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This protein-packed twist on chicken parmesan makes a satisfying dinner that’s both comforting and nutritious. Tender chicken pairs with creamy cottage cheese and tangy marinara sauce for a bowl that hits all the right notes. It’s topped with melted mozzarella and served over your favorite pasta or rice. Fresh herbs and a sprinkle of parmesan help the whole thing come together. This family-friendly meal feels indulgent but keeps things on the healthier side, perfect for busy weeknights.
I first made this bowl on a hectic weeknight when I wanted comfort food without the heaviness and surprisingly it became a go-to for my family because it’s both filling and light.
Ingredients
- Just Bare chicken nuggets: cooked in the air fryer for crispy texture without frying
- Good Culture cottage cheese: known for creamy texture and mild flavor, choose freshest with little liquid separation
- Rao’s marinara sauce: provides rich tangy flavor and quality tomatoes
- Part-skim shredded mozzarella: gives a melty cheesy finish without too much fat
- Italian seasoning: adds classic herbaceous notes, use fresh herbs if you like for more brightness
- Garlic powder: brings a subtle savory depth, fresh garlic can be substituted if preferred
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Mix the Base:
- Combine the cottage cheese, marinara sauce, mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder in a microwave-safe bowl. Stir well so the seasonings are evenly distributed. This mixture is the creamy, flavorful foundation of your bowl.
- Heat the Mixture:
- Microwave the bowl on high for one minute. Halfway through, pause and stir gently to ensure the cheese melts evenly and the sauce incorporates into the cottage cheese for a smooth texture.
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into small bite-sized pieces. This will help the chicken blend well in the bowl and make it easy to eat with a spoon or fork.
- Combine and Melt:
- Add the chopped chicken pieces into the bowl and stir to combine. Microwave again on high for thirty seconds or just until the mozzarella is melted and stringy without overheating it.
- Ready to Serve:
- Give the bowl a final stir and serve immediately while warm and melty. The contrast of hot chicken and sauce against the creamy cottage cheese is really comforting.
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I love how the cottage cheese adds a cool creaminess that cuts through the acidity of the marinara. It reminds me of a family night where everyone from kids to adults enjoyed something familiar yet fresh and nutritious.
Storage Tips
Store the bowl in the refrigerator in airtight containers for up to three days. If meal prepping, keep the cooked chicken nuggets separate from the cottage cheese mixture to prevent sogginess. Reheat gently in the microwave to maintain texture. Avoid freezing the full bowl since cottage cheese does not freeze well, but cooked chicken nuggets freeze happily for longer storage.
Ingredient Substitutions
Frozen chicken nuggets can be swapped with grilled or baked chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken, making it easy to use what’s on hand. Cottage cheese can be replaced with ricotta for a creamier texture or Greek yogurt for a tangy protein boost, expect a slight change in flavor but still delicious. Marinara sauce can be any store-bought or homemade tomato sauce with Italian herbs. For cheese, shredded mozzarella can be swapped with provolone or parmesan. Italian seasoning can be recreated by blending dried basil oregano and thyme or using fresh herbs for more vibrant notes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this bowl over cooked pasta quinoa or rice for a more filling meal. A side of steamed vegetables or a simple green salad complements the creamy and cheesy elements nicely. For extra freshness, sprinkle chopped fresh basil or parsley on top before serving.
Cultural Context
Chicken parmesan originated as an Italian-American comfort food classic combining breaded chicken cutlets with marinara and melted cheese. This recipe takes inspiration from that model but uses cottage cheese and air-fried chicken nuggets to deliver the comforting flavors with less frying and more protein, bridging traditional and modern healthy cooking.
Commonly Asked Questions
- → What type of cottage cheese works best?
Full-fat cottage cheese with small curds offers a creamy texture that blends well with the marinara and melted cheese, giving a richer flavor and smooth consistency.
- → Can I substitute chicken nuggets with another protein?
Yes, you can use grilled or baked chicken pieces, rotisserie chicken, or homemade tenders as long as the protein is cooked and crispy to maintain texture.
- → How should I prevent cottage cheese from curdling?
Bring cottage cheese to room temperature or gently warm it in the microwave before mixing with hot ingredients to avoid graininess and separation.
- → What is the best way to melt the cheese?
Add mozzarella at the end of cooking and microwave briefly until just melted, avoiding excess heat which can cause rubbery texture or separation.
- → How can I store leftovers for best quality?
Keep chicken nuggets and cottage cheese separately in airtight containers in the fridge up to 3 days. Freeze chicken only for up to 2 months and assemble fresh when ready.
- → What seasoning amounts work well?
Start with 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder, then adjust to taste to enhance but not overpower the dish.