Tip: Always look for thinly sliced chicken breast when making Grilled Chicken Parmesan. The thin chicken breast is more tender and cooks faster and evenly. Ask the butcher to slice in half if possible.

Tips:

Cremini mushrooms are also often called baby Portobello mushrooms. You can also substitute white button mushrooms.

Microwaving the eggplant eliminates the often tedious task of salting and draining it before cooking, without any added salt.

For a heartier main dish, add 2 pounds diced cooked chicken with the pasta sauce.

Tip: Substitute a dry red wine like Chianti or cabernet for the broth.

Tips: Substitute any of your favorite greens, like chopped rapini, Swiss chard or spinach for the kale mix.

Bowl toppings can be varied based on your families’ tastes. Other toppings that would work include: marinated quartered artichoke hearts, sliced olives, roasted red pepper strips, meatballs, roasted garlic cloves, shredded Parmesan or mozzarella cheese and chopped fresh basil.

For a shortcut, use a store-bought rotisserie chicken. An average sized chicken yields about 3 cups of meat.

Tips:
Use a small ice cream scoop to easily make evenly sized meatballs.
Moisten hands with water while rolling meatballs to avoid sticking.
Serve topped with additional Parmesan cheese and chopped parsley.

Tip: Place a pan of hot water in the oven on the bottom rack to prevent the meatloaf from cracking.

*Use sliced pepperoni, turkey pepperoni, mushrooms, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes and/or pitted ripe olives.