Creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken with Italian Cheese and Marinara Recipe

Introduction

Cottage Cheese Chicken is a delicious and creamy twist on classic chicken dishes. Combining tender air-fried chicken with a rich blend of cottage cheese and Italian flavors, this meal is both comforting and easy to prepare.

A white bowl holds a layered pasta dish with about four layers. The bottom layer is chunky red tomato sauce mixed with small pieces of pasta. Above that, a creamy white cheese layer spreads unevenly with a slightly grainy texture. Another thick layer of tomato sauce with pasta sits on top, showing bright orange-red hues and soft pasta shapes. The top layer is sprinkled with shredded white cheese and fresh green basil leaves for color contrast. The bowl is placed on a wooden board over a white marbled surface, with a spoon to the right side. In the background, a whole red tomato and some green leaves are softly focused. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 serving blended cottage cheese
  • 1 serving air-fried chicken
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • Onion powder, to taste
  • Garlic powder, to taste
  • Italian seasoning, to taste
  • 1/4 cup Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina, romano)
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season the air-fried chicken with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning according to your preference.
  2. Step 2: Spread the blended cottage cheese evenly over the cooked chicken.
  3. Step 3: Spoon marinara sauce over the cottage cheese layer.
  4. Step 4: Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend on top to create a cheesy, golden crust.
  5. Step 5: Place the prepared chicken under the broiler or in a hot oven until the cheese melts and turns golden, about 3-5 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Tips & Variations

  • Use low-fat cottage cheese for a lighter version without sacrificing creaminess.
  • Try adding fresh basil or oregano to the marinara sauce for extra herb flavor.
  • If you don’t have an air fryer, bake the chicken in the oven until fully cooked before assembling.

Storage

Store leftover Cottage Cheese Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to preserve the creamy texture and flavors.

How to Serve

A white bowl filled with a layered pasta dish sits on a wooden board against a white marbled background. The bottom layer is soft pasta covered in a chunky red tomato sauce with visible small tomato pieces. Over this, there is a creamy white cheese layer mixed with the sauce, creating a slightly uneven texture. The top layer has scattered shavings of hard white cheese and a few fresh bright green basil leaves resting on the surface, adding contrast. To the side of the bowl is a shiny silver spoon. In the blurred background, a ripe red tomato and green basil leaves are visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular cooked chicken instead of air-fried?

Yes, any fully cooked chicken works well. Baking or pan-searing chicken before assembling will yield a similar delicious result.

Is cottage cheese a good substitute for ricotta in this recipe?

Absolutely. Blended cottage cheese has a similar texture and mild flavor, making it a great ricotta alternative, especially when blended smooth.

Print

Creamy Cottage Cheese Chicken with Italian Cheese and Marinara Recipe

A delicious and healthy Cottage Cheese Chicken recipe that combines tender air-fried chicken with creamy blended cottage cheese, seasoned with Italian herbs and spices, topped with melted Italian cheese blend and marinara sauce, finished with fresh parsley for a flavorful Italian-inspired meal.

  • Author: Isabella
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 1 serving 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Air Frying
  • Cuisine: Italian-American

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasonings

  • 1 serving chicken breast, air-fried
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

Cottage Cheese Mixture

  • 1 serving blended cottage cheese (approximately 1/2 cup, well blended until smooth)

Toppings and Garnishes

  • 1/4 cup Italian cheese blend (mozzarella, provolone, parmesan, asiago, fontina, romano)
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce
  • Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare Chicken: Season the chicken breast evenly with salt, pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and Italian seasoning to enhance the flavor before cooking.
  2. Air Fry the Chicken: Place the seasoned chicken breast in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 15-18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is cooked through with a crispy outside.
  3. Blend Cottage Cheese: In a blender or food processor, blend the cottage cheese until it reaches a smooth, creamy consistency to use as a rich topping.
  4. Assemble the Dish: Spread the blended cottage cheese evenly over the cooked chicken breast. Then spoon the marinara sauce on top of the cheese layer.
  5. Add Cheese Blend: Sprinkle the Italian cheese blend generously over the marinara sauce to create a cheesy crust.
  6. Finish Cooking: Return the assembled chicken to the air fryer or oven and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
  7. Garnish and Serve: Remove the chicken from the heat, garnish with freshly chopped parsley, and serve immediately for a warm and savory meal.

Notes

  • Ensure the chicken is fully cooked by checking the internal temperature with a meat thermometer.
  • Blending cottage cheese creates a smoother texture that works well as a creamy topping.
  • Use fresh parsley for the best flavor and color garnish.
  • Adjust seasoning according to your taste preference.
  • Whole ingredient quantities can be scaled depending on the number of servings desired.

Keywords: cottage cheese chicken, air-fried chicken recipe, Italian chicken, healthy chicken dish, blended cottage cheese topping, air fryer recipes

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