Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

Chicken Cordon Blue Casserole

4 c. cooked chicken, cubed            3 c. cooked ham, cubed
2 TBS butter                                   1 sm. onion, chopped
1 celery rib, finely chopped            3 TBS flour
1 1/2 -1 3/4 c. milk                         1/4-1/2 tsp. salt, to taste
1/4 tsp. pepper                                1/4 tsp. paprika
1/2 tsp. parsley                                2 c. shredded Swiss cheese
8 oz penne pasta - cooked according to pkg. directions

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  Lightly spray a 3 qt. casserole dish.  Place chicken & ham in a large bowl; set aside.  In a large saucepan on medium heat, melt butter.  Add onion & celery and saute 5-6 minutes or until soft.  In a small bowl, whisk together milk and flour until smooth; pour into saucepan.  Add seasonings, stir well and heat through.  Reduce heat to medium-low and stir in shredded cheese.  Stir continuously until cheese is melted.  Pour sauce mixture over meat and toss to coat.  Add pasta and stir lightly until coated with sauce and pour into the prepared casserole dish.  Bake uncovered  at 350 for 30-35 minutes or 'til bubbly and just beginning to brown on top.  May sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top and return to oven for an additional 10 minutes.

I did not have a nice thick piece of ham on hand tonight - so I substituted some bacon bits in for the ham.  I did NOT sprinkle with the mozzarella at the end.   So good - so yummy!