Weight Watchers-Friendly Chicken Parm Stuffed Zucchini
Ingredients
- 4 medium zucchini: 0 points
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: 5 points
- 1 lb ground chicken: 6 points
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning: 0 points
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: 0 points
- 1 1/2 cups marinara sauce: 3 points
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese: 7 points
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese: 3 points
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs: 4 points
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper: 0 points
Total Points for the Entire Recipe: 28 points
Points per Serving (4 servings): 7 points
Points per Serving (6 servings): 4.6 points
Preparation
- Preheat Oven:
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Prepare Zucchini:
- Slice ends from zucchini, then cut zucchini in half lengthwise.
- Scoop out the center flesh with a spoon, chop the flesh, and set aside.
- Arrange zucchini halves in a baking dish or on a rimmed baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and bake for 20 minutes.
- Cook Chicken Mixture:
- While zucchini bakes, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add ground chicken and cook, breaking up the meat with a wooden spoon, until browned, about 10 minutes.
- Add Italian seasoning, minced garlic, and chopped zucchini flesh. Season with salt and pepper, and continue cooking for 3-4 more minutes.
- Stir in 1/2 cup marinara sauce.
- Stuff Zucchini:
- Spoon chicken mixture evenly into zucchini halves.
- Spoon remaining marinara sauce over the top.
- Top with shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese. Sprinkle with breadcrumbs.
- Bake:
- Bake until cheese is bubbly and lightly golden, about 15 minutes.
- Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips:
- Lighten the Recipe: Use a lower-fat cheese or reduced-fat marinara sauce to cut down on points.
- Breadcrumbs: You can use whole wheat or Panko breadcrumbs for a different texture or slightly lower points.
- Chicken Substitutes: For an even leaner option, use ground turkey.
Benefits:
- Low-Carb: Zucchini provides a low-carb base, making this dish suitable for various dietary plans.
- High in Protein: Ground chicken adds protein, helping keep you full.
- Vegetable-Rich: Zucchini and marinara sauce provide a good serving of vegetables.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings):
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Protein: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 15g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugars: 7g
These Chicken Parm Stuffed Zucchini boats offer a delicious, satisfying, and Weight Watchers-friendly meal option!