If you love comfort food that’s rich, cheesy, and effortless to make, this slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta is about to become your new favorite family dinner. Tender chicken, savory ham (or turkey), Swiss cheese, and pasta come together in a creamy sauce that practically cooks itself. With just a few simple ingredients and your slow cooker doing most of the work, dinner is ready to impress without the stress!
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
There are plenty of reasons to fall in love with this creamy, hearty dish:
Easy One-Pot Meal: Everything cooks right in your slow cooker, so cleanup is minimal.
Classic Flavor Twist: It turns the fancy chicken cordon bleu into an everyday pasta bake.
Family-Friendly: Mild flavors, creamy texture, and cheesy goodness make it a crowd-pleaser.
Flexible & Customizable: Use turkey instead of ham or swap in your favorite pasta shape.
Make-Ahead Magic: Perfect for meal prepping, parties, or cozy Sunday dinners.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Main Ingredients
1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (cut into large chunks)
3 cups uncooked penne pasta (or rotini)
1 ½ cups diced cooked ham (or smoked turkey breast for a pork-free option)
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese (plus extra for topping)
2 cups Alfredo pasta sauce
1 ½ cups chicken broth (low sodium)
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
½ teaspoon black pepper
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tablespoons butter, melted
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Ingredient Notes & Healthy Substitutions
Ham Substitute: Swap for smoked turkey, grilled chicken, or mushroom pieces for a vegetarian-friendly twist.
Alfredo Sauce: To lighten the dish, mix half Alfredo with Greek yogurt and a splash of broth.
Cheese Options: Swiss is traditional, but provolone, mozzarella, or Monterey Jack melt beautifully.
Pasta Choices: Use whole-grain or chickpea pasta for more fiber and protein.
Breadcrumbs: Choose whole-wheat Panko for extra crunch and nutrition.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Mix the Sauce Base
In your slow cooker, whisk together the Alfredo sauce, chicken broth, Dijon mustard, and black pepper until smooth. This creamy base will coat the pasta and chicken as they cook.
Step 2 – Add Chicken and Start Cooking
Place the chicken pieces into the sauce, ensuring they’re covered.
Cover and cook on High for 2 hours or Low for 4 hours, until the chicken is just tender and fully cooked.
Step 3 – Add Pasta and Ham
Stir in the uncooked pasta and ham (or turkey). Mix well so everything is evenly coated in the creamy sauce.
Cook on High for another 30–40 minutes, or until pasta is tender but not mushy.
Step 4 – Add the Cheese
Stir in the shredded Swiss cheese, letting it melt completely into the sauce.
If it looks too thick, add a few tablespoons of broth or milk.
Step 5 – Toast the Breadcrumbs
In a small pan, melt the butter and add Panko breadcrumbs. Toast for 2–3 minutes until golden brown and crisp.
Sprinkle the crumbs over the pasta before serving.
Step 6 – Serve and Enjoy
Top with a little extra cheese and fresh parsley for color. Serve hot straight from the slow cooker!
Pro Tips for Success
Use Freshly Grated Cheese: Pre-shredded cheese has anti-caking agents that can make sauces grainy.
Don’t Overcook Pasta: Check it after 30 minutes; slow cookers vary in heat.
Layer Wisely: Keep chicken pieces submerged in the sauce to prevent dryness.
Add Veggies: Stir in steamed broccoli, spinach, or peas before serving for color and nutrition.
Leftover Upgrade: Turn leftovers into baked pasta — just add a sprinkle of cheese and bake at 350°F for 15 minutes.
Flavor Variations
Garlic Lovers: Add 1–2 teaspoons minced garlic to the sauce base.
Spicy Kick: Stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or cayenne.
Italian Twist: Use mozzarella and add a dash of Italian seasoning.
Low-Carb Option: Swap pasta for zucchini noodles or cauliflower florets.
Extra Creamy: Stir in a bit of cream cheese before serving.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with:
Garlic bread or buttery dinner rolls
Steamed vegetables like broccoli or green beans
Fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette
Sparkling water with lemon slices for a light refreshment
Storage and Freezing Instructions
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freeze: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 2 months.
Reheat: Warm in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of milk or broth to loosen the sauce.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Nutrient Amount
Calories 520 kcal
Protein 36 g
Carbohydrates 42 g
Fat 22 g
Fiber 2 g
Sodium 860 mg
Creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
- Total Time: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
A creamy, cheesy slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta with tender chicken, Swiss cheese, and a golden crumb topping.
Ingredients
1 ½ lb boneless skinless chicken breasts
3 cups uncooked penne pasta
1 ½ cups diced ham or smoked turkey
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
2 cups Alfredo sauce
1 ½ cups chicken broth
1 tsp Dijon mustard
½ tsp black pepper
1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp butter, melted
1 tbsp chopped parsley
Instructions
1. Whisk Alfredo sauce, broth, mustard, and pepper in slow cooker.
2. Add chicken and cook on High 2 hours.
3. Stir in pasta and ham; cook 30–40 min until tender.
4. Add Swiss cheese; stir until melted.
5. Toast breadcrumbs with butter; sprinkle on top.
6. Garnish with parsley and serve hot.
Notes
Swap ham for smoked turkey to make it pork-free.
Use whole-grain pasta or Greek yogurt for a lighter version.
Freeze leftovers up to 2 months for easy future meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 860mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 42g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
FAQ About Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
Can I use rotisserie chicken instead of raw chicken?
Yes! Shredded rotisserie chicken works perfectly. Add it during the last 30 minutes when you stir in the pasta to prevent it from overcooking.
Can I make this without ham?
Absolutely. Use smoked turkey or skip it entirely for a lighter, all-chicken version that’s still creamy and delicious.
What’s the best pasta shape for this recipe?
Penne or rotini hold sauce beautifully, but shells or cavatappi work great too. Avoid long noodles like spaghetti.
How can I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pasta and gluten-free breadcrumbs. Everything else in the recipe is naturally gluten-free.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes — just make sure your slow cooker is large enough (6–7 quarts). Cooking time may increase slightly.
Final Thoughts
This creamy slow cooker chicken cordon bleu pasta brings the elegance of a restaurant classic into your kitchen with total ease. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a cozy weekend dinner, this recipe delivers satisfying flavor, minimal effort, and a guaranteed “wow” at the table. Once you try it, it’ll become part of your regular rotation — comfort food made the smart way!
