High Protein Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
Introduction
This High Protein Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a flavorful, nutritious meal that’s quick to prepare. Combining fresh basil pesto with shredded chicken and creamy cottage cheese, it’s perfect for a satisfying lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
- ½ cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese
- 2 ½ tablespoons grated parmesan, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ⅔ cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Step 1: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, 2 tablespoons grated parmesan, olive oil, and low-fat cottage cheese. Pulse until smooth and thoroughly blended. Add lemon juice if using, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Step 2: If using, place diced red bell pepper in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and heat for 1 minute.
- Step 3: Stir together the cottage cheese pesto, heated bell pepper, and shredded rotisserie chicken until well combined. Microwave the mixture for 1 minute, then stir again.
- Step 4: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella and the remaining ½ tablespoon grated parmesan evenly over the top. Microwave for another minute or until the cheese is melted and the dish is heated through. Serve immediately.
Tips & Variations
- For extra creaminess, try adding a small spoonful of ricotta cheese to the pesto mixture.
- Swap pine nuts with walnuts or almonds for a different nutty flavor.
- Use leftover cooked chicken or turkey if rotisserie chicken isn’t available.
- Add a handful of cherry tomatoes or spinach for extra color and nutrients.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the microwave until warmed through, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated without losing much flavor.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make the pesto without a food processor?
Yes, you can finely chop the basil, garlic, and pine nuts by hand and mix with the other ingredients, but the pesto won’t be as smooth.
Is this recipe suitable for low-fat diets?
Yes, using low-fat cottage cheese and moderate amounts of cheese keeps this dish relatively low in fat while still providing plenty of protein and flavor.
PrintHigh Protein Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl Recipe
This High Protein Pesto Chicken Cottage Cheese Bowl is a nutritious and flavorful dish combining a creamy basil pesto made with low-fat cottage cheese, shredded rotisserie chicken, and melted mozzarella. It’s a quick and easy meal perfect for lunch or dinner, delivering a healthy boost of protein with vibrant fresh herbs and a cheesy finish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 minutes
- Total Time: 13 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Microwaving
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, lightly packed
- ½ cup low-fat (2% milkfat) cottage cheese
- 2 ½ tablespoons grated parmesan, divided
- 1 ½ tablespoons pine nuts
- 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Main Bowl
- ¼ cup red bell pepper, diced (optional)
- ⅔ cup rotisserie chicken, shredded
- 2 tablespoons shredded mozzarella
Instructions
- Make cottage cheese pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil, minced garlic, pine nuts, 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan, extra-virgin olive oil, and low-fat cottage cheese. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and thoroughly combined. Optionally, add a teaspoon of lemon juice for brightness, then season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Heat pepper: Place diced red bell pepper in a microwave-safe bowl, cover with a microwave-safe plate, and heat in the microwave for 1 minute. This step is optional but helps to soften and slightly cook the peppers.
- Combine and heat: After heating the pepper, add the cottage cheese pesto and shredded rotisserie chicken to the bowl. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly. Place the bowl back in the microwave and heat for 1 minute. Remove and stir to ensure even warming.
- Finish and serve: Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella and the remaining ½ tablespoon grated parmesan evenly over the top of the mixture. Return the bowl to the microwave and heat for another minute or until the cheese has melted or is nearly melted and the dish is thoroughly heated. Serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Notes
- If you prefer, you can substitute pine nuts with walnuts or almonds in the pesto.
- Rotisserie chicken provides great convenience; you can also use cooked chicken breast if preferred.
- The red bell pepper is optional but adds a nice sweetness and color contrast.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, keeping in mind that parmesan cheese is naturally salty.
- This recipe can be prepared ahead by making the pesto in advance and combining when ready to serve.
Keywords: high protein, pesto chicken, cottage cheese, quick meal, healthy lunch, microwave recipe, italian-inspired
