Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna
Try this Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
Try this Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna recipe, or contribute your own.
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- garnish:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese finely grated
- 2 teaspoons italian seasoning
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley chopped
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 lb. ground chicken
- for the ground chicken:
- 2 teaspoons olive oil (i used extra virgin but use whatever br
- 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes optional (but they give a nice kick!)
- for the panko:
- 1/3 cup whole wheat panko bread crumbs
- for lasagna:
- 12 lasagna noodles boiled according to package
- 2 1/2 cups ricotta cheese (i used whole-milk here but you may use skim)
- 1 large egg + 1 egg yolk at room temperature
- 3 1/2 cups marinara sauce store-bought or homemade will work ok
- fresh basil and parsley chopped
- Carbohydrate 138.214992787149 g
- Cholesterol 555.232771660088 mg
- Fat 102.095638670218 g
- Fiber 25.2962241490308 g
- Protein 152.976573543266 g
- Saturated Fat 40.8561872875412 g
- Serving Size 1 1 ) 9x13 Pan of Lasagna, about 12 slice (1616g)
- Sodium 5435.97975661604 mg
- Sugar 112.918768638118 g
- Trans Fat 7.20511928439952 g
- Calories 2088 calories
Step-by-step
- For the Ground Chicken: Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium-heat. Add the garlic, Italian seasoning, and crushed red pepper flakes (if using); saute for 2-3 minutes. Add in ground chicken, salt, and pepper and cook - breaking the meat up with a wooden spoon - until golden brown and cooked all the way through; 6-8 minutes. Transfer the chicken mixture to a clean plate; set aside. Return empty pan to the burner - you will use this again for the panko.
- For the Panko: Heat the olive oil (in the same skillet you used for the chicken) over medium-high heat. Add in the panko bread crumbs and cook, stirring frequently, until crispy and golden. Remove from heat and transfer breadcrumbs to a small bowl; set aside.
- For the Lasagna: Boil 12 lasagna noodles according to package directions. While they're boiling, prepare the ricotta cheese.
- For the Ricotta: In a large bowl, combine the ricotta, egg, egg yolk, salt, pepper, parsley, and basil; set aside.
- Assembly: Preheat oven to 375 degrees (F). Spread a 1/4 of marinara sauce on the bottom of a 9x13 pan. Layer with 4 lasagna noodles, 1/3 of the chicken mixture, 1/4 cup of the marinara sauce, and 1/2 cup of the ricotta cheese, and a 1/4 cup of the mozzarella cheese. Repeat this two more times, topping the final layer of noodles with remaining meat, sauce, ricotta, mozzarella, panko bread crumbs, and finally, the Parmesan cheese, in that order. Cover the lasagna tightly with a piece of lightly oiled foil. Bake for 40 minutes, then remove the foil and bake uncovered for 15 more minutes. Allow the lasagna to rest for 10 minutes before cutting and serving. Garnish with fresh parsley and basil.
My Lightened-Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna Adventure
As a busy working mom, finding time to cook healthy and delicious meals can feel like a Herculean task. Weeknights often find me scrambling to get dinner on the table, and let's be honest, takeout is always tempting. But I'm committed to feeding my family nutritious meals, and that’s where this Lightened-Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna comes in. It's a game changer – a healthier twist on a classic comfort food that satisfies everyone's cravings without sacrificing flavor or leaving me stuck in the kitchen for hours.
The original chicken parmesan lasagna recipe held a special place in my heart. But, like many families, we've become more conscious of our dietary choices and began exploring ways to make healthier alternatives to our old favorites. This modified version was the answer to our prayers! It retains the cheesy goodness and hearty satisfaction we adore, but with significantly less fat and fewer calories. The secret lies in using ground chicken instead of a higher-fat meat option. This makes a huge difference in the overall nutritional profile of the dish. And the whole wheat panko breadcrumbs add a wonderful texture and slight heartiness without weighing it down.
What I love most about this recipe is its versatility. It's incredibly adaptable to various dietary needs and preferences. Feel free to experiment with different cheeses – goat cheese would be divine!– or add vegetables like spinach or mushrooms for an extra nutritional boost. The marinara sauce is also something you can easily customize – try a homemade sauce for an even more flavorful lasagna. I've also noticed it holds up beautifully when reheated, making leftovers a breeze.
Making this lasagna is an adventure in itself, a comforting ritual. The aroma of simmering sauce and the delightful sounds of sizzling panko create a cozy atmosphere in my kitchen. It’s a moment of calm in my often chaotic schedule, a chance to focus on creating something nourishing and delicious for my family. I carefully layer the ingredients – each layer a testament to the care and thought that goes into creating a wholesome meal. The bubbling cheese, the golden-brown panko, the vibrant colors – it's a feast for the eyes as well as the stomach.
This isn't just a meal; it's a celebration of family, a testament to the power of home-cooked goodness, and a chance to savor simple pleasures. Each bite is a small act of self-care and a commitment to providing my family with nourishing food that they genuinely enjoy. I've been making it regularly for my family and my friends are always requesting it, now it is one of my staple dishes.
Tips and Tricks for Lasagna Success:
- Don't overcook the noodles! Follow package directions carefully, you want them al dente, not mushy.
- Let it rest! Allowing the lasagna to rest before cutting helps it set and prevents it from falling apart.
- Get creative with toppings! Experiment with different cheeses, vegetables, or herbs.
- Make it ahead! This lasagna can be assembled a day ahead of time and baked when ready.
Beyond the deliciousness, this Lightened Up Chicken Parmesan Lasagna is a reminder that healthy eating doesn't have to be boring or time-consuming. With a little planning and a few smart substitutions, you can create satisfying meals that nourish your body and soul without sacrificing flavor. This is a recipe I'll keep returning to again and again, a testament to the joy of simple, healthy, and delicious home-cooked meals.
