Introduction

This Super Yummy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl is a quick and satisfying meal that combines creamy cottage cheese with flavorful air-fried chicken and melted Italian cheese. It’s perfect for a cozy weeknight dinner or a hearty lunch that feels indulgent yet wholesome.

A large spoon lifts a round portion of a baked dish from a clear glass tray set on a white marbled surface, revealing melted cheese stretching in long, thin strands. The dish has several layers visible: the top layer is a golden-brown baked cheese with bubbly, slightly crispy spots; underneath is a thick, creamy white cheese layer mixed with melted cheese strands; below this, there is a rich, reddish tomato sauce with bits of ground meat mixing into the cheese; the base layer appears dense and moist, lightly browned from baking. The background shows white subway tiles, and the overall texture looks gooey and hearty. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 serving blended cottage cheese
1 serving air-fried chicken nuggets
Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
Italian seasoning, to taste
1/4 cup Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina, romano)
1/4 cup marinara sauce
Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine the blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian cheese blend, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Mix well to blend the flavors.
Step 2: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating.
Step 3: Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into bite-sized pieces to mix easily.
Step 4: Stir the chopped chicken into the cheese and sauce mixture, then microwave again on high for 30 seconds, or until the cheese is fully melted and bubbly.
Step 5: Season with salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste. Garnish with fresh parsley and enjoy your comforting chicken parm bowl.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes before microwaving.
Swap the air-fried chicken for grilled or baked chicken if preferred.
Use fresh mozzarella instead of the cheese blend for a creamier texture.
Add steamed vegetables like spinach or broccoli to make it more nutritious.
If you don’t have a microwave, gently reheat the mixture in a small saucepan over low heat.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop until warmed through. Avoid overheating to keep the cheese from becoming rubbery.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish is shown. The bottom layer appears chunky with red and orange pieces of cooked tomato sauce and pasta shells. On top of this is a creamy, white ricotta cheese layer mixed with the sauce, giving a slightly lumpy texture. A few scattered peach-colored pasta shells peek through this mixture. The dish is finished with thin, off-white shaved cheese pieces sprinkled all over and bright green fresh basil leaves placed on the top. The bowl sits on a wooden board with a silver spoon next to it, all on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular chicken instead of air-fried chicken?

Yes, grilled or baked chicken works well as a substitute. Just be sure to cut it into small pieces before mixing it in.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta?

Absolutely. Blended cottage cheese offers a similar creamy texture and tang, making it a lighter and more accessible alternative to ricotta in this dish.

Super Yummy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 132 reviews

A delicious and healthy Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl that combines air-fried chicken nuggets with creamy cottage cheese, marinara sauce, and a blend of Italian cheeses. This quick microwave-friendly recipe offers a comforting meal with a satisfying mix of flavors and textures.

Author: Lena
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 7 minutes
Yield: 1 serving 1x
Category: Main Course
Method: Microwaving
Cuisine: Italian-American
Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Base Mixture

1 serving blended cottage cheese
1/4 cup marinara sauce
1/4 cup Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina, romano)
1/4 teaspoon Italian seasoning
1/8 teaspoon garlic powder

Chicken

1 serving air-fried chicken nuggets

Seasonings

Salt, to taste
Pepper, to taste
Onion powder, to taste
Parsley, for garnish

Instructions

Prepare the cheese mixture: In a microwave-safe bowl, combine blended cottage cheese, marinara sauce, Italian cheese blend, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
Heat the mixture: Microwave the mixture on high for 1 minute, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating and melting of the cheeses.
Prepare the chicken: Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into small bite-sized pieces to distribute evenly in the bowl.
Mix chicken and finish heating: Stir the chopped chicken into the cheese mixture, then microwave on high for an additional 30 seconds or until the mozzarella is fully melted and the mixture is hot throughout.
Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, season with salt, pepper, and onion powder to taste, and enjoy your hearty Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl.

Notes

Using blended cottage cheese creates a creamy texture similar to ricotta.
Air frying the chicken nuggets prior to adding keeps them crispy and reduces excess oil.
This recipe is suitable for a quick meal prepared entirely in the microwave.
Feel free to add fresh basil or red pepper flakes for extra flavor.

Keywords: Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm, Chicken Parm Bowl, Healthy Chicken Parm, Air Fried Chicken, Italian Cheese Blend, Quick Microwave Meal