Are you staring at that beautiful chicken cordon bleu and wondering what pasta would complete your plate? I’ve been there too! Nothing’s worse than spending time making a delicious main dish only to pair it with the wrong side. After years of experimenting in my kitchen (and some memorable failures), I’ve discovered the best pasta options that elevate this classic dish rather than compete with it.
Chicken cordon bleu – with its crispy exterior, tender chicken salty ham, and nutty Swiss cheese – deserves a pasta companion that complements its rich flavors. Let’s dive into the perfect pasta pairings that’ll make your dinner extraordinary!
Understanding Chicken Cordon Bleu’s Flavor Profile
Before we jump into pasta recommendations, let’s understand what we’re working with. Chicken cordon bleu typically includes:
- Savory chicken breast (the foundation)
- Salty ham (adds smokiness)
- Nutty Swiss cheese (provides creaminess)
- Crispy breading (offers texture)
- Often a creamy sauce (usually Dijon-based or mushroom)
This combination creates a rich, savory dish with multiple textures. The ideal pasta pairing should enhance these elements without overwhelming them.
Top Pasta Choices for Chicken Cordon Bleu
After trying numerous combinations I’ve found that these pasta varieties work exceptionally well
1. Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair (capellini) is my go-to when serving chicken cordon bleu. Its delicate, thin strands provide the perfect backdrop without stealing attention from the star of the show.
Why it works The lightness ensures it doesn’t compete with the rich flavors of the chicken Simply toss it with
- Butter and fresh herbs (parsley, thyme)
- A squeeze of lemon for brightness
- A light sprinkle of Parmesan
I served this at my last dinner party, and even my food-critic friend Mike couldn’t stop raving about the perfect balance!
2. Fettuccine
When I want something with a bit more substance, fettuccine is my choice. Its wider, flatter shape provides more texture while still complementing the dish.
Perfect sauces for fettuccine:
- Light Alfredo (not too heavy!)
- Simple cream sauce with Parmesan and a hint of nutmeg
- Butter and herb sauce
The wider surface area of fettuccine captures sauce beautifully, creating a cohesive bite when eaten alongside the chicken.
3. Orzo
Orzo provides a delightful textural contrast to chicken cordon bleu. Its small, rice-like shape makes it easy to eat alongside your main dish.
Best orzo preparations:
- Tossed with lemon-herb dressing
- Simple pesto (not too heavy)
- Light garlic butter sauce
The mild flavor of orzo allows the chicken cordon bleu to remain the star of your meal. We had this combo last weekend, and my hubby couldn’t get enough!
4. Farfalle (Bow-Tie Pasta)
Farfalle offers a playful shape and slightly heartier texture that pairs wonderfully with chicken cordon bleu.
Ideal sauces:
- Creamy mushroom sauce (especially if similar to what’s on your chicken)
- Light cream sauce with herbs
- Simple butter sauce with a touch of garlic
The bow ties capture sauce within their folds, creating little pockets of flavor that complement each bite of chicken.
Sauce Considerations for Your Pasta
The sauce is just as important as the pasta shape! Remember, we want to complement, not compete with, the chicken cordon bleu.
Recommended sauce options:
- Butter Sauce: Simple yet effective – lets the chicken shine
- Light Cream Sauce: Adds richness without being heavy
- Alfredo (Light Version): Use less cream, more Parmesan for flavor without heaviness
- Lemon-Herb Dressing: Provides brightness that cuts through richness
- Pesto: Vibrant and flavorful, especially homemade with fresh basil
- Mushroom Sauce: Creates cohesion if your chicken has a similar sauce
What to Avoid When Pairing Pasta with Chicken Cordon Bleu
Through trial and error (and one memorable dinner disaster), I’ve learned what NOT to do:
- Heavy tomato-based sauces: The acidity can clash with the creamy, rich flavors
- Overly complex pasta shapes: They distract from the main dish
- Too much cheese in the pasta: Creates flavor competition
- Very spicy sauces: Can overwhelm the subtle flavors of the chicken
Frequently Asked Questions About Pasta and Chicken Cordon Bleu
Over the years, I’ve been asked lots of questions about these pairings. Here are the most common ones:
Can I use a tomato-based sauce with Chicken Cordon Bleu?
While possible, I don’t recommend it. The acidity of tomatoes often clashes with the creamy, rich flavors of chicken cordon bleu. If you absolutely must use tomato sauce, opt for a very mild, sweet version.
What about whole wheat pasta?
Whole wheat pasta has a nuttier flavor and denser texture that can sometimes overpower the delicate flavors of chicken cordon bleu. If using whole wheat, select a lighter sauce and be mindful of the overall balance.
Should I serve pasta on the side or underneath the chicken?
This is totally up to you! I prefer serving pasta on the side which prevents the breading from becoming soggy. However, placing the chicken over pasta creates a more visually appealing presentation and allows the sauces to mingle.
Can I add vegetables to the pasta?
Absolutely! Adding veggies enhances both flavor and nutritional value. Great options include:
- Asparagus
- Peas
- Mushrooms
- Spinach (lightly wilted)
Just sauté them in butter or olive oil before tossing with the pasta and sauce.
How much pasta should I cook per person?
About 2 ounces (56 grams) of dry pasta per person is a good guideline. I usually adjust based on appetites and how rich the meal is. For a rich dish like chicken cordon bleu, sometimes less is more!
Other Side Dishes That Complement Chicken Cordon Bleu
While pasta is fantastic, there are other side dishes that work beautifully with chicken cordon bleu:
- Rice with vegetables: Simple and comforting
- Garlic herb roasted potatoes: Flavorful and satisfying
- Steakhouse-style garlic mashed potatoes: Creamy and indulgent
- Roasted vegetables: Balances the richness of the main dish
- Gruyere cheese and bacon asparagus: For a truly decadent meal
Wine Pairings to Complete Your Meal
To create a truly memorable dining experience, consider these wine pairings:
- Sauvignon Blanc: Crisp and refreshing, cuts through richness
- Pinot Grigio: Light and bright
- Pinot Noir: A light-bodied red that works especially well if serving with a mushroom sauce
My Personal Favorite Combination
After years of experimenting, my family’s favorite combination is angel hair pasta tossed with a light butter sauce, fresh herbs, and a squeeze of lemon, served alongside chicken cordon bleu with a creamy dijon sauce. The lightness of the pasta complements the richness of the chicken perfectly, and the hint of lemon brightens everything up!
Final Thoughts
When pairing pasta with chicken cordon bleu, remember these key principles:
- Keep it simple
- Choose light, delicate pastas
- Use sauces that enhance rather than compete
- Add fresh herbs for brightness
The best pasta for chicken cordon bleu ultimately comes down to personal preference, but understanding the flavor profiles helps create a truly harmonious meal. Whether you choose angel hair, fettuccine, orzo, or farfalle, focusing on balance will ensure your dinner is a success.
Next time you’re planning to make chicken cordon bleu, give one of these pasta pairings a try. I’d love to hear which one becomes your favorite!
What’s your go-to pasta pairing for chicken cordon bleu? Do you have a special sauce recipe that works particularly well? Share in the comments below!
How to Make It
Heat oven to 350°F. and spray an 8×8” or oval baking dish with cooking spray.
Cook the chicken in a sauté pan with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Cook it for five to seven minutes or until the internal temperature is 165°F.
Melt the butter in a large pot over medium heat. Add the garlic and shallot and cook them for a few minutes. Stir in the flour and then slowly add the broth. Bring the broth to a boil while stirring, and then take the pot off the heat.
Stir in half and half, cheese, Dijon mustard, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add in the chicken, ham, and cooked pasta. Toss the sauce evenly to coat everything and then transfer the mixture to the prepared baking dish.
Top the chicken casserole with grated cheese and sprinkle the breadcrumbs. Bake it for 30 minutes or until warmed through.
If you’re short on time, you can use shredded rotisserie chicken or leftover chicken to make this recipe. It reduces the cooking time, making it an even easier weeknight dinner.
I love Swiss cheese, but you can also use shredded Gruyere cheese, which is a little richer and nuttier in flavor.
Pretty much any pasta shape will work in this recipe, but I would avoid minimal kinds of pasta like orzo.
If you want some veggies as a side dish, this chicken cordon bleu pasta pairs wonderfully with roasted asparagus, or try a salad recipe from my list of best green salads.
The first time I made this dish for my family, I was thrilled because they all loved it. Even my son Madden, our highly picky eater. Although it took him almost 30 minutes to try it, it was smooth sailing once he did. Jojo, our 9-year-old daughter, LOVED it; she had seconds before the rest of us were halfway done.
Food is a comfort to me, especially pasta recipes, so any time I find a winner with the family, I have to share it with you.
Give it a try soon when you want to offer a little comfort to your family or a friend who might need a hot meal. It’s so delicious down to the last creamy, cozy bite. Enjoy!
Creamy Chicken Pasta Casserole
I have been tweaking and working on this recipe for a while because I wanted chicken pasta with the creamiest cheese sauce possible. Have you ever had a baked pasta that was dry? Yep, me, too, and I can promise this chicken cordon bleu pasta is the opposite.
The flavor is amazing, too. The shallot, ham, and Swiss cheese are the perfect combination. Add a crispy breadcrumb topping, and you get a fantastic contrast in textures.
I prefer this yummy pasta dish over traditional chicken cordon bleu – it’s good. Creamy, rich, hearty, and comforting. It checks all the boxes for a delicious family meal.
It’s also the perfect meal to share. It is so easy to double this dish or any of my pasta bake dishes. It adds no extra time. Then I package it up and deliver it to people who might need a meal or someone who has been on my mind. It’s nice because they can bake it when they need it.
I’m so excited for you to try this recipe – if you’re craving comfort food, it will not disappoint.
- Boiled and drained linguine – you can also use spaghetti, fettuccine, penne pasta, bow ties, or another shape you like.
- Butter
- All-purpose flour
- Chicken broth
- Grated Swiss cheese – you will need some for the sauce and the topping.
- Half and half
- Grated Parmesan cheese
- Dijon mustard
- Paprika
- Minced garlic cloves
- Diced shallot
- Boneless, skinless chicken breast
- Diced cooked ham – it’s a great way to use leftover ham if you have some after a holiday meal.
- Bread crumbs
