Chicken parm cottage cheese bowl: the words alone conjure up warm memories of childhood dinners, but with a healthy, protein packed twist. I remember the comforting aroma of bubbling marinara sauce and crispy chicken filling the kitchen, a symphony of smells that signaled a satisfying meal was about to be served. This recipe reimagines that classic comfort food into something quick, easy, and perfect for a post workout refuel or a light, yet satisfying dinner. Let’s dive into this delicious and guilt free chicken parm cottage cheese bowl!
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Why You Will Love This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
This isn’t your typical chicken parmesan. This rendition is all about speed and delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. We’re talking a comforting, satisfying, high protein chicken bowl ready in minutes. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something hearty but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Plus, the creamy cottage cheese adds a unique tang and a wonderful texture that balances the richness of the marinara and chicken. It’s a flavor explosion in every bite! Think cozy meets convenient meets healthy.
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Ingredients Needed for This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to whip up this delectable chicken parm cottage cheese bowl:
- Cooked Chicken Breast: 1 cup, shredded or diced. You can use leftover grilled chicken, rotisserie chicken, or even pre cooked chicken from the store.
- Cottage Cheese: 1 cup, preferably small curd.
- Marinara Sauce: ½ cup, your favorite brand or homemade.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: 2 tablespoons.
- Italian Seasoning: ½ teaspoon.
- Garlic Powder: ¼ teaspoon.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Pinch (optional, for a little heat).
- Fresh Basil: Chopped, for garnish.
- Salt and Pepper: To taste
How to Make This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
Ready to assemble your bowl of deliciousness? Here’s how:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- Mix Well: Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined. Be careful not to overmix, as you want to maintain the texture of the cottage cheese.
- Heat (Optional): If you prefer a warm bowl, microwave the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- Garnish: Top with fresh chopped basil.
- Serve: Enjoy immediately!
How to Serve This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is incredibly versatile. Serve it as a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a post workout snack. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a side salad or some steamed vegetables. You could also add a sprinkle of mozzarella cheese and broil it for a few minutes for an extra cheesy treat. Consider adding this alongside a Sweet Spicy Chicken Bowl for a variety of quick, flavorful experiences.
You can also customize your toppings to your liking. Some great additions include:
- Cherry tomatoes, halved
- A drizzle of balsamic glaze
- A sprinkle of everything bagel seasoning
- A dollop of pesto
How to Store This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
If you have any leftovers (though I doubt you will!), here’s how to store them properly:
- Refrigeration: Store the chicken parm cottage cheese bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Freezing: Freezing is not recommended, as the cottage cheese may change texture upon thawing.
- Reheating: Reheat in the microwave for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
Tips to Make This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
Want to take your chicken parm cottage cheese bowl to the next level? Here are a few tips:
- Use High Quality Ingredients: The better the ingredients, the better the flavor. Opt for good quality marinara sauce and fresh Parmesan cheese.
- Don’t Overmix: Overmixing can make the cottage cheese watery. Gently combine the ingredients until just mixed.
- Adjust the Seasoning: Taste and adjust the seasoning to your liking. Don’t be afraid to add more Italian seasoning, garlic powder, or red pepper flakes.
- For a spicier twist, check out this Middle Eastern Chicken Bowl that brings the heat!
- Get Creative with Toppings: Experiment with different toppings to find your favorite combination.
- Ingredient Swaps: If you’re not a fan of cottage cheese, you can substitute it with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt. You can also use ground turkey or plant-based chicken substitutes.
Helpful Notes for This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Cottage Cheese: I recommend using small curd cottage cheese for the best texture. However, you can use any type of cottage cheese you prefer.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a marinara sauce that you enjoy. You can use store bought or homemade. For the best flavor, use a sauce with a rich, tomatoey taste.
- Chicken: Using pre cooked chicken makes this recipe incredibly quick and easy. If you don’t have pre cooked chicken, you can quickly grill or bake some chicken breast.
Variation of This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl Recipe
- Spicy Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: Use plant-based chicken substitutes for a vegetarian option.
- Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl with Vegetables: Add chopped vegetables such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini for added nutrients and flavor. For something just as easy, try this Crockpot Chicken Burrito Bowl.
Is chicken parm cottage cheese bowl healthy?
Yes, chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is a healthier alternative to traditional chicken parmesan. It utilizes cottage cheese for a protein boost and reduced fat content.
How can I make chicken parm cottage cheese bowl more flavorful?
Enhance the flavor of your chicken parm cottage cheese bowl by using high-quality marinara sauce, seasoning the chicken well, and adding fresh herbs like basil or oregano.
Can I prepare chicken parm cottage cheese bowl ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare components of the chicken parm cottage cheese bowl in advance. Cook the chicken ahead of time and store it separately. Assemble the bowl just before serving to prevent the cottage cheese from becoming watery.
What are some variations I can make to the chicken parm cottage cheese bowl?
Experiment with different cheeses, such as mozzarella or provolone, or add vegetables like spinach or bell peppers. You can also adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes.
What is the best way to cook the chicken for a chicken parm cottage cheese bowl?
The chicken for a chicken parm cottage cheese bowl can be baked, air-fried, or pan-fried. Basting is in marinara sauce while cooking keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful.
Conclusion
This chicken parm cottage cheese bowl is a fantastic way to enjoy the flavors of classic chicken parmesan in a quick, healthy, and satisfying way. It’s a perfect example of comfort food reimagined for a modern, busy lifestyle. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do! Let me know in the comments below if you try this chicken parm cottage cheese bowl and what variations you create!
Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl: Ultimate High-Protein Easy Recipe
- Total Time: 7 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
Description
A quick and easy high protein chicken bowl that combines the flavors of classic chicken parmesan with creamy cottage cheese! Perfect for a healthy lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 cup cooked chicken breast, shredded or diced
- 1 cup cottage cheese, small curd
- ½ cup marinara sauce
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh basil, chopped, for garnish
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. In a medium bowl, combine the shredded or diced chicken, cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Parmesan cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes (if desired).
- 2. Gently mix all the ingredients together until well combined.
- 3. If you prefer a warm bowl, microwave the mixture for 1 to 2 minutes, or until heated through.
- 4. Taste and season with salt and pepper to your liking.
- 5. Top with fresh chopped basil.
- 6. Serve immediately!
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Category: Lunch/Dinner
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: chicken parm, cottage cheese, high protein, easy recipe