Skip to content

Top Navigation

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Healthy Recipes
  • Special Diets
  • Diabetes
  • Healthy Meal Plans
  • Healthy Eating
  • Healthy Lifestyle
  • Healthy Cooking
  • Shop
  • News
  • Videos
Log In Account Details

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Pin FB

Explore EatingWell

EatingWell EatingWell
  • Explore

    Explore

    • 10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      10 Food Trends That Will Be Everywhere This Summer

      Here are the popular flavors we think will be big this year, plus recipes to try these trends at home. Read More
    • 22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      22 Vegetarian Lunches You Can Make in 10 Minutes

      When you're short on time, you can still make a quick, healthy lunch that will help you power through the afternoon. Whether you prefer a simple grain bowl with lots of veggies, a slice of loaded avocado toast or a delish salad, there's something for you in this mix. You need just 10 minutes in the kitchen to pull together recipes like our Egg Tartine and Chickpea Salad Sandwich. Read More
    • What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      What Is Taperakia? For These Greek Moms, Sending Meals to Their Kids is an Act of Love

      Learn about the Greek practice of shipping adult children Tupperware containers of food, plus get their recipes to make at home. Read More
  • Healthy Recipes

    Healthy Recipes

    See All Healthy Recipes
    • Healthy Breakfast & Brunch Recipes
    • Healthy Lunch Recipes
    • Healthy Dinner Recipes
    • Healthy Snack Recipes
    • Healthy Dessert Recipes
    • Healthy Soup Recipes
    • Healthy Salad Recipes
    • Healthy Smoothie Recipes
    • Healthy Quick & Easy Recipes
    • Healthy Slow-Cooker & Crockpot Recipes
    • Healthy Kids Recipes
    • Healthy Holiday Recipes
    • Healthy Vegan Recipes
    • Healthy Vegetarian Recipes
    • Healthy Mediterranean Diet Recipes
    • Healthy Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Healthy Low-Calorie Recipes
    • Healthy Weight Loss & Diet Recipes
    • More Lifestyle Diet Recipes
    • More Health Condition Recipes
    • More Dietary Restriction Recipes
    • More Nutrient Focused Recipes
  • Special Diets

    Special Diets

    See All Special Diets
    • Clean Eating Diet Center
    • Mediterranean Diet Center
    • Low-Carb Diet Center
    • Weight Loss Center
    • Dairy-Free Diet Center
    • Gluten-Free Diet Center
    • High-Fiber Diet Center
    • Vegan Diet Center
    • Vegetarian Diet Center
    • Heart-Healthy Diet Center
    • Cholesterol Diet Center
    • Diabetes Diet Center
    • High Blood Pressure Diet Center
    • Low Sodium Diet Center
    • Healthy Aging Diet Center
    • Pregnancy Diet Center
  • Diabetes

    Diabetes

    See All Diabetes
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Diabetes-Friendly Recipes
    • Diabetes Diet Center
  • Healthy Meal Plans

    Healthy Meal Plans

    See All Healthy Meal Plans
    • Meal Planning 101
    • Dinner Plans
    • Clean Eating Meal Plans
    • Mediterranean Diet Meal Plans
    • Low-Carb Meal Plans
    • Weight-Loss Meal Plans
    • Dairy-Free Meal Plans
    • Gluten-Free Meal Plans
    • High-Fiber Meal Plans
    • Vegan Meal Plans
    • Vegetarian Meal Plans
    • Heart-Healthy Meal Plans
    • Low Cholesterol Meal Plans
    • Meal Plans for Diabetes
    • Blood Pressure Meal Plans
    • Low Sodium Meal Plans
    • Anti-Aging Meal Plans
    • Pregnancy Meal Plans
    • Healthy Kids Meal Plans
    • ThePrep
  • Healthy Eating

    Healthy Eating

    See All Healthy Eating
    • Healthy Eating 101
    • Eat More Vegetables
    • 30-Day Challenges
    • Good Food Fast
    • Healthy Eating for Kids
    • Best Healthy Foods
    • Green and Sustainable Eating
    • The Beet
    • Transformed
  • Healthy Lifestyle

    Healthy Lifestyle

    See All Healthy Lifestyle
    • Wine, Beer & Spirits Guide
    • Entertaining
    • EatingWell in Real Life
    • Plant Your Plate
    • Healthy Pets
    • American Food Heroes
    • Future of Food
    • Food with Purpose
    • Obsessed
  • Healthy Cooking

    Healthy Cooking

    See All Healthy Cooking
    • Healthy Cooking How-To's
    • Ask the Test Kitchen
    • Budget Cooking Guide
    • Thrifty
    • Heritage Cooking
  • Shop

    Shop

    See All Shop
    • EatingWell Cookbooks & More
    • EatingWell Frozen Meals
  • News
  • Videos

Profile Menu

Join Now

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Your Account

Account

  • Join Now
  • My Profile
  • Email Preferences
  • Favorites
  • Newsletters
  • Manage Your Subscription this link opens in a new tab
  • Help
  • Logout
Login
Sweepstakes

Follow Us

  1. Home
  2. Healthy Recipes
  3. Healthy Ingredient Recipes
  4. 19 Healthy Recipes Every Parmesan Cheese Lover Needs to Make

19 Healthy Recipes Every Parmesan Cheese Lover Needs to Make

A Portrait of Jessica Ball, M.S., RD
Jessica Ball, M.S., RD Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
Reviewed by Dietitian Lisa Valente, M.S., RD
Skip gallery slides
Pin
panko parm scallops

Parmesan cheese makes everything better. It's rich, bold, nutty flavor is cheesy perfection. Try our healthy Parmesan-packed dishes like baked Eggplant Parmesan, Skillet Chicken Parmesan, Baked Parmesan Zucchini Curly Fries, Panko-Parmesan Crusted Baked Scallops and more. We have pulled together our favorite cheesy recipes that are sure to satisfy even the most hard-core Parmesan lover.

Start Slideshow

1 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Panko- & Parmesan-Crusted Baked Scallops

<p>These easy baked scallops have a delightful balance of crunchy, golden-brown topping and tender, sweet scallops. They feel decadent like scallops should, thanks to the tasty lemon-butter sauce. Look for uniform scallops; if they're particularly large, you might need to bake them for more than 10 minutes.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

These easy baked scallops have a delightful balance of crunchy, golden-brown topping and tender, sweet scallops. They feel decadent like scallops should, thanks to the tasty lemon-butter sauce. Look for uniform scallops; if they're particularly large, you might need to bake them for more than 10 minutes.

1 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement

2 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Parmesan Zucchini Curly Fries

<p>This healthy recipe combines two bar food favorites—fried zucchini and curly fries—into one tempting package. Serve these baked zucchini fries with a simple dipping sauce made with ranch dressing and marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a side dish for burgers, chicken or pizza. No matter what you serve them with, they're a fun way to eat more vegetables for kids and adults alike.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy recipe combines two bar food favorites—fried zucchini and curly fries—into one tempting package. Serve these baked zucchini fries with a simple dipping sauce made with ranch dressing and marinara sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or a side dish for burgers, chicken or pizza. No matter what you serve them with, they're a fun way to eat more vegetables for kids and adults alike.

2 of 19

3 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan

<p>This lighter take on eggplant parmesan maintains all the flavors of the classic dish but is baked instead of fried. There are also 11 grams of filling protein in this hearty vegetarian side dish.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This lighter take on eggplant parmesan maintains all the flavors of the classic dish but is baked instead of fried. There are also 11 grams of filling protein in this hearty vegetarian side dish.

3 of 19

Advertisement

4 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan

Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

For a nutrient-packed twist, this healthy Caesar salad features spinach and kale in addition to romaine. But it's the Parmesan crisps that make this salad holiday-worthy. Serve it for Thanksgiving or any other special meal.

4 of 19

5 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken Parmesan-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash

<p>This filling, hearty stuffed spaghetti squash is a lower-carb version of your traditional chicken Parmesan with pasta. This chicken Parmesan recipe is still full of cheesy goodness, but has the added benefit of sweet winter squash. If you can't find two small squashes, use one (3-pound) squash and cut each half into two portions when ready to serve.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This filling, hearty stuffed spaghetti squash is a lower-carb version of your traditional chicken Parmesan with pasta. This chicken Parmesan recipe is still full of cheesy goodness, but has the added benefit of sweet winter squash. If you can't find two small squashes, use one (3-pound) squash and cut each half into two portions when ready to serve.

5 of 19

6 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Baked Spiralized Butternut Squash Fries

Baked Spiralized Butternut Squash Fries
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet spiralized butternut squash is encased in a salty, extra-crunchy exterior for a serving of slightly sweet curly fries. You can pair these baked butternut squash shoestring fries with any protein of your choice, but we're partial to grilled fish or chicken. Look for pre-spiralized squash in the refrigerated produce section.

6 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

7 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Easy Stuffed Mushrooms

7032138.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This healthy stuffed mushroom appetizer is a nice balance of soft mushrooms, creamy filling and crunchy topping. This combination tastes downright decadent, but it's actually good for you. Be sure to get all of the moisture out of the chopped mushrooms before moving on to the next step; if not, the filling will be soggy and make the mushroom caps watery.

7 of 19

8 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Chicken Parmesan

6149747.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

If you can't find cutlets for this easy chicken Parmesan recipe at your supermarket, place a boneless, skinless breast flat on a cutting board, hold it steady with your palm and, using a sharp knife, slice the breast horizontally into two thin pieces.

8 of 19

9 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Spiralized Onions with Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Spiralized Onions with Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumbs
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

You may not have considered onions as candidates for the spiralizer, but you should. They create beautiful ribbons that make this recipe reminiscent of fried shoestring onions. And because this onion ring-inspired recipe is baked rather than fried, they're really easy to make. Serve them as a side with burgers or as a crunchy healthy snack for game night.

9 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

10 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Slow-Cooker Cheesy Rice with Broccoli

7115255.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This dish is sure to be a kid favorite that adults will crave, too. Broccoli and cheese is a classic pairing for a reason, and when served with rice and umami-rich mushrooms, the combo is even more comforting. Garnish with shaved Parmesan and additional kosher salt and black pepper, if desired.

10 of 19

11 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan

<p>Sweet balsamic vinegar and nutty Parmesan cheese complement roasted green beans and shallots in this easy and healthy side dish. Roasting the green beans gives them a sweet, caramelized flavor while they still retain some bite. Serve with chicken, fish, pork—you name it. These green beans are also a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving meal.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Sweet balsamic vinegar and nutty Parmesan cheese complement roasted green beans and shallots in this easy and healthy side dish. Roasting the green beans gives them a sweet, caramelized flavor while they still retain some bite. Serve with chicken, fish, pork—you name it. These green beans are also a wonderful addition to your Thanksgiving meal.

11 of 19

12 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan

Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This riff on classic chicken Parmesan replaces the usual marinara with a luscious lemony cream sauce. We've lightened it up by using half-and-half instead of cream, with just-as-delicious results. Serve this lemony chicken dinner with whole-wheat pasta or brown rice.

12 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

13 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Zucchini Parmesan

<p>Nothing goes to waste in this twist on eggplant Parmesan, as the scooped-out zucchini flesh gets mixed into the meat sauce. Use long, straight zucchini for this dish, which are easier to hollow out for stuffing.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Nothing goes to waste in this twist on eggplant Parmesan, as the scooped-out zucchini flesh gets mixed into the meat sauce. Use long, straight zucchini for this dish, which are easier to hollow out for stuffing.

13 of 19

14 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Broiled Fennel with Parmesan Cheese

6536301.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

The nutty saltiness of Parmesan cheese is an excellent match for the sweet, delicate licorice flavor of fennel in this quick and easy side dish recipe.

14 of 19

15 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Crunchy Zucchini and Tomato

5458798.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

Zucchini and tomato slices are sprinkled with a tasty panko bread crumb mixture, and then broiled until crisp. This side dish is quick to make and pairs well with any protein.

15 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

16 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta

One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This chicken Parmesan pasta uses the one-pot pasta method to cook your noodles, chicken and sauce all in one skillet for a fast and easy dinner with minimal cleanup. Finish the dish under the broiler to achieve a delicious melted cheese crust.

16 of 19

17 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Skillet Chicken Parm

Skillet Chicken Parm
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

We skipped breading in this healthy one-dish chicken Parm recipe to save time. There's still plenty of gooey cheese, and the garlic, pepper flakes and oregano lend big flavor. Serve with pasta or in a hoagie roll with the sauce (there's lots of it) spooned on top. In sandwich form, it's easily wrapped in foil and eaten on the go.

17 of 19

18 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan

<p>This one-pan pasta that combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a one-bowl meal is garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it "Mom's Skillet Pasta" and she called it "Devon's Favorite Pasta." Either way it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It's a simple dinner the whole family will love.</p>
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

This one-pan pasta that combines lean chicken breast and sautéed spinach for a one-bowl meal is garlicky, lemony and best served with a little Parm on top. I call it "Mom's Skillet Pasta" and she called it "Devon's Favorite Pasta." Either way it's a quick and easy weeknight dinner we created together and scribbled on a little recipe card more than a decade ago, and it remains in my weekly dinner rotation to this day. It's a simple dinner the whole family will love.

18 of 19

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement

19 of 19

Pin
Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message

Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

4969975.jpg
View Recipe this link opens in a new tab

A rich and creamy sauce coats chicken breasts in this quick and comforting dinner. If you don't have chicken cutlets (thin-sliced boneless chicken breast) on hand, you can make your own by slicing two 8-ounce chicken breasts in half horizontally.

19 of 19

Replay gallery

Share the Gallery

Pinterest Facebook

Up Next

By Jessica Ball, M.S., RD

    Share the Gallery

    Pinterest Facebook
    Trending Videos
    Advertisement
    Skip slide summaries

    Everything in This Slideshow

    Advertisement

    View All

    1 of 19 Panko- & Parmesan-Crusted Baked Scallops
    2 of 19 Baked Parmesan Zucchini Curly Fries
    3 of 19 EatingWell's Eggplant Parmesan
    4 of 19 Best Caesar Salad with Crispy Parmesan
    5 of 19 Chicken Parmesan-Stuffed Spaghetti Squash
    6 of 19 Baked Spiralized Butternut Squash Fries
    7 of 19 Easy Stuffed Mushrooms
    8 of 19 Skillet Chicken Parmesan
    9 of 19 Spiralized Onions with Crispy Parmesan Breadcrumbs
    10 of 19 Slow-Cooker Cheesy Rice with Broccoli
    11 of 19 Balsamic-Roasted Green Beans with Parmesan
    12 of 19 Creamy Lemon Chicken Parmesan
    13 of 19 Zucchini Parmesan
    14 of 19 Broiled Fennel with Parmesan Cheese
    15 of 19 Crunchy Zucchini and Tomato
    16 of 19 One-Pan Chicken Parmesan Pasta
    17 of 19 Skillet Chicken Parm
    18 of 19 Chicken & Spinach Skillet Pasta with Lemon & Parmesan
    19 of 19 Creamy Parmesan Garlic Mushroom Chicken

    Share & More

    Facebook Tweet Email Send Text Message
    EatingWell

    Magazines & More

    Learn More

    • About Us
    • Contact Us
    • Advertise
    • Content Licensing
    • Recipe Index
    • Jobs
    • Accolades this link opens in a new tab

    Connect

    Follow Us
    Subscribe to Our Newsletters
    Sign Up
    Meredith© 2022 EatingWell.com is part of the Allrecipes Food Group. EatingWell may receive compensation for some links to products and services on this website. Offers may be subject to change without notice. All Right Reserved. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Privacy Policythis link opens in a new tab Ad Choicesthis link opens in a new tab Terms of Servicethis link opens in a new tab California Do Not Sellthis link opens a modal window Web Accessibilitythis link opens in a new tab
    © Copyright EatingWell. All rights reserved. Printed from https://www.eatingwell.com

    Sign in

    View image

    19 Healthy Recipes Every Parmesan Cheese Lover Needs to Make
    this link is to an external site that may or may not meet accessibility guidelines.