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High Protein Chicken Dinner: Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe

Name: High Protein Chicken Dinner: Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe
Total time: 48 min
Yield: 320 g
Ingredients: boneless skinless chicken breasts 24 oz; whole wheat spaghetti 12 oz; mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup; Parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup; eggs 2 pieces; panko breadcrumbs 1 cup; all-purpose flour 0.33 cup; olive oil 2 tbsp; marinara sauce 2 cup; dried Italian herbs 2 tsp; salt 1 tsp; black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nobody says no to chicken parm. Whole wheat pasta keeps it a notch healthier, but let's be honest — the crispy chicken and melted cheese are why you're here.

Cook 48 min Difficulty NORMAL 505 kcal

#high protein #mediterranean #diabetic friendly

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Ingredients

Main ingredients

boneless skinless chicken breasts 24 oz
whole wheat spaghetti 12 oz
mozzarella cheese, shredded 1 cup
Parmesan cheese, grated 0.5 cup
eggs 2 pieces
panko breadcrumbs 1 cup
all-purpose flour 0.33 cup
olive oil 2 tbsp

Seasonings/Sauce

marinara sauce 2 cup
dried Italian herbs 2 tsp
salt 1 tsp
black pepper 0.5 tsp

Nutrition summary

Carbohydrates 51 g 40%

Protein 39 g 31%

Fat 15 g 29%

Serving size 320g

Cooking steps

1

Preheat oven to 425°F. Set up three bowls: one with flour, one with beaten eggs, and one with panko breadcrumbs mixed with Parmesan and Italian herbs.
2

Slice the chicken breasts horizontally for even cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Dredge each piece in flour, dip in eggs, then press into breadcrumb mixture.
3

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear breaded chicken pieces for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown, then transfer to a baking sheet.
4

Cook whole wheat spaghetti in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain and set aside, reserving some pasta water.
5

Top seared chicken with marinara sauce and shredded mozzarella. Bake for 10–12 minutes until cheese is melted and chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature.
6

Serve chicken parmesan over whole wheat pasta, garnishing with extra Parmesan and fresh basil if desired. Adjust sauce consistency with reserved pasta water as needed.

Personalized Q&A

Q. What's the key ingredient in this recipe?

The stand-out ingredient is the boneless skinless chicken breasts, which provide lean protein and create the crispy, juicy foundation for classic chicken parmesan. The combination of mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses, along with whole wheat pasta, contributes to both flavor and texture, but it's the chicken that defines this dish.

Q. What’s the most important cooking point?

Searing the breaded chicken over medium-high heat creates the signature crispy exterior without overcooking the meat. Make sure the oil is hot enough before adding chicken and bake just until the internal temperature hits 165°F so the meat stays moist while the cheese melts perfectly.

Q. How can you prevent the chicken from becoming dry or soggy?

Dryness is prevented by slicing chicken evenly and not overbaking. Sogginess is avoided by searing the breaded chicken quickly and letting excess oil drain on a rack or paper towel before baking. Also, add the marinara sauce and mozzarella just before baking—don’t drown the chicken early!

Q. How many calories and protein are in one serving?

Each serving contains about 505 kcal and delivers 39 grams of protein. Carbohydrates are 51 grams (40% of calories), and fat comes in at 15 grams (29%). This makes the dish well-balanced for a high protein dinner option.

Q. Is this recipe suitable for a diabetic-friendly meal plan?

Yes, this recipe suits a diabetic-friendly approach, using whole wheat pasta and 51 grams of carbs per serving (under the high threshold for main meals). There's no refined sugar and plenty of protein (39g), so it’s suitable for most balanced nutrition plans.

High Protein Chicken Dinner: Chicken Parmesan with Whole Wheat Pasta Recipe

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