Chicken Lasagna Cups

Ingredients:

• 6 chicken cutlets (thin cut)
• 1 cup shredded mozzarella, divided
• 1 cup sugar-free marinara sauce
• ¼ cup ricotta cheese
• ¼ cup cream cheese, softened
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• ½ Tbsp. Italian Seasoning
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper
• ½ Tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

Makes 6 Servings (2 cups per serving)

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 12-cup muffin pan with nonstick cooking spray.
2. Place chicken cutlets on a cutting board. Using the smooth side of a mallet, pound cutlets to about ¼ inch thick.
3. Cut each chicken cutlet in half and lay them into the muffin tin cups, overlapping the ends to form bowls.
4. In a small bowl, mix together the ricotta cheese, cream cheese, ½ of the mozzarella, garlic, Italian seasoning and crushed red pepper.
5. Using a spoon, place about 2 tablespoons of the cheese mixture into each muffin cup.
6. Top each muffin cup with 2 teaspoons of marinara sauce.
7. Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top of each muffin cup equally.
8. Bake for 25 minutes, until the chicken is cooked and the cheese is bubbly. Remove the lasagna cups from the muffin tin and place on a plate.
9. Garnish each lasagna cup with fresh chopped parsley. Serve warm.

WW POINTS VALUE: ?

Note: This recipe appears on www.palm.southbeachdiet.com/recipes. You can have your lasagna and eat it too when it is properly done. Enjoying lasagna on a low-carb diet can feel like a dream but it is possible. These lasanga cups use chicken cups in place of the pasta and it's quite delicious and filling. If you don't have marinara sauce, any homemade tomato sucae, such as puttanesca sauce, will work just as well. Also, cottage cheese works just as well in place of the ricotta cheese. 

Spicy Parmesan Crisps

Ingredients:

• 1 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
• 1 small serrano pepper, thinly sliced
• 2 sweet mini peppers, thinly sliced
• 1/2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• 1/4 tsp. red pepper flakes

For the toppings: (optional)

• 1/4 cup shredded full-fat sharp cheddar cheese
• 1/2 tbsp. hemp seeds
• 1/2 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp. onion powder

Makes 10 crisps (5 crisps per serving)

1. Preheat the oven to 400 F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or a large silicon baking mat. 
2. Place a heaping tablespoon of Parmesan on the prepared baking sheet and spread it into a 3-inch circle. This is most easily done using a 3-inch egg ring or cookie cutter as a guide. Repeat until all the cheese has been used; you should have enough for 10 circles. 
3. Carefully portion the sliced serrano pepper and sweet peppers on top of the cheese circles and sprinkle each circle with the Italian seasoning  and red pepper flakes. Additional toppings may be added or substituted. 
4. Bake for about 5-7 minutes, or until the edges begin to brown. 
5. Let the crisps cool slightly for a minute or two on the baking sheet before serving. Store them in an airtight container for up to 2 days. 

WW POINTS VALUE: 2 pts. 

Note: This recipe appears in the New-Keto Friendly South Beach Diet book. Who doesn't love cheese? These cheese crisps are a healthy and delicious alternative to crackers. Don't be intimidated by the ingredients in these treats. The ingredients are more natural and flavorful and these crisps are more flavorful than ordinary crackers. They can be made in 10 minutes or less and are great for a midday snack or for a gathering. You can use any kind of cheeses in this recipe and the crisps will still be tasty. 

Turkey-and-Quinoa Meat Loaf

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 1/2 cup quinoa
• 1 zucchini, shredded
• 3/4 cup chili sauce or ketchup
• 2 large egg whites
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 lb. ground skinless turkey breast

Makes 6 Servings (1 slice per serving)

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan; add quinoa. Reduce heat and simmer, covered, until quinoa is tender and water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. Remove saucepan from heat; fluff quinoa with fork and let cool slightly.
2. Meanwhile, preheat the oven to 375. Line bottom of 9 x 13-inch baking dish or baking pan with parchment paper.
3. Squeeze zucchini dry and put in large bowl. Stir in 1/4 cup of chili sauce or ketchup, egg whites, onion, parsley, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Add turkey and quinoa; stir until combined well but not overmixed.
4. Transfer turkey mixture to prepared baking dish and shape into 5 x 11-inch loaf. Spread remaining 1/2 cup chili sauce or ketchup on top of loaf.
5. Bake for 50 minutes or until instant-read thermometer inserted into center of loaf registers 165 F. Let stand for 5 minutes. Cut into 6 slices.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. Meatloaf is a wonderful comfort food and it can be good for you with the right ingredients. This meatloaf is gluten free because it uses quinoa instead of bread crumbs. This meatloaf also uses ground turkey breast instead of ground beef. Ground turkey meatloaf is actually delicious plus it's leaner in protein. I highly recommend adding minced garlic to the meatloaf because garlic always makes everything taste better. I also recommend using homemade ketchup in this recipe because it's better for you and you know what's in the ketchup. Don't forget the vegetables with the meatloaf to make your dinner more filling, colorful and delicious.

Super-Easy Spaghetti & Meatballs

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. lean ground beef
• 1/4 cup plain dried bread crumbs
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 large egg
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1  1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 1 1 /2 tsp. salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 12  oz. whole wheat spaghetti
• 1 (24 oz.) jar fat-free tomato sauce
• 1/4 cup chopped basil

Makes 6 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 350 F. Line large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix together beef, bread crumbs, Parmesan, egg, Italian seasoning, and salt in a large bowl until blended well but not over mixed. With damp hands, shape into 30 (1 1/4-inch) meatballs and place on prepared baking sheet. Bake, shaking baking sheet every 5 minutes for even browning, until cooked through, about 15 minutes. Keep warm.
3. Meanwhile, cook spaghetti according to package directions. Drain and keep warm.
4. Heat tomato sauce in large pot over medium-low heat. Add meatballs and spaghetti; toss until coated evenly with sauce. Transfer to  serving bowl and sprinkle with basil.

WW POINTS VALUE: 11 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the WW Family Meals Cookbook. You can have your spaghetti and meatballs and eat them too. This classic Italian comfort food is very easy to prepare and enjoyable to eat. If you  don't have Italian seasoning on hand, use a combination of basil, oregano, and/or parsley and the meatballs will be just as tasty. I highly recommend using homemade Puttanesca Sauce in this recipe because the sauce  ands a touch of zing to a classic comfort food.

Salsa Steak

Ingredients:

• 1-1 1/2 lbs. boneless round steak cut 1/2-inch thick
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil
•  1 1/2 cups sliced fresh mushrooms
• 1 medium green bell pepper, cut into bite-sized strips
• 1 medium onion, sliced
• 1 (8 oz.) can tomato sauce
• 1 (2 1/4 oz.) can sliced pitted riped olives, drained
• 2-3 tsp. chili powder or Italian seasoning

Makes 4-6 Servings

1. Preheat the oven to 350 F. Trim fat from meat. Season both sides of meat with salt and pepper. Cut meat into 4-6 serving-size pieces. In a large skillet, brown the meat in hot oil, turning once. Transfer meat to a 2-quart square baking dish.
2. In the same skillet cook the mushrooms, bell pepper, onion over medium heat for 5-8 minutes or until tender (add more oil if necessary). Stir in tomato sauce, olives (if desired), and seasoning. Cook and stir until bubbly.
3. Pour mushroom mixture over meat in baking dish. Cover and bake about 45 minutes or until meat is tender.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the Sonoma Diet Cookbook. This colorful dinner is flavorful and delicious. This salsa-smothered steak calls for colorful vegetables to be served alongside the steak. This salsa also goes great with pork, chicken, turkey, and even certain kinds of fish. This salsa even tastes great with eggs too. I highly recommend using Italian seasoning in this recipe for a more authentic Italian flare. I highly recommend using minced garlic in this recipe because garlic always makes everything taste better. Sparkling Semisweet is the recommended wine to pair with this dish.

Meatballs with Tomato & Zucchini Medley

Ingredients:

• 1 lb. extra-lean ground beef or ground turkey breast
• 1/4 cup whole wheat bread crumbs
• 1 egg
• 3/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1/2 tsp. dried Italian seasoning
• 6 tbsp. freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 zucchini, halved lengthwise & sliced
• 1 yellow squash, halved lengthwise & sliced
• 1 (16 oz.) can Italian-style cut tomatoes
• 1 ( 16 oz.) crushed tomatoes
• 1/4 cup chopped basil
• sprig basil, for garnish

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a large bowl, combine the beef or turkey, bread crumbs, egg, 1/2 teaspoon of the pepper, Italian seasoning, and 4 tablespoons of the Parmesan. Form into balls the size of walnuts.
2. Spray a large skillet with cooking spray and heat over medium heat. Working in batches, add the meatballs and cook for 15 minutes, or until browned and no longer pink inside. Remove to a bowl, leaving drippings in a skillet. Repeat to cook the remaining meatballs.
3. In the same skillet in warm drippings over medium-high heat, add the onion and garlic and cook for 5 minutes, or until the onion is tender. Stir in the zucchini, yellow squash, cut tomatoes (with juice), crushed tomatoes, the remaining 1/4 teaspoon pepper, the remaining 2 tablespoons Parmesan, and the meatballs. Heat to boiling. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 20 minutes. Stir in the chopped basil. Garnish with basil sprig (optional).

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Cookbook. This is a sophisticated take on a classic Italian comfort food. The meatballs are nice and firm due to the combination of bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, seasonings and egg; those are the keys to making your meatballs flavorful. The sliced zucchini and yellow squash mixed in with the onions, garlic and tomatoes add a sophisticated touch to this dish. You can serve this medley over a plate of whole wheat pasta or serve it on a toasted whole wheat baguette as a meatball sub and it will be delicious. Don't forget the wine!

 

Osso Buco-Style Chicken

Ingredients:

• 1/4 cup brown rice flour or sorghum flour
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves (6 oz. each)
• 1 tbsp. + 1 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2/3 cup gluten-free low-sodium chicken broth
• 1 cup coarsely chopped fresh or canned no-salt-added tomatoes
• 1 tbsp. no-salt-added tomato paste
• 1 1/2 tsp. gluten-free Italian herb seasoning
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 1 tsp. grated lemon zest

Makes 4 Servings

1. Place the flour in a pie plate or shallow bowl. Dredge the chicken in the flour, shaking off any access.
2. In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium-low heat. Add the garlic cloves and cook, turn them as they cook and become golden brown, about 5 minutes. With a slotted spoon, transfer the garlic to a plate and set aside. (leave the heat on).
3. Add the chicken to the pan and brown on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Add the broth, tomatoes, tomato paste, Italian seasoning, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Cover and cook until the chicken is cooked through but still juicy, about 15 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, in small bowl, combine the parsley and lemon zest. Finely chop the garlic and add to the parsley mixture. ( This is the gremolata topping.)
5. Divide the chicken breasts among 4 plates and spoon 1/3 cup of the pan juices around each. Divide evenly, sprinkle with the gremolata.

WW POINTS VALUE: 7 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Gluten-Solutions Cookbook. Osso Buco is a traditional Milanese dish that was first attested in the 19th century near Milan, Italy. Osso Buco means bone with a hole in Italian, a reference to the marrow hole at the center of the cross-cut veal shank. Osso Buco is usually braise with white wine, vegetables, and broth and often garnished with gremolata and served with risotto Milanese. This version of osso buco uses chicken in place of veal and chicken broth in place of the white wine and the meal is delicious. Don't worry if the meal looks a little messy. The end result is a compliment to Italy. You can also use turkey, pork or veal in this recipe and the dish will still be good.

Asparagus & Red Pepper Fritatta with Goat Cheese

Ingredients:

• 3 tsp. extra-virgin olive oil
• 1/2 lb. asparagus, cut into 1/2-inch lengths
• 1 large red bell pepper
• 4 large eggs
• 3 large egg whites
• 1 tsp. dried Italian seasoning or tarragon
• 1/4 tsp. salt
• 1/4 tsp. freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tsp. trans-free margarine
• 3 oz. reduced-fat goat cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. In a 10-inch broilerproof skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of the oil over medium heat. Add the asparagus and bell pepper and cook, stirring, for 1 minute. Cover and cook for 2 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, whisk together the whole eggs, egg whites, tarragon or Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper.
3. Reduce heat to low and add the remaining 2 teaspoons oil and the margarine to the pan. Stir well to melt the margarine and to coat the bottom and sides of the pan with oil. Pour in the egg mixture and dot the top with the goat cheese. Cook, uncovered without stirring, until the eggs are set around the edge and still a little wet in the center, 12-14 minutes.
4. Meanwhile, heat the broiler.
5. Broil the frittata 6 inches from the heat for 2-3 minutes, until the top is just set and the cheese is melted. Cut into 4 wedges and serve hot, warm, at room temperature, or chilled.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 pts.

 

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Super Quick Cookbook. Eggs are a great way to kick-start your new healthy lifestyle. They're full of protein and quickly fill you up. A large wedge or piece of this frittata will leave you full and satisfied for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The vegetables add color to the frittata while the goat cheese adds creaminess. The best part of having a frittata for dinner is any leftovers can be eaten for breakfast or lunch the next day. You can substitute spinach in place of the asparagus if you want leafy vegetables. you can also use any color bell pepper as well and use any kind of cheese and your frittata will still be delicious.

 

Eggplant Parmigiana

Ingredients:

• Cooking spray
• 1/3 cup seasoned breadcrumbs, Italian-style
• 1 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 medium eggplant
• 2 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• 1 1/2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cups shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Coat a 9 X 13-inch baking dish with cooking spray; set aside.
2. Combine bread crumbs, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning and garlic powder in a medium-size bowl; set aside. Remove skin from eggplant and trim off ends; slice eggplant into 1/2-inch-thick slices.
3. Dip eggplant first into egg whites and then into bread crumb mixture. Bake eggplant on a nonstick cookie sheet until lightly browned, about 20 to 25 minutes, flipping once.
4. Place a layer of eggplant on bottom of prepared baking dish, then add 1/3 of tomato sauce and 1/3 of mozzarella cheese. Repeat with 2 more layers in same order. Bake until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling, about 10 minutes more.

WW POINTS VALUE: 4 pts. (4 pieces per serving)

Note: This recipe appears on www.weightwatchers.com. You can make this Italian restaurant classic at home at a fraction of what you pay out and it's much healthier for you since it's baked and not fried. This is a nice alternative to chicken or veal parmigiana if you want a vegetarian version. I highly recommend serving pasta with marinara sauce for an authentic Italian meal along with a glass of red wine of your choice and you'll feel like you're in Italy.

Turkey Parmesan

Ingredients:

• 2 cups low-sugar marinara sauce
• 1/2 cup pine nuts, coarsely chopped
• 1 ounce freshly grated Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
• 1/2 tsp dried Italian seasoning
• 1 lb turkey cutlets, about 1/3-inch thick
• 2 tsp extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 oz. shredded part-skim mozzarella cheese (1/2 cup)
• salt
• freshly ground black pepper

Makes 4 Servings

1. Heat oven to broil. Bring sauce to low simmer in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Remove from heat and cover to keep warm.
2. Stir together pine nuts, Parmesan and Italian seasoning in a wide, shallow dish. Season turkey on both sides with salt and pepper, then dredge both sides in the nut mixture, pressing to adhere.
3. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add turkey and cook until coating is golden brown and juices run clear, about 4 minutes per side. If nuts brown too quickly, reduce heat.
4. Place turkey in a baking pan, top evenly with mozzarella and broil until cheese melts, about 30 seconds.
5. Spoon 1/2 cup of warm sauce on each plate and top each plate with a piece of turkey.

WW POINTS VALUE: 9 pts

Note: This recipe appears in the South Beach Diet Quick & Easy Cookbook. I was craving for a good, quality Italian meal and this dish totally hit the spot! This dish puts a classic twist on the Italian classic Chicken Parmesan. Pine nuts replace traditional bread crumbs giving the meat a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. If you don't have Italian Season on hand, don't worry. You can substitute dried basil, oregano, rosemary or thyme or a combination of all herbs. If you are craving Italian food and you want a restaurant quality meal, this dish is for you. You can serve steamed veggies with this dish if you're on Phase 1 or whole-wheat pasta if you're on Phase 2. not only will your family and friends be impressed with this dish, but I also think Mario Batali and Michael Chiarello  will be impressed as well. 

Chicken Parmigana

Ingredients:

• 4 (4 oz) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, pounded to 1/4" thick
• 2 egg whites
• 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
• 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
• 4 tsp olive oil
• 2 cups tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese

Makes 4 Servings

1.  Preheat the oven  to 350 F. Coat a small oven-proof dish with cooking spray. Brush the chicken on both sides with the egg whites. Mix the breadcrumbs with the seasoning on a plate; dip the chicken in the breadcrumbs and turn to coat.
2. Heat the oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chicken; cook until lightly browned on both sides. Set aside.
3. Add 1 cup tomato sauce to oven-proof dish. Place the chicken on top. Pour remaining sauce over chicken. Sprinkle with cheese. Bake until bubbling, about 15 minutes.

WW POINTS VALUE: 5 per serving

 Note: This recipe appears in the Weight Watchers Kick Start Guide. I had a lot of chicken in my freezer and I had a busy week ahead of me and I wanted to have some healthy chicken dinners for the week. This is a nice and filling dinner with a side of pasta and a glass of wine. Plus, you won't get hungry afterwords and this homemade dinner tastes just  as good as the chicken parm you order in an Italian restaurant.