If you’re craving a gooey, cheesy pizza but want to keep things light and high-protein, you have officially hit the jackpot! This Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl is a total game-changer for those busy weeknights when you need comfort food fast. It’s all the flavors of your favorite deep-dish pizza—think bubbly mozzarella, zesty marinara, and savory toppings—but with a secret protein boost that makes it incredibly satisfying. Trust me, once you try this “pizza-in-a-bowl” hack, it’s going to become a permanent part of your lunch rotation!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Protein Powerhouse: Thanks to the cottage cheese and chicken, this meal keeps you full and fueled for hours without the heavy carb crash.
- Totally Customizable: Just like a real pizza, you can throw in whatever veggies or meats you have in the fridge. It’s the ultimate “clean out the pantry” meal!
- Quick and Effortless: With only 10 minutes of prep, you can go from “starving” to “savory pizza bliss” in no time at all.
- Guilt-Free Comfort: You get all that luscious, melty cheese and Italian flavor in a way that feels light and nourishing.
Ingredients
Gather up these goodies to create your pizza masterpiece:
- Cottage Cheese: The secret star of the show! It creates a creamy, protein-packed base that mimics a rich ricotta.
- Marinara Sauce: Provides that classic, zesty tomato flavor we all love.
- Shredded Mozzarella Cheese: Because it wouldn’t be pizza without that iconic, stretchy cheese pull!
- Cooked Chicken Breast: Adds a hearty lean protein to make this a complete meal.
- Black Olives: Adds a wonderful salty, briny pop to every bite.
- Bell Peppers: Brings a fresh crunch and a hint of sweetness.
- Mushrooms: Gives the bowl a lovely earthy, savory depth.
- Italian Seasoning & Garlic Powder: These pantry staples bring that authentic “pizzeria” aroma to your kitchen.
- Salt and Pepper: To make all those vibrant flavors sing.
- Fresh Basil or Oregano: An optional garnish that adds a burst of freshness and a beautiful pop of green.
Note: The ingredients with full measurements can be found right under this article in the recipe card.
How to Make the Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Step 1: Prep and Base
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F. Grab your favorite oven-safe bowl and spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom. This is going to be your “crust” layer.
Step 2: Sauce and Season
Spoon your marinara sauce right over the cottage cheese. Give it a gentle spread so every inch is covered. Now, sprinkle on your Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Your kitchen should already start smelling amazing!
Step 3: Layer the Toppings
Time for the fun part! Layer your diced chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives on top. Feel free to get creative here!
Step 4: The Cheesy Finish
Top it all off with a generous layer of shredded mozzarella. This is what’s going to get all bubbly and delicious in the oven.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Pop the bowl in the oven and bake for 18–20 minutes. You’re looking for the cheese to be completely melted and starting to bubble around the edges.
Step 6: Broil and Serve
If you like those golden-brown cheese spots (and who doesn’t?), switch the oven to broil for 1–2 minutes at the end. Just keep a close eye on it! Remove carefully, garnish with fresh herbs, and dig in while it’s hot.
Pro Tips for Making the Recipe
- Drain the Cheese: If your cottage cheese is particularly watery, give it a quick strain or pat it with a paper towel so your pizza bowl stays thick and creamy.
- Swap the Protein: Not a fan of chicken? Italian sausage, turkey pepperoni, or even ground beef work beautifully here.
- The Broiler is Your Friend: Don’t skip the 1-minute broil at the end! It transforms the texture of the mozzarella into that classic pizza topping we crave.
How to Serve
This bowl is a superstar all on its own, but you can definitely level it up:
- With a Side: Pair it with a crisp green side salad or some roasted zucchini fries.
- Garlic Bread Vibes: If you aren’t watching carbs, a piece of toasted sourdough or garlic bread is perfect for scooping up the extra sauce.
- Spice it Up: Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a little kick!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers (lucky you!), place them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezing
I don’t recommend freezing this dish, as the texture of the cottage cheese can change and become a bit grainy once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh!
Reheating
The best way to reheat is in the oven at 350°F until warmed through, or in the microwave for 1–2 minutes if you’re in a hurry.
FAQs
- Can I use low-fat cottage cheese? Absolutely! Both full-fat and low-fat cottage cheese work great, though full-fat will give you a slightly richer, creamier result.
- Is this recipe good for meal prep? Yes! You can layer everything in a microwave-safe container (except for the baking part) and just heat it up at work for a quick, high-protein lunch.
- Can I make this in the air fryer? You sure can! Place your oven-safe bowl in the air fryer at 350°F for about 8–10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- What if I don’t have an oven-safe bowl? No worries! You can use a small baking dish or even a ramekin. Just make sure whatever you use can handle the heat of the oven.
Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Spread the cottage cheese evenly across the bottom of an oven-safe bowl.
- Spoon the marinara sauce over the cottage cheese and gently spread to cover.
- Sprinkle the Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt, and pepper evenly over the sauce.
- Layer the chicken, bell peppers, mushrooms, and black olives on top.
- Add the shredded mozzarella cheese as the final layer.
- Bake for 18–20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
- Broil for 1–2 minutes if desired for a lightly golden top.
- Remove from the oven, garnish with fresh herbs if using, and serve warm.