Looking for a lighter, high-protein twist on Chicken Parmesan that’s low in carbs but full of flavor? This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese has all the creamy richness and cheesy goodness you crave—without the heavy breadcrumbs or fat. It uses tender chicken breasts, tangy marinara sauce, and a creamy layer of cottage cheese and Parmesan for the ultimate guilt-free comfort dish.
Perfect for gluten-free eaters and macro-conscious meal preppers, this chicken parmesan with cottage cheese recipe is on the table in under 30 min, with over 40g of protein per serving. And unlike traditional Parmesan recipes, this one won’t leave you feeling bloated or sluggish.
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Why Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese Is a Smart Swap
High-Protein, Lower-Carb Comfort Food
I grew up eating classic Chicken Parmesan—breaded, fried cutlets, loaded with mozzarella and spaghetti. It was cozy, yes, but not always the healthiest. When I started creating better-for-you meals, I needed something that delivered flavor and macros. That’s when I started making chicken parmesan with cottage cheese.
With 13 grams of protein in every ½ cup, cottage cheese melts into the marinara and Parmesan layer to give you that creamy, cheesy bite you expect in chicken Parm—without the guilt. It’s a smart alternative to ricotta or mozzarella, and it works especially well in low-carb dinners like this one.
If you’ve tried our Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake or Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti, then this new take on chicken parmesan with cottage cheese will fit right into your weeknight rotation.
A Fast, Family-Friendly Dinner You Can Trust
This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese recipe is quick, customizable, and family-approved. Once you’ve seasoned and seared your chicken breasts, just layer the sauce, cottage cheese, and Parmesan in a skillet or dish, then bake until bubbly and golden.
You can serve it over gluten-free pasta, spaghetti squash, or next to roasted vegetables for a full, balanced meal. It also makes a great leftover lunch—it reheats without drying out, and the flavors only get better overnight.
For busy weeknights, meal prep sessions, or when you’re craving something cozy yet nourishing, this chicken parmesan with cottage cheese will be your go-to.
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Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese Recipe
- Total Time: 23 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
Description
This high-protein Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese is a lighter, gluten-free twist on a classic comfort dish. Packed with lean chicken, marinara, cottage cheese, and Parmesan, it’s quick, easy, and perfect for meal prep.
Ingredients
3 tenderized chicken breasts
2 tsp olive oil
Salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb blend
½ cup marinara sauce
½ cup cottage cheese
4 oz freshly grated Parmesan
Optional garnish: parsley, chili flakes
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a skillet or 9×9 baking dish.
2. Season chicken with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herb blend.
3. Sear each breast in olive oil for 2–3 minutes per side until golden.
4. Add a base layer of marinara sauce to baking dish, then lay in chicken.
5. Top each with cottage cheese, pour over remaining marinara, then sprinkle Parmesan.
6. Bake uncovered for 15–18 minutes until bubbly and chicken is cooked through.
7. Let rest 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with parsley or red pepper flakes.
Notes
Pairs well with roasted veggies, spiralized zucchini, or gluten-free pasta.
Great for meal prep—store in the fridge for 4 days or freeze for 3 months.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 breast
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 42g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Ingredients & Tips for Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese
What You Need to Make It Work
This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese recipe stays clean, packed with protein, and effortlessly simple. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 3 tenderized chicken breasts – pounding them ensures faster, even cooking
- 2 tsp olive oil – for browning and locking in moisture
- Seasonings – salt, garlic powder, onion powder, Italian herb blend
- ½ cup marinara sauce – choose a no-sugar-added, low-sodium version
- ½ cup cottage cheese – opt for full-fat for creaminess or low-fat to reduce calories
- 4 oz freshly grated Parmesan – this adds flavor, protein, and that cheesy crust on top
- Optional garnish – chopped parsley or red pepper flakes for heat
Using cottage cheese instead of mozzarella lightens the dish while boosting the protein content. Parmesan adds bold flavor and a crispy top when baked.
Looking for more high-protein casseroles like this? You’ll love our Protein Cheesy Chicken Bake for batch prep, or this Cottage Cheese Baked Ziti for a pasta night swap.
Pro Tips for Perfect Results
- Tenderize first: Flatten chicken evenly for a juicy, golden-brown crust without overcooking.
- Use oven-safe cookware: A cast iron or heavy ceramic dish allows stovetop-to-oven transition.
- Layer thoughtfully: Start with a thin coating of marinara, followed by the seared chicken, then the remaining sauce, cottage cheese, and finally Parmesan.
- Bake uncovered: This gives the Parmesan topping time to melt and brown beautifully.
- Rest before serving: Let it sit for 5 minutes out of the oven to let everything set—this also prevents watery sauce.
With just a handful of everyday ingredients, this chicken parmesan with cottage cheese becomes a weeknight dinner hero that feels gourmet without the effort.
How to Make Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese
Step-by-Step Method
This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese is both incredibly simple to make and deeply satisfying. Follow these clear, simple steps for best results:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly oil a cast iron skillet or a 9×9 baking dish.
2. Season and sear the chicken.
Pat dry your chicken breasts, then season both sides with salt, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian herbs. Heat olive oil in a skillet and cook each chicken breast for 2–3 minutes per side, until they’re beautifully golden and seared. Remove from heat.
3. Build your base layer.
Spread 2–3 tablespoons of marinara sauce at the bottom of your dish. Lay the seared chicken over it.
4. Add the cheesy layers.
Spoon a generous amount of cottage cheese over each chicken breast, spreading it evenly to cover. Next, drizzle the remaining marinara sauce over the top, then finish with a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan.
5. Bake.
Place uncovered in the oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and the cheese is bubbly and golden on top.
6. Rest and serve.
Let your chicken parmesan with cottage cheese rest for 5 minutes before serving. Garnish with chopped parsley or red pepper flakes if desired.
This easy dinner pairs wonderfully with sautéed green beans, garlic spinach, or even spiralized zucchini noodles. If you love low-carb recipes that still feel cozy, this one’s a weeknight winner.
Health Benefits & Storage Tips for Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese
High-Protein, Low-Carb & Guilt-Free
This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese isn’t just tasty—it’s built for real results. Each serving delivers over 40g of protein, thanks to the lean chicken breast, grated Parmesan, and cottage cheese blend. The combination supports muscle repair, balances blood sugar, and keeps you fuller longer than traditional pasta-loaded dishes.
By using cottage cheese in place of mozzarella or ricotta, you’re also making a smart nutritional trade-off. Cottage cheese is lower in fat, higher in protein, and contains important nutrients like calcium, selenium, and vitamin B12. According to Medical News Today, it’s also beneficial for bone health and metabolic support.
If you’ve tried meals like our Baked Ziti with Cottage Cheese and Spinach, you’ll appreciate how this dinner fits perfectly into a balanced, protein-focused routine.
Make-Ahead & Storage Friendly
This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese recipe stores like a champ, making it perfect for weekly meal prep:
- Refrigerator: Store any leftovers in a sealed airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in a 350°F oven or microwave until heated thoroughly.
- Freezer: Freeze fully cooked portions for up to 3 months. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then simply reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.
- Meal prep tip: Portion individually before freezing for grab-and-go meals that don’t lose flavor or texture.
Thanks to wholesome ingredients and a long shelf life, this protein-packed meal makes clean eating both convenient and flavorful.
Frequently Asked Questions About Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese
Can you mix chicken and cottage cheese?
Yes! Mixing chicken and cottage cheese adds creaminess, moisture, and protein. In this recipe, the cottage cheese melts into the marinara and Parmesan, coating the chicken without needing heavy cream or breadcrumbs.
Is chicken and cottage cheese good for you?
Absolutely. Both are high in lean protein and low in carbs. This chicken parmesan with cottage cheese provides over 40g of protein per serving and essential nutrients like calcium and vitamin B12.
Does cottage cheese melt?
Cottage cheese softens and partially melts when baked, creating a creamy texture. It won’t melt like mozzarella but blends beautifully into sauces and baked dishes like this chicken parmesan with cottage cheese.
What is a substitute for mozzarella cheese in chicken Parmesan?
Cottage cheese is a great substitute for mozzarella when you want a higher protein, lower fat version. You can also try ricotta or shredded part-skim cheese for variety.
Can you make a sauce with cottage cheese?
Yes, blending cottage cheese with seasonings or herbs makes a creamy, protein-packed sauce. In this recipe, the cottage cheese acts like a built-in sauce layer over the marinara.
Do bodybuilders eat cottage cheese?
They do. Cottage cheese is rich in casein protein, which digests slowly—perfect for muscle recovery and satiety. It’s a staple in many high-protein diets.
What is the healthiest thing to eat with cottage cheese?
Vegetables, lean proteins like grilled chicken, or whole grains pair well. In this dish, roasted broccoli or zucchini noodles make perfect sides for chicken parmesan with cottage cheese.
What happens when you heat up cottage cheese?
It becomes softer and more sauce-like. While it won’t get stretchy, it blends well with marinara and Parmesan to deliver a satisfying creamy finish.
Discover more high-protein Dinner inspiration like this on our Pinterest board!
Why Chicken Parmesan with Cottage Cheese Deserves a Spot on Your Table
If you’re aiming for a meal that satisfies your comfort food cravings without wrecking your macros, chicken parmesan with cottage cheese checks every box. It’s high in protein, low in carbs, and gluten-free—without losing the classic Italian flavor you love.
By swapping mozzarella or ricotta for protein-rich cottage cheese, you’re not just making a healthier choice—you’re unlocking bold flavor, creamy texture, and better nutrition in one simple step. Whether you’re meal prepping, feeding your family, or just looking for a quick, no-fuss dinner, this dish works beautifully.
Serve it over veggies, pasta alternatives, or enjoy it solo. No matter how you plate it, this chicken parmesan with cottage cheese recipe is about making real food taste good—and feel even better.
Stay full. Eat well. Enjoy real comfort, the healthy way.