Italian Baked Chicken with Don Pepino Pizza Sauce

There are some nights during the school year when dinner needs to be easy.

Not takeout because everyone is starving and Mom is exhausted easy—although, let’s be honest, we’ve all had those nights.

I’m talking about the kind of easy dinner that gets everyone into the kitchen, gives the kids something they can actually help with, and still puts a homemade meal on the table before the evening gets away from us.

That’s exactly where this Italian Baked Chicken with Roasted Asparagus comes in.

With school, activities, homework, practices, and all the little things that seem to fill up a weekday evening, I love having meals that don’t require a complicated recipe or a sink full of dishes. This one is especially nice because my kids can help with so many parts of it.

One can trim the asparagus. Another can mix the seasonings. Someone can grate the Parmesan or tear up the fresh basil. And, of course, there’s always someone willing to help sprinkle the cheese—which may or may not mean a little extra cheese ends up on the chicken!

Italian Baked Chicken with Roasted Asparagus

Tender chicken breasts are seasoned with Italian herbs and garlic, baked until juicy, then topped with pizza sauce, Parmesan, mozzarella, and fresh basil. Served over roasted asparagus, this is an easy low-carb weeknight dinner that the whole family can help prepare. For those who want a heartier meal, simply serve it over your favorite pasta.

 

Ingredients

For the Chicken

5 lbs chicken tenders

3 tsp Italian seasoning

6 garlic cloves, minced

3 tsp salt

2 tsp ground black pepper

Olive oil spray

¼ cup fresh basil, chopped

 

For the Topping

1 (14.5-ounce) can Don Pepino pizza sauce

⅓ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

1 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella

 

For the Asparagus

2 bunches asparagus, trimmed

Olive oil

Salt and pepper

 

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. In a small bowl, combine the Italian seasoning, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.

1. Place the chicken tenders on a baking sheet lined with foil or parchment paper. Arrange the tenders in a single layer and spray lightly with olive oil. Sprinkle the seasoning mixture evenly over the chicken.
2. Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
3. While the chicken is baking, prepare the asparagus. Trim the ends and arrange the asparagus on a separate baking sheet. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Roast at 400°F until tender and lightly browned, about 15–20 minutes.

1. Remove the chicken from the oven and spoon the pizza sauce evenly over the chicken tenders.
2. Mix the Parmesan and mozzarella together and sprinkle over the sauce.
3. Turn the oven to broil and return the chicken to the oven for 3–5 minutes, watching carefully, until the cheese is melted and lightly browned.

1. Remove from the oven and sprinkle generously with the fresh chopped basil.
2. Serve 2–3 chicken tenders over roasted asparagus. For a higher-carb option, serve alongside or over your favorite pasta.