Lighter Chicken Parmesan with Simple Tomato Sauce
Transform your weeknight dinner routine with this *Lighter Chicken Parmesan with Simple Tomato Sauce*—a healthier twist on the classic comfort food favorite. Tender, golden-seared chicken breasts are smothered in a rich, homemade tomato sauce infused with garlic, oregano, and basil, then topped with a perfectly melty layer of part-skim mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses. This better-for-you version skips the heavy breading and frying, making it a satisfying yet guilt-free option. Ready in just 35 minutes, it’s an ideal dish for busy nights and pairs beautifully with whole-grain pasta, zucchini noodles, or a crisp green salad. Packed with flavor and easy to make, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite while delivering all the cheesy, saucy goodness you crave.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 2 pieces Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
- 0.5 teaspoon Garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons Olive oil
- 0.75 cup Shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese
- 0.25 cup Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (canned)
- 2 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 0.25 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional garnish)
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.
Season both chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown but not fully cooked through. Transfer to the prepared baking dish.
In the same skillet, heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, and red pepper flakes (if using). Simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to develop. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.
Sprinkle the chicken with the shredded mozzarella cheese and then top with the grated Parmesan cheese.
Bake in the preheated oven for 15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) and the cheese is melted and bubbly.
Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.
Serve over whole-grain spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or alongside a mixed green salad for a complete meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1537 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 77.0 g | 99% | |
| Saturated Fat | 29.1 g | 146% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 388 mg | 129% | |
| Sodium | 5058 mg | 220% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 56.5 g | 21% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 14.4 g | 51% | |
| Total Sugars | 32.8 g | ||
| Protein | 162.4 g | 325% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.7 mcg | 3% | |
| Calcium | 1468 mg | 113% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2764 mg | 59% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
