Lean Chicken Parmesan Delight
Indulge in this flavorful, health-conscious version of the classic Chicken Parmesan, perfect for those watching their weight without sacrificing taste. Tender chicken breasts are lovingly seasoned, then simmered in a rich low-fat marinara sauce, and topped with gooey, melted part-skim mozzarella. This dish pairs beautifully with your favorite pasta and a side of steamed vegetables, making it a satisfying and delicious meal for the whole family. Enjoy a restaurant-quality dinner right at home, all while keeping it within your dietary goals.
4
Servings
300
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
chicken breasts
4 (Fillet by slicing in half horizontally)
low-fat marinara sauce
2 cups (Ready to use)
part-skim mozzarella cheese
4 ounces (Sliced)
salt
to taste
black pepper
to taste (Freshly ground)
cooked pasta
4 cups (Any type, cooked according to package instructions)
Instructions
1
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it with fat-free cooking spray.
2
While the skillet is heating, fillet the chicken breasts by slicing them in half horizontally. To ensure even cooking, you may choose to pound the thicker section of each fillet for tenderness.
3
Season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
4
Once the skillet is hot, brown each fillet for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust. To avoid overcrowding, work in batches if necessary.
5
After browning the chicken, reduce the heat and pour in the low-fat marinara sauce, ensuring the fillets are fully submerged. Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce until fully cooked through, stirring occasionally for even distribution of flavor.
6
Once the chicken is cooked, top each fillet with 1 ounce of sliced mozzarella cheese. Cover the skillet again and cook on low heat until the cheese has melted beautifully over the chicken.
7
To serve, dish out 1 cup of cooked pasta for each plate and top it with 1/2 cup of the marinara sauce. Finally, add 2 pieces of the cheesy chicken fillets on top, and enjoy your delightful and nutritious meal!
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
40g
Carbs
25g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lean Chicken Parmesan Delight?
Lean Chicken Parmesan Delight is a health-conscious version of the classic Italian dish, featuring seasoned chicken breasts simmered in low-fat marinara and topped with melted part-skim mozzarella.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe yields 4 servings.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 300 calories.
How much fat is in this chicken parmesan recipe?
Each serving contains 5g of fat, making it a low-fat meal option.
How much protein is provided per serving?
There are 25g of protein per serving.
What are the total carbohydrates per serving?
Each serving contains 40g of carbohydrates.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 chicken breasts, filleted by slicing them in half horizontally.
How do I prepare the chicken for even cooking?
You should fillet the chicken horizontally and pound the thicker sections for uniform thickness and tenderness.
What type of sauce should I use?
The recipe recommends using 2 cups of low-fat marinara sauce.
What cheese is used in this healthy version?
The recipe uses 4 ounces of sliced part-skim mozzarella cheese.
How do I season the chicken?
Season both sides of each fillet with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
Preheat a large skillet over medium heat and spray it with fat-free cooking spray.
How long should I brown the chicken fillets?
Brown each fillet for 2 minutes on each side until a golden crust develops.
What should I do if the skillet is too small for all the chicken?
Work in batches to avoid overcrowding the skillet while browning.
How is the sauce added to the dish?
After browning the chicken, reduce the heat and pour in the marinara sauce so the fillets are fully submerged.
How do I finish cooking the chicken in the skillet?
Cover the skillet and allow the chicken to simmer in the sauce until fully cooked through.
When should I add the mozzarella cheese?
Add the cheese once the chicken is fully cooked, then cover until the cheese melts.
How much cheese goes on each fillet?
Each chicken fillet should be topped with 1 ounce of mozzarella cheese.
What is the recommended pasta serving per plate?
Serve 1 cup of cooked pasta per plate.
How much total cooked pasta is needed?
The recipe requires 4 cups of cooked pasta in total.
How is the final dish plated?
Top 1 cup of pasta with 1/2 cup of marinara sauce and 2 pieces of the cheesy chicken fillets.
Is this recipe suitable for Weight Watchers?
Yes, it is tagged as a Weight Watchers friendly recipe due to its lean ingredients.
Can I use different types of pasta?
Yes, you can use any type of pasta, cooked according to package instructions.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
It pairs beautifully with steamed vegetables or a fresh side salad.
Is this a quick dinner option?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick dinner, suitable for busy weeknights.
Does this recipe include dietary fiber or sugar information?
The provided nutritional data does not list specific values for fiber or sugar.
What heat setting is used for browning?
The skillet should be set to medium heat for browning the chicken.
Should the sauce be heated before adding to the chicken?
The recipe indicates the sauce is added directly to the skillet after browning the chicken.
How do I ensure the cheese melts properly?
Covering the skillet after placing the cheese on the chicken helps it melt beautifully.
What is the best way to serve the sauce?
The sauce used to simmer the chicken is divided, with 1/2 cup poured over each serving of pasta.