Place the eggs in a bowl and whisk with salt and pepper. Place the bread crumbs on a large plate. Dip the chicken in the egg and then dredge in the bread crumbs. Re-dip in the egg a second time and then dredge in the bread crumbs again.

In a large, heavy skillet, heat the olive oil over moderate heat. Brown the double-dipped chicken in the hot oil for 3 to 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and drain on paper towels. The chicken can be made up to this point a day ahead of time. Wrap the chicken in aluminum foil and refrigerate.

Simmer the tomato sauce until hot. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.

Pour about 2 cups of the sauce in the bottom of a large gratin dish or large ovenproof, glass baking dish. Place the browned chicken breasts on top of the sauce and cover with 1/2 or all of the remaining sauce. Sprinkle with the cheese and bake on the middle shelf for 15 minutes, or until the sauce and cheese are bubbling.

Serve hot, and sprinkle with parsley, if using.

Cook's note: The chef's preference is to have a lot of tomato sauce poured on top of the chicken. If less saucy chicken is desired, use only 1/2 the amount of the sauce.

In a large saucepan of boiling salted water cook the linguine for 10 minutes, or until it is al dente and drain. In a large pan, heat olive oil, add garlic slices and saute. Add red pepper flakes, to taste. Add pasta and toss. Season with salt and pepper and serve sprinkled with parsley.

Cook broccoli rabe in a large pot large of boiling water until just tender, about 4 minutes, and drain in a colander.

Melt butter in same pot over moderate heat, then cook garlic, stirring, until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add broccoli rabe, tossing gently in butter to coat, and season with salt and pepper.