Grilled Chicken Parmesan

Sometimes trying to make over a recipe to be on the healthier side proves to be a challenge and then there are times, when it is as easy as 1-2-3.  Chicken Parmesan made the “real” way is not that healthy for you.  The bread crumb coating on the chicken that you fry in oil. C’mon now, you know it’s good but when you eat more that you should, you’re in trouble.  This was a no-brainer for me, skip the breading and grill it.  Yes, you can saute it on the stove-top but why use unnecessary oil or butter when you don’t have to.  It’s so simple, there’s really not anyway you can go wrong. Oh, and did I mention – it’s good!

I used the Ronzoni® Smart Taste® spaghetti noodles to give more fiber to the meal.  I would have like to use whole wheat noodles, but my family has this thing about spaghetti noodles being brown so I just used these “white-looking” ones and they are happy and I am happy for the extra nutrients.  Kind of like when I would buy the “white” wheat bread when the kids were younger.  If you can find a reduced or fat-free cheese that melts and just doesn’t sit there looking so fake, use that in place of the good stuff.  I didn’t have slices of mozzarella so I used shredded and in doing so, I didn’t use a lot.

Ingredients:

1-2 jars of your favorite spaghetti sauce (I am a Ragu® girl)
Italian seasoning, to taste
garlic powder, to taste
1 lb box spaghetti noodles(I use Ronzoni® Smart Taste®)
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
4 slices mozzarella cheese

Instructions:

Pour the sauce into a large, oven-proof skillet and add your seasonings to taste.  Now, if you like the sauce right out of the jar, skip the seasoning step.  I like to “doctor” the sauce up a bit more. You could make your own sauce and use it here, too. I have done that when I am not pressed for time.

While the sauce is simmering, season the chicken breasts with Italian seasoning and garlic powder.  Preheat your grill to medium.

You only want to “brown” the chicken as it will finish cooking in the sauce.  So, get those grill marks going and sear the chicken. It won’t take but a couple of minutes on each side to do this.  Remove to a plate.

Place the chicken in the skillet with the sauce, cover and let simmer till the chicken is done and no longer pink inside.

While the chicken and the sauce are simmering, bring a large pot of water to boil and cook the noodles according to the package directions.

Once the chicken just about done, preheat your broiler.  When the chicken is done, place a slice of mozzarella cheese on each piece of chicken.  Place skillet into oven and broil till the cheese is melted and browned a bit.

Serve over the noodles. Add a tossed salad and garlic bread if you like.