Creamy Chicken and Ham Casserole

This creamy chicken and ham casserole is the perfect dish for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes fancy but comes together fast. It combines tender pasta, juicy chicken and ham, and a silky cheese sauce that everyone at the table will love.

Think of it as the comfort-food version of a classic French dish, but without all the fussing and frying. You get that same delicious combination of flavors in one easy baking dish, no special skills needed.

Best of all, you can have this on the table in about 35 minutes, and it makes enough to feed a hungry family with maybe even some leftovers.

Ingredients You'll Need

This casserole comes together with simple, everyday ingredients. You’ll need cooked chicken and ham (rotisserie chicken works great to save time), pasta, a creamy sauce base, melted cheese, and a buttery breadcrumb topping.

• Penne pasta: Any short pasta shape works beautifully here, rigatoni, bow ties, or even elbow mac all hold the sauce well.
• Cooked chicken and ham: Using pre-cooked chicken saves tons of time; rotisserie chicken from the grocery store is perfect. Deli ham works great too.
• Cream cheese: This is what makes the sauce so creamy and rich without needing heavy cream or condensed soup.
• Swiss cheese: It melts smoothly and adds a mild, slightly nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with ham and chicken.
• Panko breadcrumbs: These get golden and crispy under the broiler, giving you that perfect textured topping.

Creamy Chicken and Ham Casserole: Step by Step

Here’s how to build this casserole step by step.

Step 1: Make the Creamy Sauce

In a small saucepan, combine the cream cheese, milk, dried minced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Heat over medium, whisking frequently until the cream cheese melts completely and the sauce is smooth. This takes about 5 minutes.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

While your sauce simmers, cook the penne according to the package directions. Drain it well and return it to the pot. If the sauce seems too thick once you mix it in, just add a splash of the pasta cooking water to loosen it up.

Step 3: Combine Everything

Add the cubed chicken, ham, and shredded Swiss cheese to the cooked pasta. Pour in the warm cream sauce and stir gently until every piece of pasta is coated. The mixture should be creamy and smooth.

Step 4: Transfer to Baking Dish

Spread the pasta mixture evenly into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish. Make sure it’s distributed in a single layer so it heats through evenly.

Step 5: Top and Broil

Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs over the top, then drizzle with melted butter. Turn your oven to broil on high and broil for about 5 minutes, watching carefully, until the topping turns golden brown.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Quick and simple, ready in under 40 minutes from start to finish
• One-dish meal that feels elegant but tastes like pure comfort
• Loaded with protein from chicken and ham, so it keeps everyone satisfied
• Makes a big batch, perfect for feeding a crowd or having leftovers
• Uses everyday pantry ingredients you probably already have on hand

Easy Swaps

• Use any short pasta in place of penne, elbow mac, rigatoni, or bow ties all work beautifully.
• Substitute the ham with cooked bacon or turkey for a different protein option.
• Regular cheddar or provolone cheese can replace Swiss if that’s what you have.
• If you’re out of panko, regular breadcrumbs work fine, though they won’t get quite as crispy.

Perfect Pairings

• Serve with a simple green salad dressed with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty rolls for soaking up the creamy sauce.
• Add steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus on the side for a vegetable boost.
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the flavors beautifully.
• More Comfort Food to round out the menu

Variations to Try

• Add sautéed mushrooms or fresh spinach to the pasta mixture for extra vegetables and nutrition.
• Swap the Swiss cheese for sharp cheddar or a mix of cheddar and provolone for a different flavor profile.
• Stir in some sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a Mediterranean twist.
• Top with crushed crackers or a mixture of panko and grated Parmesan for extra crunch.

Angela's Best Tips

• Watch the broiler closely, it can brown quickly and go from golden to burnt in a flash. Stay nearby while it’s cooking.
• If your sauce feels too thick before mixing, thin it with a little pasta water rather than adding more milk at once.
• For extra flavor, add a pinch of paprika or a dash of hot sauce to the cream sauce.
• Make sure your chicken and ham are cut into roughly the same size pieces so they cook evenly and look nice in each bite.
• If you don’t have penne, any short pasta will work, rotini, rigatoni, or even small shells all taste great here.

More Easy Recipes

• Patti LaBelle’s Creamy Mac and Cheese
• Creamy Pineapple Pecan Cake
• Upside-Down Caramel Apple Cake

You might also like: Coconut Loaf Cake with Fresh Raspberries, Creamy Carrot Cake Roll with Cream Cheese Filling, Tailgate Chili for a Crowd.

Angela

Creamy Chicken and Ham Casserole

A comforting one-dish meal combining tender pasta, cooked chicken and ham, and a silky cream cheese sauce, topped with crispy buttered breadcrumbs. Ready in about 35 minutes.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb penne pasta
• 1 ½ cup chicken breast (cooked and cubed)
• 1 ½ cup ham (cooked and cubed)
• 1 ½ cups milk
• 1- 8 z brick of cream cheese
• 2 tablespoons dried minced onion
• 1 tablespoon dried parsley
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 2 cups swiss cheese (shredded)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Panko breadcrumbs
• ½ cup butter (melted)

Equipment

• Small saucepan
• Large pot
• 9 x 13-inch baking dish
• Whisk
• Colander

Method

 

1. To make the sauce: place the cream cheese, milk, dried minced onion, parsley, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a small saucepan and cook on medium heat until the cream cheese and milk are well incorporated. For best results, use a whisk.
2. While you are making the sauce, cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and return to the pot. Add the cubed chicken and ham.
3. Mix in the shredded cheese and sauce
4. Place the pasta mixture into a 9 x 13-inch baking dish
5. Sprinkle the panko breadcrumbs evenly on top and drizzle with melted butter. Turn on the broiler on high and broil for about 5 minutes or until brown on top

Notes

Make-Ahead Option: Prepare the pasta mixture, cool completely, place in the baking dish, cover with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Add the breadcrumb topping and butter just before broiling. Watch the broiler carefully as the topping can brown quickly.