Chicken Parmesan

This is by far the best Chicken Parmesan I've ever had, but I can't remember where I found it! It's a favorite that my family eats up every time.

Tomato Sauce:

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 small yellow onion, chopped (1/2 cup)

2-3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

salt to taste

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/4 cup chopped basil leaves

Chicken:

cooking spray

4-6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut in half

salt to taste

2 large egg whites

8 tablespoons dry Italian bread crumbs

3 tablespoons grated Parmesan

5 tablespoons all-purpose flour

4-5 teaspoons olive oil

1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese

Your favorite whole wheat pasta

TOMATO SAUCE:

Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and cook until softened and lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 to 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes; bring to a boil. Reduce the heat and simmer, covered until the flavors are blended and the sauce begins to thicken slightly, about 10 minutes. Remove from heat; stir in basil.

CHICKEN:

1. Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Spray 9x13-inch baking dish with cooking spray. Sprinkle the cutlets with the salt. Lightly beat the egg whites in a medium bowl. Combine the bread crumbs and Parmesan on sheet of waxed paper. Spread the flour on another sheet of waxed paper. Working with 1 piece of chicken at a time, dip in egg, then flour, egg again, then press both sides into the breading to coat.

2. Heat the oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken (in batches, if necessary) and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes. Transfer the chicken, in 1 layer, to the baking dish. Spoon the sauce over the chicken then sprinkle with the cheese. Bake, covered loosely with a tent of foil, until the cheese is melted and the sauce is bubbly, about 12-15 minutes.

3. While chicken is cooking in oven, cook your favorite pasta according to package directions.

4. Put pasta on a plate and spoon sauce and chicken over top.