Chicken Parmesan is a classic Italian-American dish that features breaded and fried chicken cutlets topped with marinara sauce and melted cheese. In this recipe, we’re putting a healthier twist on the traditional dish by serving it with zucchini noodles instead of pasta. The result is a lighter, lower-carb version of Chicken Parmesan that’s still packed with flavor and satisfyingly delicious.
Ingredients for Chicken Parmesan:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 2 large eggs, beaten
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Ingredients for Zucchini Pasta:
- 4 medium zucchinis
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Chicken Parmesan With Zucchini Pasta:
- Prepare the Chicken: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the flour, beaten eggs, and breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan cheese, garlic powder, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper in three separate shallow dishes.
- Coat the Chicken: Dredge each chicken breast in the flour, then dip into the beaten eggs, and finally coat with the breadcrumb mixture, pressing gently to adhere.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side.
- Add Sauce and Cheese: Remove the skillet from the heat and top each chicken breast with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella cheese. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake until the cheese is melted and bubbly, and the chicken is cooked through, about 15-20 minutes.
- Make Zucchini Pasta: While the chicken is baking, use a spiralizer to spiralize the zucchinis into noodles. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, add the zucchini noodles, and sauté for 2-3 minutes, or until tender. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve: Serve the Chicken Parmesan over the zucchini pasta, garnished with fresh basil leaves. Enjoy!
About the Main Ingredients:
- Chicken: Chicken breasts are used in this recipe, but you can also use chicken cutlets for quicker cooking. Chicken is a lean source of protein and is a versatile ingredient in many dishes.
- Zucchini: Zucchini is a low-carb alternative to pasta and is rich in vitamins and minerals. Spiralizing zucchini into noodles provides a light and refreshing base for the Chicken Parmesan.
- Parmesan Cheese: Parmesan cheese adds a salty and nutty flavor to the breadcrumb coating and enhances the overall taste of the dish.
- Marinara Sauce: Marinara sauce is a simple tomato-based sauce flavored with garlic, onions, and herbs. It adds a rich and savory element to the Chicken Parmesan.
- Mozzarella Cheese: Mozzarella cheese melts beautifully and adds a gooey, cheesy topping to the Chicken Parmesan. It’s a classic choice for Italian dishes.
This Chicken Parmesan With Zucchini Pasta recipe is a healthier take on a classic comfort food. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and sure to become a family favorite!