📖 Instructions

1. Gather Your Ingredients: Before you start cooking, make sure you have all your ingredients prepped and ready to go. This will make the cooking process much smoother and more efficient.
2. Prepare the Zucchini Noodles: Use a spiralizer or vegetable peeler to create zucchini noodles. If using a peeler, slice the zucchini into thin, fettuccine-like strands. Place the zucchini noodles in a colander and sprinkle with a pinch of salt. This will help draw out excess moisture, preventing your dish from becoming watery. Let them sit for about 10-15 minutes, then pat them dry with paper towels. This step is very important!
3. Season and Cook the Chicken: Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch thick cutlets. Season them generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken cutlets to the skillet and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
4. Sauté Aromatics: Add minced garlic and diced onion to the same skillet. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes, or until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can become bitter.
5. Add Tomato Sauce: Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and chicken broth. Stir well to combine. Bring the sauce to a simmer and season with salt, pepper, Italian seasoning, and a pinch of sugar (to balance the acidity of the tomatoes). Let the sauce simmer for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Incorporate Zucchini Noodles: Add the prepared zucchini noodles to the skillet with the tomato sauce. Toss gently to coat the noodles evenly. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until the zucchini noodles are tender-crisp. Be careful not to overcook the zucchini noodles, as they can become mushy.
7. Add Cheese and Chicken: Place the cooked chicken cutlets on top of the zucchini noodles. Sprinkle grated mozzarella cheese and Parmesan cheese generously over the chicken and noodles. Cover the skillet and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly. If you want a more golden-brown cheese topping, you can place the skillet under the broiler for a minute or two, but watch it closely to prevent burning.
8. Garnish and Serve: Remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes, if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy this healthier and delicious take on Chicken Parmesan!