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- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cottage cheese - 1 cup marinara sauce - 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning - 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Fresh basil leaves for garnish - Cooked quinoa or whole-grain pasta for the base To get the best flavors, measure your ingredients carefully. Use a dry measuring cup for dry items like cheese and spices. For liquids, use a liquid measuring cup. Here are some tips: - Cottage Cheese: Scoop it into the cup, then level it off with a knife. - Cheeses: Grate or shred before measuring for an even distribution. - Spices: Use a measuring spoon and level with a knife for accuracy. For brands, I recommend using: - Marinara Sauce: Rao's or Prego for rich flavor. - Cheese: Look for fresh mozzarella and high-quality Parmesan for best taste. This dish packs a punch. Each serving contains about 400 calories. Here's a quick breakdown: - Protein: 40 grams - Carbohydrates: 30 grams - Fat: 15 grams This bowl offers a great balance of protein and carbs. It makes it perfect for a filling meal. Enjoy the tasty and healthy benefits of this Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl! {{ingredient_image_2}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This heat is perfect for baking. - Set up your cooking station. Have all your tools and ingredients ready. - In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. - Stir until smooth and well combined. Letting the flavors meld is key for taste. - Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. - Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper. - Once the oil is hot, add the chicken. Sear for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown. - Check doneness by cutting into the chicken. It should no longer be pink inside. - Pour marinara sauce over the cooked chicken. - Spoon the cottage cheese mixture evenly on top of each chicken piece. - Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese over the cottage cheese layer. - Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15-20 minutes. - Look for bubbling cheese and a golden brown color as signs it’s ready. - To avoid soggy layers, do not overload on sauce. - Create a bed of cooked quinoa or whole-grain pasta on each plate. - Carefully place chicken Parm on top. - Drizzle with any extra marinara from the skillet for added flavor. - For a pop of color, garnish with fresh basil leaves. To ensure your chicken is juicy and packed with flavor, start with good quality. Always use fresh, boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Season them well with salt and pepper before cooking. This simple step adds a lot of taste. When cooking, avoid overcooking your chicken. This can lead to dryness. Use a meat thermometer; the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) for safety. If you don’t have one, cut into a piece to check for pinkness. To make your dish even tastier, try adding more herbs. Fresh basil, oregano, or parsley can boost the flavor. You can also mix in some red pepper flakes for heat. Adding a squeeze of lemon or lime juice can brighten the dish. Just a little zest lifts the flavors. Try it before serving to see the difference it makes! A beautiful plate makes your meal more inviting. Use fresh basil leaves to garnish your chicken Parm bowl. This adds color and a fresh taste. Consider adding a lemon wedge on the side. It not only looks nice but also adds a bright flavor. Serve your dish in a rustic bowl for a homey feel. The right presentation makes your meal feel special! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh basil not only enhances the flavor but also adds a beautiful touch to your dish. Consider adding a sprinkle of fresh parsley or oregano for extra freshness. Cook Chicken Thoroughly: Ensure your chicken breasts reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safe consumption. Using a meat thermometer can help you avoid overcooking. Customize Your Cheese: Feel free to mix different cheeses like provolone or gouda for a unique twist on the classic chicken Parm. Cheese blends can add complexity to the flavor. Make Ahead: Prepare the cottage cheese mixture and marinate the chicken a day in advance. This allows the flavors to deepen and makes for a quicker meal prep on the day of serving. {{image_4}} To make this dish gluten-free, use gluten-free pasta or quinoa. Both options work well. You can also look for gluten-free marinara sauce. For dairy-free adjustments, swap cottage cheese with a plant-based alternative. Many brands offer dairy-free cheese that melts nicely. Just check the labels and choose what suits your taste. If you want to try something new, swap cottage cheese with ricotta. Ricotta has a creamier texture and adds a different flavor. You can also use other proteins. Turkey is a leaner option that cooks well. Tofu is a great choice for a vegetarian meal. It absorbs flavors nicely and keeps the dish hearty. Experimenting with marinara sauces can change the entire dish. Try spicy marinara for a kick. You can also look for roasted garlic or basil-infused sauces. Adding vegetables boosts nutrition and color. Spinach, bell peppers, or zucchini can make your bowl more colorful and tasty. Cook them lightly before adding to the dish for the best results. To store your Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl, let it cool first. Place it in an airtight container. Make sure to cover it tightly. This keeps the flavors fresh. The dish lasts up to three days in the fridge. When reheating, use the oven or microwave. The oven helps keep the cheese melted and bubbly. Heat it at 350°F (175°C) for about 15 minutes. If using a microwave, cover it to avoid drying out. To prevent rubbery chicken, add a splash of water before heating. Yes, you can freeze this dish. Cut leftovers into portions, then wrap tightly. Use plastic wrap or freezer bags. It stays good in the freezer for up to three months. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. Reheat it in the oven for best results. A Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a tasty and healthy meal. It features juicy chicken breasts topped with creamy cottage cheese, rich marinara sauce, and melty cheese. The key components include: - Boneless, skinless chicken breasts - Cottage cheese for creaminess - Marinara sauce for flavor - Shredded mozzarella and Parmesan for cheesiness - Italian seasoning and garlic powder for extra taste - A base of quinoa or whole-grain pasta Yes, you can prepare this dish ahead of time. Here are some tips: - Cook the chicken and assemble the dish, then store it in the fridge for up to two days. - Make the cheese mixture in advance and keep it covered. - You can also cook the quinoa or pasta and store it separately. This keeps it fresh. - Just reheat the assembled bowl in the oven before serving. This dish pairs well with many sides. Here are some ideas: - A fresh green salad with a light dressing - Roasted vegetables for extra nutrition - Garlic bread for a classic touch - Drinks like sparkling water or iced tea To boost chicken flavor, try these tips: - Use marinades with herbs, lemon juice, or soy sauce for a few hours before cooking. - Season the chicken with extra spices like paprika or cayenne for a kick. - Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. Yes, this dish is great for kids! Here’s why: - It has a good balance of protein, carbs, and dairy. - Cottage cheese is rich in calcium for strong bones. - You can make it more appealing by using fun pasta shapes or adding veggies they like. This blog post covered how to create a delicious Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl. We discussed the key ingredients and how to measure them correctly. You learned about cooking techniques, from searing chicken to baking the dish perfectly. We also explored tips to enhance flavor and presentation, along with variations and storage options. Remember, this dish is flexible and easy to make. Get creative, and enjoy every bite. It’s fun, tasty, and great for sharing. Happy cooking!

Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

A delicious and healthy chicken parmesan dish served over a base of quinoa or whole-grain pasta.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cottage cheese
  • 1 cup marinara sauce
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • for garnish Fresh basil leaves
  • as needed Cooked quinoa or whole-grain pasta for the base

Instructions
 

  • Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C), ensuring it's ready for your delicious bake.
  • In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are blended smoothly, then set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
  • In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. While the oil warms, season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the chicken to the skillet. Sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side until the chicken is beautifully golden brown and completely cooked through.
  • Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, pour the marinara sauce over the succulent chicken breasts. Next, take the cottage cheese mixture and spoon it evenly on top of each chicken piece to create a delicious layer.
  • To finish off the assembly, sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and grated Parmesan cheese generously over the cottage cheese layer, ensuring each bite will be cheesy and delightful.
  • Carefully transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes, keeping an eye on it until the cheese turns bubbly and develops a lovely golden brown color.
  • While the chicken bakes, prepare your base. Cook the quinoa or whole-grain pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and set aside to keep warm.
  • After baking, remove the skillet from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes—this allows the flavors to settle beautifully. Garnish with fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and flavor just before serving.
  • To serve, create a bed of quinoa or pasta on each plate and carefully place the chicken Parm on top. Drizzle with any extra marinara sauce from the skillet to bring all the flavors together.

Notes

For a vibrant touch, serve the chicken Parm bowl with a wedge of lemon on the side for a refreshing burst of flavor.
Keyword bake, chicken, cottage cheese, healthy, Parmesan