As a kid, my mom used to tell me stories about big Italian Sunday Suppers with her father’s family – giant pots of red sauce simmering all day, fresh pastas, breaded chicken cutlets, and crusty bread. Sadly [for me], I have never experienced the big Italian feasts my mom did as a girl, but my grandmother used to make day long sauces (p.s. always better the next day!) that we would frequently enjoy over chicken parmesan.
My grandmother wasn’t the biggest ‘chef’ you would meet, but her sauces bring such wonderful, comforting memories to me. My grandma also had her quirks (makes for better stories, right?) but had a good heart, and would volunteer for the Meals on Wheels in her neighborhood; delivering meals to seniors in need. Nowadays, I try and make my grandmother’s sauce with a few of my own favorite ingredients; including a good red wine.
I like to make a big batch to freeze. That way, when I am craving something comforting, I have a bit readily on hand, at any given time. I especially love to add this sauce to a good, crusty, baguette with shredded chicken to make a perfectly, pressed chicken parmesan panini – it’s the best of both worlds! A classic red sauce, turned into a sandwich, which just happens to be my second favorite comfort food (yes, all the sandwiches are my fave. thankyouverymuch).
pinning and stumbling! love this! and great pics!
Thanks, Jennifer! xoxo
Chicken parm is one of my fave sandwiches. I never thought about making a panini out of it! YUM!!
Chicken parm is one of my f ave sandwiches. I never thought about making a panini out of it! YUM!!
this looks like a fabulous lunch, and pasta made with some excellent wine is always a bonus! 🙂
Yuuuuuummmmmm! Yes, please!
This looks absolutely amazing! We are having grinders for dinner tonight, but now I really want to make them into paninis! I think that was the one mistake on our wedding registry… no panini press!!!
Hahaha, yes! I love our panini press, but prior to buying one I used the George Foreman 🙂
Your sauce AND your sammich look fantastic!
Thanks, Dorothy!
YUM!!!!! my hubby would love this!
Love that you used shredded chicken versus fried. Sounds amazing! And my grandma was quirky too!
Yea, I love the standard chicken parm (breaded), but I didn’t want a heavy sandwich!
I love that you have turned family memories into a dreamy comfort food for everyone to share. It’s kind of like a giant Italian family gathering…even though we are in different kitchens!
I love that you said that, Betsy! A giant, virtual Family Sunday Supper? So true!
My mouth is watering!! YUM, this looks sooo good! Don’t grandmothers make the best food?! I don’t think I’ll ever be able to make banana bread quite the same way mine does 🙂
This needs to get in my face! Yum! I love Pinot so it sounds like a good pairing!
Well this is just mouth watering good!! Thanks for sharing this – I need a panini in my future soon!
I use my waffle iron to make “panini” this will taste great for lunch!
A chicken parm sandwich sounds seriously amazing. I would be doing lots of dunking!
I saw this on IG and immediately wanted it haha.
I’m so hungry right now and this looks so good! Wish I had it for dinner 🙂
I may have had a leftover for breakfast, Marion 🙂
Chicken parm AND a sandwich?! Two great comfort foods in one!
You can never go wrong, Shaina! I know you’re a vegetarian but I bet an Eggplant Parm Panini would be just as good. Actually, I think I need to make one now!
Chicken parmesan is my all-time favorite. Love this panini.
Thanks, Jenny!
This is such a great idea! I’ve pretty much made everything into a panini before but not Chicken Parm! Brilliant!
I feel like I should start a separate blog dedicated to all things panini. Or all sandwiches, since I love em’ all!
Fantastic! I need to attempt a homemade sauce. A sandwich may just be the motivation that I need.
This sauce is so easy, my friend! Do ittttt (and invite me over for anything you’re making with it!)
Oh yum. I love chicken parmesan sandwiches and a a panini is just brilliant. I also make a mean sawce. 😉
Hahaha, “sawce”! Yes!
This is such a fun idea. My kids will love this panini!!
I hope so, Isabel! I think it’s a good post football meal for them 🙂
Oh my gosh! I love sandwiches and chicken parm. What a great idea!
Thanks, Jennifer!
Ohhh homemade sauce…how I love it! Yours looks ridiculously amazing, and that sandwich looks crunchy, melty, and perfect!!!
Thanks, Katie! Yes, crunchy, and melty always make for a good ANYthing 🙂
Oooh, your panini looks outrageously delicious! And your grandmother sounds like terrific role model, quirks and all 🙂
She really was! Thanks, Liz 🙂
What great memories of your grandmother and her sauce too. It certainly is a wonderful thing to share with friends, family, and those in need.
It is always a hit when I make it for friends, and family!