Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

By Tyla | Last modified on Dec 15, 2025

Featured in: Dinner

This cozy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl offers a protein-packed take on classic chicken parmesan, balancing creamy textures with bright, tangy flavors. The marriage of tender air-fried chicken nuggets and rich cottage cheese topped with melted mozzarella creates a comforting yet nutritious meal perfect for any weeknight.

Finished with fragrant Italian seasoning and garlic, this bowl pairs beautifully over your choice of pasta or rice, making every bite satisfying and wholesome. It’s a family-friendly dish that feels indulgent while keeping health in mind.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High-protein and nutritious comfort food that’s ready in minutes
Simple prep using store-bought ingredients to save time
Deliciously creamy and cheesy with fresh herbs for flavor depth
Customizable over pasta, rice, or even vegetables

Ingredients

Just Bare chicken nuggets: Tender and juicy bite-sized chicken, air-fried for a crispy texture without added oil.
Good Culture cottage cheese: Creamy, high-protein cottage cheese that adds richness and moisture to the dish.
Rao’s marinara sauce: Authentic, tangy tomato sauce with Italian herbs providing robust flavor.
Part-skim shredded mozzarella: Mild, melty cheese for gooey, comforting topping without excess fat.
Italian seasoning: Classic herb blend featuring oregano, basil, rosemary, and thyme to elevate the dish.
Garlic powder: Adds subtle savory depth and warmth without overpowering.
Parmesan cheese: Sharp, nutty cheese for finishing and extra umami boost (optional).
Favorite pasta or rice: Base for the bowl, offering hearty carbs to complete your meal.
Fresh basil or parsley: Chopped herbs to garnish, adding brightness and color.

Instructions

Prepare the Cheese and Sauce Mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cottage cheese, marinara sauce, shredded mozzarella, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mixing these ingredients first ensures the flavors meld together while the cheese begins to melt evenly.
Microwave the Mixture: Heat the mixture on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through. This softens the cheese and warms the sauce, creating a creamy base for the chicken to blend into.
Cut the Chicken Nuggets: Slice the air-fried chicken nuggets into bite-sized pieces. This makes it easier to mix and ensures every forkful has tender chicken distributed throughout the bowl.
Combine Chicken and Cheese Mixture: Stir the chopped chicken into the warm cheese and marinara mix. Microwave on high for an additional 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella melts fully, creating a hot, gooey comfort dish.
Serve Over Pasta or Rice: Transfer the chicken parm mixture over your favorite cooked pasta or rice. Garnish with freshly chopped herbs and a sprinkle of Parmesan if desired for added flavor and presentation.

You Must Know

Use air-fried chicken nuggets for a quick and healthier option, but feel free to swap with homemade chicken if preferred.
The microwaving times may vary based on your appliance; adjust accordingly to prevent overcooking.
This dish is best enjoyed immediately for optimal cheese melt and texture.

Storage Tips

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave to retain creaminess without drying out the chicken.

Serving Suggestions

This bowl pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or steamed vegetables for added freshness. You can also serve alongside garlic bread for a heartier meal.

Professional Tips

Choose part-skim mozzarella to keep the dish lighter without sacrificing meltiness.
For a gluten-free option, serve over zucchini noodles or cauliflower rice instead of traditional pasta.
Experiment with adding red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that complements the tomato sauce.

FAQs

Can I use different types of chicken?: Absolutely. Grilled or baked chicken breasts chopped into pieces also work well if you prefer homemade protein.
Is cottage cheese necessary?: Yes, it provides creamy texture and adds protein, but ricotta can be a substitute if cottage cheese isn’t available.
Can I meal prep this dish?: Yes, keep components separate until reheating to maintain best texture, especially the chicken and sauce mixture.
What sides go well with this bowl?: Steamed veggies, salad, or a simple garlic bread are excellent complements to the rich flavors of this dish.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?: Definitely. The familiar flavors and cheesy texture appeal to kids and adults alike.
How can I make it lower in carbs?: Serve with spiralized veggies or a leafy green salad instead of pasta or rice for a low-carb alternative.
Can I prepare this recipe without a microwave?: Yes, use a stovetop saucepan to warm and melt the cheese mixture gently over low heat, stirring often.