This One Pot Pizzaiola Hen Is Weeknight Staple

This Pizzaiola Hen delivers all of your favourite flavors of pizza—melty mozzarella, tangy marinara, and recent basil—with solely 3 Weight Watchers factors. This completely cooked rooster breast is straightforward to make and irresistibly satisfying. 

Effectively-seasoned rooster is seared till golden and simmered in a no-sugar-added marinara sauce to absorb all the flavour. End it off with a recent basil garnish and a slice of low-fat mozzarella melted on high. It’s one in every of our favourite WW dinner recipes! 

Why it is best to attempt Pizzaiola Hen?

In case you’re craving basic Italian consolation meals however need to maintain it gentle, this dish is your reply. It’s excellent for pizza lovers who’re watching their factors however nonetheless need all of the flavors they adore.

• This recipe is a one-pot marvel—sear the rooster, simmer it in marinara, and end with cheese, all in the identical pan. It’s prepared in underneath half-hour, making it a weeknight lifesaver.
• With solely 3 Weight Watchers factors coming from the modest slice of mozzarella, this recipe helps you to benefit from the flavors of pizza whereas staying on observe. It’s the proper method to fulfill these cravings with out overstepping your targets.
• It’s simple to customise and reheats superbly—ideally suited for leftovers or a next-day meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Prepare dinner Time: half-hour

Whole Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Portion Dimension: 1 rooster breast with sauce and toppings

3 WW Factors Per Serving. You’ll be able to view the recipe on the WW App right here. (WW login required.) 

Elements:

• 4 boneless, skinless rooster breasts (about 680 g whole)
• 1 tsp oil (5 ml)
• 1 tsp salt (5 g)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (2.5 g)
• 1/2 tsp dried oregano (1 g)
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed (9 g)
• 4 slices low-fat mozzarella cheese (about 120 g whole)
• 6–8 recent basil leaves
•  2 cups marinara sauce, no added sugar (500 ml)

Directions:

1. Put together the Hen: Pat the rooster breasts dry with a paper towel. In a small bowl, mix the salt, black pepper, oregano, and crushed garlic. Rub this combination evenly over all sides of the rooster breasts to season them totally.
2. Sear the Hen: Warmth 1 teaspoon of oil in a big skillet or braising pan over medium-high warmth. As soon as the oil is scorching, add the rooster breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on all sides till golden brown. This step enhances taste and texture. Take away the rooster and put aside on a plate.
3. Add the Marinara Sauce: In the identical pan, pour the marinara sauce, stirring to include any browned bits from the underside of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for two–3 minutes to develop its taste.
4. Prepare dinner the Hen within the Sauce: Return the seared rooster breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cowl the pan with a lid and cut back the warmth to low. Let the rooster simmer within the sauce for 20 minutes, flipping midway by means of, till absolutely cooked. The interior temperature ought to attain 165°F (74°C). 
5. Add the Last Touches: As soon as the rooster is cooked, place one slice of mozzarella cheese on high of every breast. Cowl the pan once more and let it sit for two–3 minutes, permitting the cheese to soften completely.
6. Garnish with Basil: Take away the lid and scatter recent basil leaves over the rooster for a recent, fragrant end.

Variations and Substitutions

Whereas the unique recipe is ideal by itself, there are just a few variations you’ll be able to attempt to add much more taste:

1. Stir a teaspoon of pesto into the marinara sauce for an additional layer of Italian goodness. It’s a small addition that makes a giant distinction.
2. For an additional punch of protein, layer a slice of lean smoked turkey ham underneath the mozzarella. It provides a smoky taste that pairs superbly with the marinara and basil.
3. Sprinkle a little bit of grated Parmesan on high earlier than serving if you happen to’ve acquired some factors to spare. The umami taste of Parmesan elevates the dish even additional.

Ideas and Tips for Excellent Pizzaiola Hen:

1. Select a High quality Marinara Sauce: The marinara sauce is the center of this recipe. Go for a high-quality, no-sugar-added sauce, or make your individual if in case you have the time. A great sauce actually makes this dish!
2. Sluggish Prepare dinner: If time permits, simmer the rooster slowly within the marinara sauce or cook dinner it in a sluggish cooker. The rooster will absorb the sauce’s flavors and grow to be much more tender.
3. Tastes even higher the subsequent day. Retailer it within the fridge, and let the flavors meld in a single day for an much more scrumptious meal.
4. Shred the cooked rooster and use it as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, and even zucchini boats. It’s a flexible method to benefit from the dish in numerous codecs.