Description
This Super Yummy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a protein-packed, healthier twist on classic chicken parmesan. Featuring tender air-fried chicken nuggets paired with creamy full-fat cottage cheese, tangy marinara sauce, and melted mozzarella, this bowl offers indulgent flavors with nutritious benefits. Ready in just 15 minutes, it makes a quick, satisfying, and family-friendly dinner perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein Base
- 1 serving Just Bare chicken nuggets, air-fried
- 1 cup Good Culture full-fat cottage cheese
Sauce and Cheese
- 1/4 cup Rao’s marinara sauce
- 1/4 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese
Seasonings
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (or to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a microwave-safe bowl, mix together the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder until well combined.
- Microwave Mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and to help melt the cheeses.
- Prepare Chicken Nuggets: Air-fry the Just Bare chicken nuggets according to package instructions, then cut them into small bite-sized pieces to integrate easily into the bowl.
- Combine and Melt: Stir the chopped chicken nuggets into the cottage cheese mixture, then microwave on high for an additional 30 seconds or until the mozzarella melts nicely on top.
Notes
- Use full-fat cottage cheese for a richer, creamier base; low-fat versions can be used but will change the texture slightly.
- Allow cottage cheese to come to room temperature or warm gently to avoid curdling when mixed with hot ingredients.
- Watch chicken nuggets carefully to avoid overcooking in the air fryer to prevent dryness.
- Season cottage cheese well with Italian seasoning and garlic powder to balance the flavors and avoid blandness.
- Add mozzarella cheese last and heat briefly to melt without making it rubbery.
- Store components separately in the fridge to maintain texture and freshness if meal prepping.
- Freeze cooked chicken nuggets separately for up to 2 months; avoid freezing the whole bowl due to cottage cheese texture changes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Air Frying
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Keywords: chicken parmesan, cottage cheese recipe, high protein dinner, healthy chicken parm, air fryer chicken nuggets, quick weeknight meal, low-fat chicken parm bowl
