This One Pot Pizzaiola Hen Is Weeknight Staple

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

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

Why it is best to attempt Pizzaiola Hen?

Should you’re craving basic Italian consolation meals however wish to maintain it mild, 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 hen, simmer it in marinara, and end with cheese, all in the identical pan. It’s prepared in beneath half-hour, making it a weeknight lifesaver.
• With solely 3 Weight Watchers factors coming from the modest slice of mozzarella, this recipe permits you to benefit from the flavors of pizza whereas staying on observe. It’s the proper approach to fulfill these cravings with out overstepping your targets.
• It’s simple to customise and reheats superbly—best for leftovers or a next-day meal.

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Prepare dinner Time: half-hour

Complete Time: 40 minutes

Servings: 4

Portion Measurement: 1 hen breast with sauce and toppings

3 WW Factors Per Serving. You may view the recipe on the WW App right here. (WW login required.) 

Components:

• 4 boneless, skinless hen breasts (about 680 g complete)
• 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 complete)
• 6–8 contemporary basil leaves
•  2 cups marinara sauce, no added sugar (500 ml)

Directions:

1. Put together the Hen: Pat the hen 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 hen breasts to season them completely.
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 sizzling, add the hen breasts and sear for 3–4 minutes on either side till golden brown. This step enhances taste and texture. Take away the hen 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 hen breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce. Cowl the pan with a lid and scale back the warmth to low. Let the hen simmer within the sauce for 20 minutes, flipping midway by way of, till absolutely cooked. The interior temperature ought to attain 165°F (74°C). 
5. Add the Ultimate Touches: As soon as the hen is cooked, place one slice of mozzarella cheese on prime 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 contemporary basil leaves over the hen for a contemporary, fragrant end.

Variations and Substitutions

Whereas the unique recipe is ideal by itself, there are a couple of 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 an enormous distinction.
2. For an additional punch of protein, layer a slice of lean smoked turkey ham beneath the mozzarella. It provides a smoky taste that pairs superbly with the marinara and basil.
3. Sprinkle a little bit of grated Parmesan on prime earlier than serving in the event you’ve bought some factors to spare. The umami taste of Parmesan elevates the dish even additional.

Suggestions 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 when you’ve got the time. A great sauce actually makes this dish!
2. Sluggish Prepare dinner: If time permits, simmer the hen slowly within the marinara sauce or prepare dinner it in a gradual cooker. The hen will absorb the sauce’s flavors and grow to be much more tender.
3. Tastes even higher the following 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 hen and use it as a filling for wraps, sandwiches, and even zucchini boats. It’s a flexible approach to benefit from the dish in numerous codecs.