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High Protein Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl

A creamy, satisfying baked dinner bowl with layers of seasoned cottage cheese, grilled chicken, marinara, and melted mozzarella -- delivering 40 grams of protein per serving in just 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup cottage cheese low-fat or full-fat both work
  • 1 tbsp Italian seasoning
  • salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 cups grilled chicken breast sliced about 1/4-inch thick; rotisserie chicken also works
  • 1 cup marinara sauce use a quality store-bought brand or homemade
  • 1 cup low-fat mozzarella cheese shredded; whole-milk low-moisture preferred for baking
  • 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese freshly grated

Equipment

  • Baking dish or oven-safe bowls
  • mixing bowl
  • cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 350°F.
  2. Divide the cottage cheese evenly between oven-safe serving bowls or spread into a single baking dish. Add the Italian seasoning, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir gently to combine. Season more generously than you think you need to -- this base carries the bottom layer of the entire dish.
  3. Layer the sliced grilled chicken evenly over the cottage cheese base, spreading it to the edges of each bowl.
  4. Spoon the marinara sauce over the chicken layer. Use the back of the spoon to spread it evenly so the chicken stays moist during baking.
  5. Top evenly with the shredded mozzarella, then sprinkle the freshly grated Parmesan across the top.
  6. Bake at 350°F for 15-20 minutes, until the cheese is fully melted, bubbly, and golden at the edges. For a crispier cheese top, switch to broil for the final 2 minutes and watch closely.
  7. Remove from the oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. Garnish with fresh basil if desired.

Notes

Let grilled chicken cool slightly before slicing to prevent excess moisture from making the cottage cheese base watery. Use a thick marinara sauce for best results. Can be assembled up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated -- add 3-4 minutes to bake time if going in cold. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or freeze individual portions for up to 2 months. Reheat in a 350°F oven for 15 minutes or microwave on medium power in 60-second intervals.