Ingredients

  • Pasta Sauce
  • 1 -2 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (18 ounce) cans tomato paste
  • 108 ounces water (fill one of the empty tomato paste cans with water 6 times)
  • 2 large bay leaves
  • 1 -2 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped fine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped fine
  • 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped fine
  • 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup granulated sugar (can use more or less depending on how sweet you like your sauce. I actually use at least 1/2 cup)
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • 1 cup pepperoni, sliced (optional)
  • Chicken Parmigiana
  • 5 boneless skinless chicken breasts, cutlets
  • 2 eggs, slightly beaten
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/8 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
  • 1 cup fine dry Italian seasoned breadcrumbs
  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 3 cups homemade pasta sauce
  • 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
  • 8 ounces provolone cheese, sliced

Method

  • Pasta Sauce:
  • In dutch oven or large saucepot, heat olive oil over medium heat for about 1-2 minutes.
  • Add chopped onion and garlic cloves; saute till softened, about 5 minutes (if using pepperoni slices, add here).
  • Add tomato paste and 6 cans of water, which equals the 108 ounces of water (basically the rule is for every can of tomato paste, you add 3 cups of water).
  • Bring to a boil and stir until all the tomato paste is dissolved; meanwhile add bay leaves, parsley, oregano, basil, black pepper, red pepper flakes (if using), garlic powder, sugar and parmesan cheese.
  • Once the sauce has come to a boil, let simmer, uncovered, over medium to medium-low heat, for 3-4 hours or until thickened.
  • Prepare chicken parmigiana:
  • Combine eggs, salt and pepper in bowl; place bread crumbs in another bowl.
  • Dip chicken into egg mixture, then into bread crumbs.
  • Heat oil until very hot and brown chicken on both sides.
  • Remove chicken to shallow baking dish and pour excess oil from pan.
  • Pour sauce over chicken and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
  • Cover and bake 30 minutes at 350 degrees F.
  • Uncover and place provolone slices on top of chicken and bake 10 minutes more or until cheese is bubbly.
  • Serve with a side of angel hair pasta topped with the spaghetti sauce.