5-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chicken Cordon Bleu Bowtie Pasta

A weeknight-friendly nod to the classic French-inspired dish that layers chicken, ham, and Swiss. This recipe involves throwing the meat in the pot with four pantry-friendly ingredients and letting the slow cooker do the work, resulting in a creamy, savory meal folded into tender bowtie pasta.

Equipment

• 5- to 6-quart slow cooker
• nonstick spray or oil
• large pot
• two forks

Ingredients

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 8 ounces sliced deli ham (not honey-sweet, roughly chopped or torn)
• 8 ounces sliced Swiss cheese
• 2 (10.5-ounce) cans condensed cream of chicken soup
• 12 ounces bowtie (farfalle) pasta, uncooked

Instructions

1. Lightly coat the inside of a 5- to 6-quart slow cooker with nonstick spray or a thin film of oil to help with cleanup.
2. Lay the chicken breasts in a single layer on the bottom of the slow cooker, avoiding stacking if possible so they cook evenly.
3. Layer the ham evenly over the chicken breasts, covering the surface.
4. Place the Swiss cheese slices on top of the ham, overlapping them slightly so the chicken and ham are mostly covered.
5. Spoon the condensed cream of chicken soup over the cheese, spreading it gently with the back of the spoon so it coats the top in an even layer. Do not add water.
6. Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on LOW for 4 to 5 hours, or on HIGH for about 2.5 to 3 hours, until the chicken is very tender and easily shreds with a fork.
7. About 20 minutes before serving, bring a large pot of salted water to a boil on the stovetop.
8. Add the bowtie pasta and cook according to package directions until just al dente. Drain well.
9. While the pasta cooks, use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker, mixing it into the ham, melted Swiss, and creamy sauce until everything is well combined.
10. Add the hot, drained bowtie pasta to the slow cooker and gently fold it into the creamy chicken mixture until the pasta is well coated and the sauce is evenly distributed.
11. Taste and adjust seasoning if desired with a little salt and freshly ground black pepper.
12. Serve warm straight from the slow cooker.

Notes

Serve with a crisp green salad dressed in a light vinaigrette, garlic bread, or a warm baguette. A side of steamed green beans, broccoli, or roasted asparagus works well. A lightly chilled Chardonnay or a dry rosé pairs nicely with the ham and Swiss flavors.