Name: Super Yummy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Italian-American
Ingredients: 1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets, air-fried; 1 cup Good Culture full-fat cottage cheese; 1/4 cup Rao’s marinara sauce; 1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese; 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste); 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)

Jump to Recipe

Introduction

This protein-packed twist on chicken parmesan makes a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. Tender chicken pairs with creamy cottage cheese and tangy marinara sauce for a bowl that hits all the right notes. It’s topped with melted mozzarella and served over your favorite pasta or rice, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

The image shows a baked dish in a clear glass container with three visible layers. The bottom layer is creamy and light beige with small chunks of tomato and ground meat mixed throughout, giving it a thick texture. The top layer consists of golden-brown, crispy tater tots evenly spread across the surface, some showing a crunchy, crumbly coating. A silver spoon is resting inside the dish, partially submerged in the creamy layer beneath the tater tots. The dish is placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets, air-fried
1 cup Good Culture cottage cheese
1/4 cup Rao’s marinara sauce
1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella
Italian seasoning, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste

Instructions

Step 1: Mix cottage cheese, marinara, mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl.
Step 2: Microwave on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through.
Step 3: Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into small pieces.
Step 4: Stir the chicken into the bowl and microwave on high for 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella is melted.

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat, small curd cottage cheese for a creamier texture and richer flavor.
Substitute frozen chicken nuggets with leftover grilled, rotisserie, or homemade baked chicken tenders.
Swap cottage cheese for ricotta or Greek yogurt if desired; flavor and texture will vary slightly.
Try different sauces like pizza sauce or a homemade crushed tomato sauce with Italian herbs.
If you don’t have Italian seasoning, blend dried basil, oregano, and thyme or use fresh herbs at triple the amount.
Avoid overcooking chicken nuggets in the air fryer to keep them tender and juicy.
Let cottage cheese come to room temperature or warm briefly to prevent curdling when mixed with hot ingredients.
Add mozzarella at the end and melt just enough to avoid a rubbery texture.

Storage

Store the bowl in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results with meal prep, keep cottage cheese and chicken separate to prevent sogginess. The marinara and cheese can be added when reheating. Freeze cooked chicken nuggets separately for up to 2 months; cottage cheese doesn’t freeze well. Reheat leftovers in the microwave for 60-90 seconds, warming chicken before adding cold cottage cheese and toppings for a nice temperature balance.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a baked cheesy dish in a clear glass baking dish, placed on a white marbled surface. The dish shows multiple layers: the top layer is golden brown melted cheese with a slightly crispy texture, bubbling and stretching in thick cheese strings as a large scoop is lifted with a metal spoon. Below the cheese, a reddish-orange sauce mixed with cheese forms a moist and rich layer. The base layer is creamy and thick, visible between the lifted cheese strings. The background shows a white tiled wall with subtle shadows. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cottage cheese instead of Good Culture brand?

Yes, any cottage cheese brand will work. Good Culture is recommended for its creamy texture, but other brands are fine. If the cottage cheese is watery, drain excess liquid before using.

Do I need to heat the cottage cheese before serving?

No, it’s best served cold with hot chicken and marinara on top. The temperature contrast is enjoyable and helps cool the chicken for immediate eating.

How much Italian seasoning and garlic powder should I use?

Start with about 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, then adjust to taste. It’s easier to add more seasoning than to remove it once mixed.