High Protein Chicken Parmesan Bowl
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This easy High Protein Chicken Parmesan Bowl is perfect for meal prep! Made with high-protein pasta, juicy chicken, cottage cheese, and marinara. This healthy lunch or dinner is protein-packed, macro-friendly, and ready in under 15 minutes.
If you’re looking for an easy, high protein chicken parmesan bowl that satisfies your cravings and fits your goals, this is it! With high-protein pasta, tender chicken, creamy cottage cheese, and a sprinkle of parmesan, this macro-friendly dish is perfect for lunch or dinner—and it’s ready in under 15 minutes.
I’m not a nutritionist, just a regular person trying to eat better, especially on hectic weekdays when time is short and cravings are high. This healthy chicken parmesan bowl came out of my need for something fast, comforting, and loaded with protein to keep me full through the afternoon.
This recipe became a go-to during busy work-from-home days. It’s similar to my Low Carb Pizza Casserole or Keto Chicken Alfredo Casserole, warm and cheesy but with a protein-packed twist that fits right into my current routine. Plus, it’s super meal-prep friendly and uses just a few ingredients I almost always have on hand.
Whether you’re meal prepping or just need a quick, easy high protein dinner, this chicken parmesan bowl checks all the boxes for flavor, simplicity, and nutrition.
Ingredients & Substitutions
- High Protein Pasta – I use 2 ounces of dry high-protein pasta (like Banza or Barilla Protein+). You can swap for whole wheat or chickpea pasta if that’s what you’ve got.
- Just Bare Chicken – I’m obsessed with this chicken. These pre-cooked chicken breast chunks are lean and easy-to-make. You can use any cooked chicken breast or even grilled chicken strips.
- Low Fat Cottage Cheese – This adds a great protein boost without a lot of calories. If you’re not a fan, I highly recommend giving Good Culture cottage cheese a try. It totally changed my mind about cottage cheese. If you still don’t like it, you can try ricotta for a similar texture, but it won’t pack the same protein punch.
- Marinara Sauce – Adds that classic Italian flavor. Use your favorite store-bought brand or homemade. Rao’s marinara is my go-to.
- Parmesan Cheese – A little goes a long way. Freshly grated Parmesan brings that sharp, salty flavor that makes it feel like comfort food.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Cook the Pasta. Prepare your high-protein pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside.
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken. If using Just Bare chicken or pre-cooked chicken, heat it as instructed. You can also season and cook fresh chicken breast if you prefer.
Step 3 – Assemble the Bowl. In a microwave-safe bowl, add the cooked pasta.
- Pour ¼ cup of marinara over the pasta.
- Add the warm chicken on top.
- Top with the remaining ¼ cup of marinara.
- Sprinkle ½ ounce of Parmesan over everything.
Step 4 – Microwave to Heat and Melt. Add ½ cup of cottage cheese on the side or top. Microwave the entire bowl for about 1 minute or until everything is heated through and the cheese is melty.
Step 5 – Serve & Enjoy! Stir everything together or enjoy in layers—it’s creamy, savory, and satisfying.
This makes 1 serving, which is 573 calories and 46 grams of protein.
Expert Tips & Tricks
- Use oven instead of microwave if you prefer a bubbly, baked finish.
- Add a dash of Italian seasoning or crushed red pepper flakes for a flavor boost.
- Want extra protein? Toss in a few tablespoons of cooked lentils or use double the chicken.
- Don’t skip the cottage cheese! Even if you’re skeptical, it melts into the bowl and adds a creamy, protein-rich finish.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! You can make 2–3 bowls at once and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you are ready to reheat just pop in the microwave for 2-3 minutes or heat in the oven at 350 degrees F for 7-10 minutes.
Brands like Banza (chickpea-based) or Barilla Protein+ are excellent. They hold up well and add extra grams of protein.
While it varies by brand, you’re looking at approximately 40–45 grams of protein per bowl with these ingredients.
It’s best fresh or refrigerated. Freezing may change the texture of the pasta and cottage cheese.
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Easy High Protein Chicken Parmesan Bowl
Ingredients
- 2 ounces Dry High protein pasta
- 3 ounces Just Bare chicken
- ½ cup Cottage cheese
- ½ cup Marinara
- 1/2 ounce Parmesan
Instructions
- Cook pasta and chicken according to package instructions.
- Once pasta is cooked and drained add to a boil and top with ¼ cup of marinara.
- Add the cooked chicken and top with remaining ¼ cup of marinara.
- Top with ½ ounce of Parmesan cheese.
- Microwave for 1 minute to heat the cottage cheese.
- Serve hot.
Nutrition
