Why Make This Recipe
Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl is a healthy twist on a classic dish. It combines the rich flavors of chicken parmesan with the creamy texture of cottage cheese. This recipe is perfect for anyone looking for a filling meal that is also nutritious. It is easy to make and can be enjoyed any day of the week.
How to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients:
- 2 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
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Olive oil for cooking
- Fresh basil for garnish (optional)
Directions:
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese together.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the marinara sauce.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.
How to Serve Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Serve the Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl hot, right from the oven. It goes well with a side of steamed vegetables or a simple salad. You can also serve it over pasta or rice for a heartier meal.
How to Store Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
To store leftovers, let the dish cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It can last for 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in the oven or microwave until heated through.
Tips to Make Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
- Make sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to keep it safe to eat.
- Feel free to add other ingredients like spinach or bell peppers for extra flavor and nutrition.
- If you like a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes to the sauce.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe with turkey instead of chicken. For a vegetarian option, substitute the chicken with eggplant slices or a veggie patty.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought marinara sauce?
Yes, store-bought marinara sauce works great in this recipe and saves time.
2. Is it possible to make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare it ahead and just bake it when you’re ready to eat.
3. Can I freeze the Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl?
Yes, you can freeze it! Make sure to use an airtight container. It should last about 2-3 months in the freezer.
Cottage Cheese Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients
Chicken and Sauce
- 2 pieces chicken breasts Boneless, skinless
- 1 cup marinara sauce Store-bought or homemade
Cheese Mixture
- 1 cup cottage cheese For creaminess
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese For flavor
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese To top the dish
Seasonings
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning For flavor enhancement
- to taste Salt and pepper Adjust according to preference
Cooking Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon Olive oil For cooking the chicken
- to taste Fresh basil For garnish, optional
Instructions
Preparation
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
Cooking the Chicken
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Cook the chicken breasts for about 5-7 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Assembly
- In a bowl, mix the cottage cheese and half of the Parmesan cheese together.
- In a baking dish, spread a layer of marinara sauce on the bottom.
- Place the cooked chicken on top of the marinara sauce.
- Spread the cottage cheese mixture over the chicken.
- Pour the remaining marinara sauce on top and sprinkle with mozzarella cheese and the rest of the Parmesan cheese.
Baking
- Bake in the oven for 20-25 minutes until the cheese is bubbly and golden.
- Let it cool for a few minutes, then garnish with fresh basil if desired.