Hearty Chicken Parmesan with Homemade Tomato Sauce

Description: A heartwarming Italian classic with succulent chicken cutlets topped with a flavorful homemade tomato sauce and melting cheese, served over spaghetti.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 30 minutes

Inactive Time: 5 minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Ashton A.K.A.JustLikeGranny

Ingredients:

• 4 leftover fried chicken cutlets

• 1 can of tomato sauce

• 1 teaspoon oregano

• 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese

• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

• 1/2 teaspoon white pepper

• 1 teaspoon dried basil

• Spaghetti noodles, cooked according to package instructions

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 tablespoon butter

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat the olive oil and butter until the butter melts.

3. Add the tomato sauce, oregano, white pepper, and basil to the saucepan. Stir to combine and bring the mixture to a simmer.

4. Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10 minutes until it thickens slightly and the flavors meld together.

5. Arrange the fried chicken cutlets in a baking dish. Pour the tomato sauce over the chicken, ensuring each cutlet is generously coated.

6. Sprinkle the mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses evenly over the sauced chicken.

7. Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes or until the cheese is bubbling and golden brown.

8. Meanwhile, cook the spaghetti noodles according to the package instructions.

9. To serve, plate the spaghetti noodles and top with a piece of the baked chicken parmesan. Pour some of the sauce from the baking dish over the spaghetti if desired.

Notes to Make It Better:

• Fresh herbs always elevate a dish. Consider using fresh basil and oregano if available.

• To deepen the flavor of the sauce, you could add a clove of minced garlic while heating the oil and butter.

• If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce.

Nutritional Information (approximate per serving):

Calories: 630 kcal Protein: 40g Carbohydrates: 45g Fat: 30g Saturated Fat: 12g Cholesterol: 110mg Sodium: 1150mg Fiber: 4g Sugar: 6g