Crispy Fried Devon Ham – Perfect Snack or Side Dish

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Dump and Bake Chicken Casserole – Creamy Comfort, Crispy Topping, No Fuss Cooking!

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Looking for a dinner that’s comforting, flavorful, and requires minimal hands-on time? This Dump and Bake Chicken Casserole is the ultimate weeknight winner—simply layer, bake, and enjoy. With tender pasta, juicy chicken, rich tomato sauce, fresh spinach, gooey mozzarella, and a golden, buttery panko topping, this dish is a perfect combination of creamy and crispy in every bite.

This casserole has all the heartwarming appeal of a home-cooked pasta bake without the need to pre-cook pasta or stand over the stove. Originating from the American love for easy, oven-ready meals, it’s been given a flavor upgrade with Italian-inspired herbs, a gentle kick of cayenne, and a crisp topping that rivals any restaurant bake. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is incredibly practical—you can prepare it ahead, freeze it, or simply throw it together after a busy day. Plus, the “dump and bake” method means fewer dishes to clean, so you can spend more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pans.

Key Ingredients & Their Roles

  • Dried Short Pasta (spirals) → Holds shape well during baking and absorbs the sauce for maximum flavor.
  • Tomato Pasta Sauce → Forms the savory, tangy base of the dish.
  • Chicken Stock → Adds depth and ensures the pasta cooks evenly in the oven.
  • Cooked Chicken → Adds protein and a tender, meaty bite without extending cooking time.
  • Spinach → Provides freshness, color, and extra nutrients.
  • Mozzarella Cheese → Melts beautifully for that gooey, cheesy layer.
  • Panko Bread Crumbs → Creates a crispy golden topping.
  • Parmesan Cheese → Adds a salty, umami-rich finish.
  • Herbs & Spices (basil, oregano, garlic, onion powder, cayenne) → Balance flavors with aromatic and slightly spicy notes.









Dump & Bake Chicken Casserole Recipe Details

πŸ“Œ Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 50 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour |Cuisine: Western / Italian-inspired | Calories: Approx. 480 kcal per serving | Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 350g (12 oz) dried short pasta (spirals)
  • 500g (17.6 oz) jar tomato pasta sauce
  • 625ml (2 ½ cups) chicken stock
  • 350g (12 oz) cooked chicken, bite-sized pieces
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ tsp onion powder
  • ½ tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp dried basil
  • ½ tsp dried oregano
  • ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper
  • 100g (3.5 oz) baby spinach
  • 2 cups (200g) mozzarella cheese, shredded

Topping:

  • ¾ cup panko bread crumbs
  • ½ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • ½ cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp butter, melted

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 220°C (425°F). Grease a large oven-safe baking dish with cooking spray.
  2. Combine the base: In the baking dish, add dried pasta, tomato pasta sauce, chicken stock, cooked chicken, salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, basil, oregano, and cayenne. Stir until evenly mixed.
  3. Bake covered: Cover the dish tightly with foil and bake for 40 minutes, or until pasta is tender and most liquid has absorbed.
  4. Prepare topping: While the casserole bakes, mix panko bread crumbs, parmesan cheese, parsley, and melted butter in a small bowl.
  5. Add greens & cheese: Remove the foil, stir in spinach, sprinkle mozzarella cheese over the top, then scatter the panko mixture evenly.
  6. Bake uncovered: Return to the oven for 10 minutes, or until the topping is golden brown and cheese is melted.
  7. Serve hot: Let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to settle.

Tips & Ingredient Substitutions

  • Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free pasta and breadcrumbs.
  • Dairy-Free: Swap mozzarella and parmesan for dairy-free cheese alternatives.
  • Protein Swap: Use cooked turkey, rotisserie chicken, or plant-based chicken.
  • Extra Veggies: Add mushrooms, zucchini, or capsicum (bell peppers) before baking for more texture.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes, assemble the casserole up to 24 hours in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready.

Q2: Can I freeze it?
Yes, bake fully, cool completely, wrap well, and freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat covered at 180°C (350°F).

Q3: Can I use uncooked chicken?
Yes, but cut into small pieces and bake for an additional 10–15 minutes to ensure it cooks through.

Wrap-Up 

This Dump and Bake Chicken Casserole is proof that comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. With just a handful of pantry staples and a single dish, you’ll have a satisfying meal the whole family will love. Try it this week, and don’t forget to share your version in the comments!

πŸ’¬ Question: What’s your favorite casserole topping—crispy crumbs, extra cheese, or both?

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