High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
Introduction
The High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is a delicious and nutritious twist on a classic favorite. It combines tender chicken with creamy cottage cheese and melted cheeses for a comforting, protein-packed meal. Perfect for quick lunches or easy dinners.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Step 1: Gather all your ingredients. If you haven’t cooked the chicken yet, grill or boil it beforehand. Shred or dice the chicken into bite-sized pieces for easy mixing.
- Step 2: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated and creamy.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish and evenly sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top.
- Step 4: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is melted and bubbly, watching carefully to avoid burning.
- Step 5: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve warm and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Substitute cooked turkey or tofu for chicken to vary the protein source.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of cottage cheese for a creamier texture and extra protein.
- Try pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a unique flavor twist.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese creamy and prevent drying out.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use cooked frozen chicken that has been thawed completely and drained before mixing to maintain the best texture.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. This bowl holds up well when refrigerated and is easy to reheat for quick meals throughout the week.
PrintHigh Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
This High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl combines creamy cottage cheese with tender cooked chicken, tangy marinara sauce, and a cheesy baked topping of mozzarella and Parmesan. It’s a protein-packed, comforting dish perfect for a quick dinner or meal prep, blending classic chicken Parmesan flavors with a healthy cottage cheese base.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 1 cup cottage cheese (low-fat or full-fat, depending on your preference)
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1/2 cup marinara sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cheese Topping
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Ingredients: Gather all your ingredients. If the chicken is not cooked yet, quickly grill or boil it, then shred or dice into bite-sized pieces to ensure easy mixing and even distribution in the bowl.
- Mix the Base: In a large mixing bowl, combine cottage cheese, cooked chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is creamy and all ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a flavorful base.
- Layer the Cheese: Transfer the mixture into a baking dish, spreading it evenly. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese and grated Parmesan cheese evenly on top. This will form a delicious cheesy crust when baked.
- Bake the Dish: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the dish in the oven and bake for about 15 minutes or until the cheese topping melts and becomes bubbly and slightly golden. Monitor closely to avoid burning.
- Garnish and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for added aroma and flavor. Serve warm and enjoy your high protein, comforting chicken parm cottage cheese bowl.
Notes
- Chicken can be substituted with cooked turkey or tofu for different protein options.
- Greek yogurt can replace cottage cheese for a creamier texture and extra protein.
- Try pesto or Alfredo sauce instead of marinara for a unique flavor twist.
- Use low-fat or full-fat cottage cheese based on your dietary preference.
- Keep an eye on the cheese while baking to prevent it from burning.
Keywords: High Protein, Chicken Parmesan, Cottage Cheese, Healthy Dinner, Baked Chicken, Low Fat, Italian-Inspired
