Slowly add the milk and cream, whisking until smooth. Cook until thickened, about 5 minutes. Stir in the Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper.
2 cups milk, 1 cup heavy cream, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon onion powder, Salt and pepper, to taste
Remove from heat and stir in the Swiss cheese until melted.
2 cups shredded Swiss cheese
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, chicken, ham, and cheese sauce. Pour into the prepared baking dish.
2 cups cooked, diced chicken breast, 1 cup diced ham
In a small bowl, mix the Parmesan, breadcrumbs, and melted butter. Sprinkle evenly over the pasta.
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 cup breadcrumbs, 1 melted butter
Bake for 20–25 minutes or until bubbly and golden on top. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
Prep Tips:
Use rotisserie chicken or leftover cooked chicken to save time. This casserole is a great way to repurpose leftovers.
Shred your own cheese if possible, since it melts more smoothly than pre-shredded varieties.
Cook the pasta just to al dente since it will continue to soften as it bakes.
Let the casserole rest for a few minutes after baking so it sets up nicely and is easier to serve.
Variation Suggestions:
Swap Swiss cheese for Gruyere, a Swiss-Gruyere blend, or a Swiss-mozzarella blend.
Add a handful of frozen peas or steamed broccoli to sneak in some veggies.
For extra crunch, use panko breadcrumbs and mix in a pinch of paprika or dried parsley with the topping.
If you would prefer a light sauce, use all milk instead of the milk and cream combination.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve with a simple green salad or steamed vegetables to balance out the richness.
Garlic bread or a warm dinner roll makes a great side.
This casserole also pairs well with roasted asparagus or green beans.
Storage Info for Leftovers:
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm larger portions in the oven at 350 degrees F until heated through.
If the casserole seems dry when reheating, add a splash of milk or cream before warming.