Table of Contents
Description
This Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is creamy, low-carb, and packed with protein—an easy, healthy recipe perfect for busy weeknights!
Introduction
If you love the bold, cozy flavors of chicken parmesan but want something lighter, quicker, and more nutritious, this Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl is about to become your new go-to dinner. It delivers everything you crave—crispy golden chicken, tangy marinara, melty mozzarella, and creamy cottage cheese—without the heavy breading or extra carbs.
This dish fits beautifully into a low-carb, keto-friendly, and healthy lifestyle, while still feeling indulgent enough for comfort-food night. I first whipped this up on a weeknight when I wanted something warm and satisfying but didn’t feel like turning on the oven for a full casserole. One skillet, a few pantry staples, and suddenly dinner felt exciting again.
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week, feeding a hungry family, or just craving a quick easy recipe that tastes restaurant-worthy, this bowl checks every box. Let’s dig in! 😍
Recipe Stat Sheet
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 10 minutes |
| Cook Time | 15 minutes |
| Total Time | 25 minutes |
| Servings | 2–3 bowls |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Diet Type | Low-carb, keto-friendly |
| Main Protein | Chicken breast |
| Calories | ~420 per serving |
Recipe Equipment
- Large non-stick skillet or sauté pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon or spatula
- Serving bowls
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cubed
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- ¾ cup sugar-free marinara sauce
- 1 cup full-fat cottage cheese
- ½ cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Fresh basil or parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
- Red pepper flakes (optional)
Why these ingredients work:
Lean chicken keeps the dish filling, cottage cheese adds creamy protein, and marinara plus cheeses bring classic Chicken Parm flavor without breading.
Ingredient Notes
- Cottage Cheese: Use full-fat for the creamiest texture and best keto results.
- Marinara Sauce: Choose a sugar-free brand to keep carbs low.
- Chicken Thighs: Can replace breasts for extra juiciness.
- Mozzarella: Fresh or shredded both melt beautifully.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season the Chicken
Place the cubed chicken in a bowl and sprinkle with garlic powder, onion powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Toss until evenly coated.
2. Sauté Until Golden
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the pieces are golden brown and cooked through with crispy edges.
3. Add Marinara
Reduce heat to medium and pour in the marinara sauce. Let it bubble gently for 2–3 minutes so the chicken soaks up that rich tomato flavor.
4. Create the Creamy Base
Spoon cottage cheese into serving bowls. This becomes the cool, creamy foundation for the warm chicken mixture.
5. Assemble the Bowl
Top the cottage cheese with saucy chicken, then sprinkle mozzarella and Parmesan over everything.
6. Melt the Cheese
Cover the skillet for 1–2 minutes or microwave bowls briefly until the cheese turns gooey and irresistible.
7. Garnish and Serve
Finish with chopped basil, parsley, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Serve immediately while everything is warm and melty.
Pro Tips & Variations
Want to switch things up? Try breading chicken lightly with crushed pork rinds for extra crunch. Add sautéed zucchini noodles underneath for volume without carbs. Swap marinara for spicy arrabbiata if you like heat. For meal prep, keep components separate and assemble just before eating for the freshest texture. Leftovers stay delicious for up to three days refrigerated.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving – Approximate)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 42g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 8g net carbs
Serving Suggestions
Pair this Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl with:
- A crisp Caesar salad
- Roasted broccoli or asparagus
- Garlic-butter green beans
- Keto garlic bread made with almond flour
It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or post-workout fuel.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Microwave gently or warm in a skillet over low heat.
- Freezing: Not recommended due to cottage cheese texture changes.
This Chicken Parm Cottage Cheese Bowl proves that comfort food can be healthy, low-carb, and unbelievably satisfying. It’s quick, protein-packed, and bursting with Italian-inspired flavor—perfect for busy nights or cozy dinners at home.
Give it a try and let me know how yours turned out in the comments! If you loved it, share this recipe with a friend who’s always looking for new healthy dinner ideas. ❤️🍗