Chicken cordon bleu is a classic dish that deserves the perfect pasta companion. While mac and cheese might be a go-to option for many, there are plenty of other delicious pasta sides that can complement this elegant chicken dish beautifully.
Best Pasta Types for Chicken Cordon Bleu
From the sources provided, here are the top pasta options that pair wonderfully with chicken cordon bleu:
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Spaghetti – A classic choice that’s sturdy enough to support the rich flavors of chicken cordon bleu while absorbing any delicious sauce.
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Fettuccine – The wide, flat noodles provide an excellent base that holds up well against the cheesy, savory elements of the dish.
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Linguine – Similar to fettuccine but slightly narrower, linguine works wonderfully with creamy sauces that often accompany chicken cordon bleu.
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Rigatoni – These thick, ridged tubes stand up well to the hearty nature of chicken cordon bleu and catch sauce beautifully
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Shells – Small and elegant, pasta shells offer a light and airy texture that balances the richness of chicken cordon bleu
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Penne – The hollow center helps penne soak up sauce, making each bite flavorful and satisfying.
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Bowties (Farfalle) – These playful shapes add visual interest to your plate while providing a nice texture contrast.
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Cappellini – This very thin pasta works well with lighter sauces and doesn’t overwhelm the flavors of your main dish.
Pasta Side Dish Ideas for Chicken Cordon Bleu
Beyond just choosing the right pasta shape, here are some complete pasta side dishes that complement chicken cordon bleu perfectly:
Creamy Garlic Shells
A quick and easy side made with staples you probably already have in your fridge and pantry. The creamy garlic flavor profile enhances the rich flavors of chicken cordon bleu without competing with them.
Parmesan Garlic Butter Pasta
This simple yet flavorful pasta side uses butter, garlic, and parmesan to create a dish that complements chicken cordon bleu beautifully. The buttery sauce ties in with the richness of the chicken dish.
Spicy Roasted Vegetable Mac & Cheese
If you do want something cheese-based but not traditional mac and cheese, try this elevated version with roasted vegetables and a bit of spice to cut through the richness of the chicken cordon bleu.
Creamy Parmesan Rice
While not pasta, this creamy parmesan rice is mentioned in the sources as an excellent side for chicken cordon bleu. It offers a similar creamy texture to many pasta dishes.
Tips for Perfect Pasta with Chicken Cordon Bleu
When preparing pasta as a side for chicken cordon bleu, keep these tips in mind:
- Cook the pasta al dente – Slightly firm pasta provides the best texture contrast with tender chicken.
- Use quality ingredients – A simple pasta side can be elevated with good olive oil, fresh herbs, or high-quality cheese.
- Balance the flavors – Since chicken cordon bleu is rich and savory, consider pasta sides with bright elements like lemon or fresh herbs to balance the meal.
- Consider the sauce – If your chicken cordon bleu has a sauce, choose a pasta that will complement rather than compete with those flavors.
Why Pasta Works So Well with Chicken Cordon Bleu
Pasta makes an ideal side dish for chicken cordon bleu for several reasons:
- The starchy component balances the protein-heavy main dish
- Pasta can absorb and complement the sauces often served with chicken cordon bleu
- The variety of pasta shapes and preparations allows for endless customization
- Pasta is generally budget-friendly, making it perfect for stretching a meal
Beyond Pasta: Other Side Dishes for Chicken Cordon Bleu
If you’re looking to round out your meal beyond just pasta, consider these additional sides that pair well with chicken cordon bleu:
- Vegetable sides like garlic parmesan roasted green beans, simple roasted veggies, or parmesan zucchini and corn
- Potato options including garlic herb roasted potatoes, steakhouse-style garlic mashed potatoes, or cheesy scalloped potatoes
- Rice dishes such as butter rice or rice with veggies
- Fresh salads like tomato avocado salad to lighten the meal
The Final Verdict
When deciding what pasta goes best with chicken cordon bleu, you really can’t go wrong with any of the eight options mentioned above. My personal recommendation would be either fettuccine in a light garlic butter sauce or shells with a creamy parmesan sauce – both complement the rich flavors of chicken cordon bleu without overwhelming them.
Remember that the best side dish is ultimately the one that you and your family enjoy most! Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pasta shapes and sauces until you find your perfect pairing.
So next time you’re serving up chicken cordon bleu and want something other than mac and cheese on the side, try one of these pasta options for a delicious and satisfying meal that’s still budget-friendly.
Ingredient Tips For Chicken Cordon Bleu Pasta
- Chicken: Use skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs in this recipe. You can also use leftover shredded chicken.
- Ham: I use deli ham to make this recipe easy for everyday. Replace it with prosciutto, pancetta, smoked turkey, or bacon crumbles.
- Cheese: Swiss cheese adds the signature flavor to chicken cordon bleu and pairs well with the sauce in this recipe.
- Sauce: Chicken broth adds salt and flavor. Cream cheese makes it creamy and can be replaced with heavy cream (simmer a little longer).
- Topping: The buttery, cheesy crumbs mimic the crispy crust on chicken cordon bleu. If you don’t have Panko, crush ready-made croutons or Ritz crackers.
- The sauce will thicken as the dish rests and cools.
- You will need 6oz of egg noodles (about 3 cups dry). If using regular pasta, you’ll need about 8 oz.
- The Panko elevates this dish so don’t skip it if possible, it can be browned days ahead.
Keep leftover chicken cordon bleu pasta in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat portions in the microwave.
Freeze portions after removing the noodles in zippered bags for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Holly’s Recipe Highlights For Cordon Bleu Pasta
- Flavor: This skillet has the flavors of a classic chicken cordon bleu with chicken, ham, and Swiss cheese in an easy Dijon cream sauce.
- Recipe tip: Don’t skip the crispy crumbs on top, they’re delicious and add texture and flavor.
- Swaps: Use leftover baked ham or slices of deli turkey if you don’t have ham. Swiss cheese has a stronger flavor and can be replaced with cheddar.
- Time-Saving Tip: Use rotisserie chicken instead of chicken breasts.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve with a crisp side salad or garlic bread for a complete meal.
CHICKEN CORDON BLEU PASTA RECIPE
FAQ
Can you serve pasta with chicken cordon bleu?
These ready-made parcels of deliciousness are practically bursting with juicy, tender chicken breast, full-flavour ham and real Swiss cheese, all wrapped in a crispy, golden breading. Served on a bed of the creamiest sundried tomato pasta, this luxurious recipe is a guaranteed showstopper!
What is a good side dish for chicken cordon bleu?
Good sides for Chicken Cordon Bleu include classic comfort foods like creamy mashed potatoes and scalloped potatoes, as well as fresh, simple options such as lemon-garlic asparagus, roasted Brussels sprouts, and a light green salad to balance the dish’s richness. Other complementary choices are rice pilaf, cheesy green beans, and sautéed mushrooms.