Lighter chicken parmesan lasagna recipe to check in 2023

Are you tired of the same old lasagna recipe and looking for a healthier alternative? Look no further than this lighter chicken parmesan lasagna recipe!

Lasagna is a classic comfort food that is loved by many, but it can often be high in calories and fat. With more and more people focusing on their health and wellness, it’s important to find ways to enjoy our favorite foods in a healthier way.

This chicken parmesan lasagna recipe is a delicious and nutritious twist on the traditional dish. It’s packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, making it the perfect meal for anyone looking to eat healthier without sacrificing taste. So, if you’re ready to try something new and delicious in 2023, give this recipe a try!

What is Chicken Parmesan Lasagna?

Chicken parmesan lasagna is a delicious and comforting Italian dish that combines the flavors of two classic dishes- chicken parmesan and lasagna. This recipe adds a twist to the original recipe by replacing beef with chicken, making it a much lighter and healthier version of the traditional lasagna.

This dish combines tender pieces of chicken and lasagna noodles, layered with a rich and flavorful marinara sauce, a creamy ricotta mixture, and lots of fresh herbs and spices. The chicken is either seasoned and baked, or cooked on a medium-high heat, and then cut into bite-sized pieces, to be layered with the noodles and sauce.

The ricotta mixture is made with smooth and creamy ricotta cheese, mixed together with some Italian seasoning, black pepper, and a teaspoon of salt. It is then spread evenly on top of the lasagna noodles, making sure to cover every inch of the dish.

The dish is then topped with a generous amount of marinara sauce, sprinkled with parmesan and mozzarella cheese, and baked in a preheated oven until cheese is melted and bubbling, and the edges are crispy and browned.

This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as garlic bread, a simple salad, or some roasted vegetables. It is the perfect comfort food for those chilly winter nights, or a great dish to serve at a potluck or dinner party.

Overall, chicken parmesan lasagna is a fantastic combination of flavors and textures, offering a lighter and healthier alternative to the traditional lasagna recipe. It’s a dish that is sure to impress your family and friends, and become a staple in your recipe collection for years to come.

Why a Lighter Version?

If you are a fan of Italian dishes, then you have likely enjoyed a plate of chicken parmesan lasagna at some point. This classic comfort food is rich, satisfying, and full of flavor. However, traditional recipes often call for heavy amounts of cheese, breadcrumbs, and fatty meats, making it a meal that isn’t exactly diet-friendly.

That’s where the idea of a lighter version comes in. With all the comfort and flavor of the original recipe, a lighter chicken parmesan lasagna cuts down on the calories and fat, making it a healthier choice for those who want to indulge without sacrificing their health goals.

By using skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken, ditching the breadcrumb mixtures and using a cottage cheese-ricotta cheese mixture, it can help to reduce the calorie and fat content, without sacrificing the taste. This upgraded recipe still layers lasagna noodles, chicken cutlets, and plenty of marinara sauce, but with some added tweaks to make it a bit lighter.

By swapping some ingredients and reducing the amount of cheese, the lighter chicken parmesan lasagna still delivers on taste and comfort, but with less of the guilt. It is a perfect example of how you can enjoy the foods you love without compromising on your nutrition goals. Whether you are trying to eat healthier or simply want to indulge in a lighter version of a classic favorite, this recipe is definitely worth trying in 2023.

Ingredients

When it comes to making a delicious and healthy chicken parmesan lasagna, the ingredients you use make all the difference. From the chicken itself to the cheese and sauce, every component plays a role in the final result.

First and foremost, it’s important to choose high quality chicken. Opt for skinless chicken breasts or rotisserie chicken for a leaner option. To add extra flavor and moisture, you can also use chicken broth in the ricotta cheese mixture.

Speaking of the ricotta cheese mixture, this is where you can really lighten up the recipe. Instead of using just ricotta cheese, mix it with cottage cheese for a lower fat alternative. Add in some black pepper, Italian seasoning, fresh basil, and a dash of salt to make the mixture even more flavorful.

For the sauce, you can use a homemade marinara sauce or a jar of your favorite brand. Look for one with lower sugar and sodium content to keep the dish healthy.

When it comes to the cheese, you still want to use plenty of it for that classic chicken parmesan flavor. However, you can opt for low-fat mozzarella cheese instead of the full-fat variety.

Finally, don’t forget about the lasagna noodles. Instead of traditional noodles, you can use no-boil or whole wheat varieties for a healthier option.

With these ingredients and some careful assembly, you can make a lighter chicken parmesan lasagna that is just as tasty and satisfying as the classic version.

Instructions

Now that you have all your ingredients gathered, it’s time to assemble your lighter chicken parmesan lasagna. Follow these step-by-step instructions for a delicious and healthy meal:

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ricotta cheese, 1 cup of cottage cheese, 1 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 tablespoon of Italian seasoning, ¼ cup of chopped fresh basil, and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.

3. If using chicken breasts, slice them into thin pieces. If using rotisserie chicken, shred the meat.

4. In a shallow dish, beat 2 eggs. In another shallow dish, combine 1 cup of whole wheat breadcrumbs and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese.

5. Dip each chicken piece into the egg mixture, then coat with the breadcrumb mixture. Place on a prepared baking sheet lined with parchment paper.

6. Bake in the preheated oven for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the breadcrumb coating is crispy.

7. In a separate bowl, mix 1 cup of marinara sauce with ½ cup of chicken broth.

8. To assemble the lasagna, spread a thin layer of the sauce on the bottom of a 9×13 inch baking dish. Add a layer of lasagna noodles on top.

9. Spread a layer of the ricotta cheese mixture over the noodles, followed by a layer of the baked chicken pieces.

10. Repeat with another layer of noodles, sauce, ricotta cheese mixture, and chicken pieces.

11. Finish with a final layer of noodles and sauce. Cover with a layer of mozzarella cheese and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

12. Cover the baking dish with foil and bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes.

13. Remove the foil and bake for an additional 5-10 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.

14. Let cool for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve.

This lighter chicken parmesan lasagna is a delicious and healthy twist on the classic Italian dish. With lean chicken, a lighter cheese mixture, and whole wheat noodles, you can enjoy all the flavors of chicken parmesan without any of the guilt. Follow these easy instructions for a perfect meal that everyone will love.