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.

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:25 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

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)

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil or non-stick spray.

Step 2

Season both chicken breasts with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder on both sides.

Step 3

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.

Step 4

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.

Step 5

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.

Step 6

Pour the tomato sauce evenly over the chicken breasts in the baking dish.

Step 7

Sprinkle the chicken with the shredded mozzarella cheese and then top with the grated Parmesan cheese.

Step 8

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.

Step 9

Remove from the oven, let rest for 5 minutes, and garnish with fresh basil leaves, if desired.

Step 10

Serve over whole-grain spaghetti, zucchini noodles, or alongside a mixed green salad for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1334.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1536.6

Total Fat 77.0g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 388.4mg	0%
Sodium 5058.3mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 56.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 14.4g	0%
Total Sugars 32.8g
Protein 162.4g	0%

Vitamin D 27.3IU	0%
Calcium 1467.5mg	0%
Iron 10.0mg	0%
Potassium 2763.6mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 44.2%

Protein: 41.4%

Carbs: 14.4%