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Cottage cheese chicken parm bowl with melted mozzarella crispy chicken nuggets and marinara sauce

Cottage Cheese Chicken Parm Bowl

A protein-packed twist on chicken parmesan with cottage cheese, crispy chicken nuggets, marinara, and melted mozzarella. Ready in 15 minutes.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 1 portion
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Italian
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 serving frozen chicken nuggets about 4-6 nuggets, any brand, air-fried
  • 1 cup cottage cheese full-fat or low-fat, small curd preferred
  • 0.25 cup marinara sauce any brand
  • 0.25 cup part-skim shredded mozzarella cheese divided (about 2 tbsp for mixing, 2 tbsp for topping)
  • 0.5 tsp Italian seasoning or to taste
  • 0.25 tsp garlic powder or to taste
  • fresh basil or parsley for garnish, optional

Equipment

  • Air fryer
  • Microwave-safe bowl
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Spoon for stirring
  • Oven mitts or towel

Method
 

  1. Air-fry frozen chicken nuggets according to package directions (typically 8 to 10 minutes at 400°F), checking a minute or two before suggested time. Set aside once golden and crispy.
  2. In a microwave-safe bowl, combine cottage cheese (at room temperature or slightly warmed for 15-20 seconds), marinara sauce, about 2 tablespoons of the mozzarella cheese, Italian seasoning, and garlic powder. Stir until well mixed.
  3. Microwave the cottage cheese mixture on high for 1 minute, stirring at the 30-second mark. The mixture should be warm and slightly bubbling.
  4. Cut the air-fried chicken nuggets into small, bite-sized pieces.
  5. Stir the chicken pieces into the warm cottage cheese mixture, then sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese on top. Microwave for an additional 30 seconds, or until the mozzarella is fully melted and bubbly.
  6. Remove carefully from microwave using oven mitts or towel (bowl will be hot). Garnish with fresh basil or parsley if desired, and enjoy immediately.

Notes

Let cottage cheese come to room temperature or warm for 15-20 seconds before mixing to prevent curdling. Full-fat cottage cheese provides richer flavor. Small curd cottage cheese creates smoother consistency. Store components separately for meal prep. Don't freeze cottage cheese as it becomes grainy. Substitute with ricotta cheese or Greek yogurt if preferred. Use any cooked chicken instead of nuggets if desired. Reheat to 165°F for food safety.