Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole

Ingredients:

For the casserole:

3 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced (about 2 large chicken breasts)

1 ½ cups diced chicken ham

1 ½ cups shredded Swiss cheese

2 cups cooked pasta (like penne or rotini)

For the sauce:

2 tablespoons butter

2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

1 ½ cups milk

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and pepper to taste

For the topping:

1 cup breadcrumbs or crushed crackers

2 tablespoons melted butter

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional)

Instructions:

Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).

Cook the pasta: Prepare the pasta according to package instructions, then drain and set aside.

Make the sauce: In a saucepan, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Stir in the flour and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, to form a roux. Gradually whisk in the milk until smooth. Add the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper, cooking until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes.

Assemble the casserole: In a large bowl, combine the cooked chicken, diced chicken ham, shredded Swiss cheese, and cooked pasta. Pour the prepared sauce over the mixture and stir until everything is evenly coated.

Transfer to baking dish: Spread the chicken mixture into a greased 9×13-inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.

Prepare the topping: In a small bowl, mix together the breadcrumbs (or crushed crackers) with the melted butter. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the top of the casserole.