners. I would love to see your creation. Sharing food is one of life’s great joys.

Please show me your finished plate. Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! You can find me at @AnnasCozyKitchen. I can’t wait to see what you make.

Happy cooking!
—Anna Whitmore.