High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
This High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is a creamy, flavorful Italian-inspired dish featuring shredded chicken, cottage cheese, and marinara sauce, topped with melted mozzarella and Parmesan cheese. It’s baked to perfection with a bubbly cheesy crust and garnished with fresh basil for an aromatic finish. Ideal for a nourishing, protein-packed dinner, this recipe is easy to prep, customizable, and suitable for meal prep.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 bowls 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Ingredients
Scale
For the Base
- 2 cups Cottage Cheese (Greek yogurt or ricotta can be a substitute)
- 2 cups Shredded Chicken (use pre-cooked chicken to save time)
- 1 cup Marinara Sauce (opt for low-sodium options for a healthier twist)
For Flavor
- 1 tsp Italian Seasoning (using fresh herbs gives a brighter taste)
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Topping
- 1 cup Mozzarella Cheese (any melting cheese may work)
- 1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese (feel free to omit if desired)
For Garnish
- 1/4 cup Fresh Basil (optional but highly recommended)
Instructions
- Pre-cook the Chicken: Start by grilling or boiling your chicken until it’s fully cooked. Then, shred or dice it into bite-sized pieces—this makes it easier to mix and enjoy.
- Mix the Base: In a large bowl, combine the cottage cheese, shredded chicken, marinara sauce, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Stir everything until well-integrated, creating a creamy mixture full of flavor.
- Transfer to Baking Dish: Carefully pour the mixture into a baking dish. Spread it evenly, then sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese on top to create a delicious cheesy crust.
- Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the dish for about 15 minutes or until the cheese is bubbly and golden brown. Watch closely to avoid burning the cheese.
- Garnish and Serve: Let the dish cool for a couple of minutes, then top it with fresh basil for an aromatic finish. Serve warm and enjoy your nourishing chicken parm cottage cheese bowl.
Notes
- Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little heat if desired.
- Prepare the uncooked mixture up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate; add cheese just before baking to prevent watery texture.
- Use thick marinara sauce to avoid watery dishes.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days; reheat in microwave or oven.
- This dish freezes well; freeze unbaked, thaw overnight, then bake.
- Try substitutions like turkey for chicken, pesto instead of marinara, or ricotta for cottage cheese for different flavor profiles.
Keywords: Chicken Parm, Cottage Cheese Bowl, High Protein Dinner, Italian Recipe, Baked Chicken Dish, Healthy Chicken Parm
