Chicken Cordon Bleu Hotdish

We were pampered with a few streaks of warm weather.  Now that the outside temperatures are back to the normal range, it's time for comfort food.  And what is more comforting than chicken, cheese and pasta?  This recipe will cause you to dirty a few pans but it is worth it.  Thank you whoever invented the dishwasher.

Chicken Cordon Bleu Hotdish

2 chicken breasts, cooked and fork shredded
2 slices thick-cut ham, cut into 1" squares
3 tbsp butter
3 tbsp flour
3/4 cup milk
1 cup Half & Half
6 oz swiss cheese
2 cups egg noodles, or your favorite pasta

1 tbsp butter, melted
1/2 cup Panko bread crumbs
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Melt the 3 tbsp of butter and stir in flour.  Cook for a minute.  Gradually add in milk and Half & Half, stirring constantly.  When thickened, remove from heat and add in Swiss cheese.  Stir until melted.  Season with salt and pepper to taste.

In a casserole, put cooked egg noodles, chicken, ham and cheese sauce mixed together.

In a small pan, melt 1 tbsp butter.  Add in Panko bread crumbs and spices.  Top the pasta mixture with the crumbs.

Bake at 350° for 30 minutes.