You know how Friday nights at our house used to be? Total chaos. The “what’s for dinner” question would start around 4 PM, and by 5:30, we’d all be hangry and inevitably ordering a pizza. It was delicious, sure, but I started craving something that felt a little lighter, a little healthier, but still delivered on that cheesy, saucy comfort. That’s when my obsession with this Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole began. It’s our new go-to! It’s got all the flavors we love from pizza night—the pepperoni, the melty mozzarella, the rich marinara—but it comes together in about 10 minutes of prep. And the best part? My kids absolutely devour it. They don’t even miss the crust!
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
Trust me, this dish is a total game-changer for busy weeknights. You’re going to love it because it’s:
- Super quick – Throw it together in just 10 minutes!
- Packed with protein – Thanks to the chicken and cottage cheese, it keeps you full.
- Surprisingly light – No heavy, bloated feeling from a doughy crust.
- Kid-approved – My picky eaters gobble it up every single time.
Ingredients for Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
Here’s what you’ll need to make this family favorite (and why each ingredient matters!):
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken – Rotisserie chicken works perfectly here, but leftovers from last night’s dinner are great too!
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth) – Don’t skip blending it – this makes the base beautifully creamy without any curds.
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese – Divided – we’ll use half in the mix and half for that gorgeous melted topping.
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning + 1/2 tsp garlic powder – My secret flavor boosters that make it taste just like your favorite pizza joint.
- 1/2 cup thick marinara sauce – Rao’s is my go-to – the thickness prevents the casserole from getting watery.
- 20 slices turkey pepperoni – Regular works too, but turkey keeps it a bit lighter.
- Optional goodies – Toss in black olives or mushrooms if your crew likes them – I sometimes sneak in spinach for extra veggies!
Equipment You’ll Need
No fancy gadgets required for this one—just grab these basics from your kitchen:
- A trusty mixing bowl – For combining all those delicious ingredients.
- 8×8-inch baking dish – The perfect size for that golden, bubbly finish.
- A butter knife – For creating those pretty marinara swirls.
- Measuring cups and spoons – Because eyeballing Italian seasoning never ends well!
How to Make Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
Okay, let’s get cooking! This comes together so fast you’ll barely believe it. Just follow these simple steps for the most delicious pizza casserole you’ve ever tasted.
Step 1: Mix the Base
First things first – preheat that oven to 375°F (190°C). Now grab your mixing bowl and toss in the shredded chicken, blended cottage cheese (remember, smooth is key!), Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half the mozzarella. Mix it all up until everything is evenly distributed – you want every bite to have that perfect cheesy, chickeny goodness!
Step 2: Add the Swirl
Here’s where the magic happens! Spread your chicken mixture evenly in the baking dish, then dollop spoonfuls of that thick marinara sauce all over the top. Now take a butter knife and gently swirl it through – not too much! You want beautiful ribbons of red, not a muddy mess. Think marble cake, not chocolate milk.
Step 3: Layer Toppings
Time for the fun part! Arrange those turkey pepperoni slices in whatever pattern makes you happy (my kids love making smiley faces). Sprinkle on the remaining mozzarella, and if you’re feeling fancy, add any optional toppings like olives or mushrooms. This is your pizza masterpiece – make it your own!
Step 4: Bake and Broil
Pop it in the oven for 20 minutes – you’ll know it’s ready when the cheese is melted and bubbly. But wait! Here’s my secret trick: switch to broil for just 2 minutes at the end. Watch it closely – this gives the pepperoni that perfect crispiness and makes the cheese beautifully golden. Careful not to walk away though – broilers work fast!
Tips for the Best Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
After making this recipe more times than I can count, I’ve picked up a few tricks that take it from good to absolutely amazing:
- Blend that cottage cheese – This is non-negotiable! Smooth cottage cheese makes the base creamy rather than lumpy. I just toss it in my blender for 15 seconds – easy peasy.
- Pat your chicken dry – Moisture is the enemy of a perfect casserole texture. A quick pat with paper towels makes all the difference.
- Broil with eagle eyes – Those last 2 minutes under the broiler can go from perfect to burnt in seconds. I literally stand there counting “one Mississippi, two Mississippi…”
- Let it rest – I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but waiting 5 minutes helps the flavors settle and makes serving cleaner.
Game-Changing 20-Minute Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
Pizza night has taken on a whole new twist with this casserole. It’s like a slice of pizza packed with the goodness of cottage cheese and chicken, but without the heavy crust. The kids love it, and you’ll love that it’s a hearty meal made easy.
- Total Time: 32 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 2 cups shredded cooked chicken
- 1 cup cottage cheese (blended smooth)
- 1/2 cup mozzarella cheese
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 cup thick marinara sauce (Rao’s works well)
- 20 slices turkey pepperoni
- Optional: sliced black olives or mushrooms
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, blended cottage cheese, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and half of the mozzarella cheese. Spread this mixture evenly into a baking dish.
- For the swirl, dollop spoonfuls of marinara sauce on top of the chicken mixture. Use a knife to gently swirl it into the surface, creating a beautiful marble effect without mixing it completely.
- Next, arrange the turkey pepperoni slices on top and sprinkle the remaining mozzarella cheese over everything.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes. For that perfect finishing touch, broil for an additional 2 minutes to crisp up the pepperoni.
Notes
- Optional toppings like black olives or mushrooms can be added before baking.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 22 minutes
- Category: Casserole
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Calorie
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Variations to Try
One of my favorite things about this casserole is how easily you can switch it up! Here are some delicious twists we’ve loved:
- Turkey bacon bits – Swap pepperoni for crispy turkey bacon pieces – my husband’s favorite version!
- Ricotta instead of cottage cheese – Makes it extra rich and creamy (just add a splash of milk to thin it).
- Veggie-loaded – Toss in diced bell peppers, spinach, or zucchini for extra nutrition – the kids never notice!
- Breakfast style – Skip the marinara, add scrambled eggs and breakfast sausage – perfect for brunch!
Serving Suggestions
This Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole is perfectly delicious all on its own, but here’s how I love to round out the meal:
- A crisp side salad with Italian dressing – the fresh crunch balances the casserole’s richness.
- Warm garlic bread – because let’s be honest, who can resist that buttery goodness?
- Simple roasted veggies – broccoli or zucchini make a colorful, healthy pairing.
My kids always go for seconds when I serve it with some apple slices – the sweet-tangy combo is magic!
Storing and Reheating
Leftovers? No problem! This Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days – just cover it tightly. When reheating, I always use the oven (350°F for about 15 minutes) with a foil tent to keep it from drying out. In a pinch, the microwave works too – just go 30 seconds at a time and stir gently between bursts. Pro tip: Add a tiny splash of water before reheating to keep it extra moist!
Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole Nutrition Facts
Now, I’m no nutritionist, but here’s the scoop on what you’re getting per serving (remember, estimates vary based on your exact ingredients):
- 350 calories – Lighter than delivery pizza!
- 35g protein – Thank you, chicken and cottage cheese.
- 15g fat (6g saturated) – Turkey pepperoni keeps it reasonable.
- 12g carbs – That’s where skipping the crust pays off.
Honestly? It’s so tasty I’d eat it even if it weren’t this balanced!
FAQs About Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole
Can I use fresh chicken instead of pre-cooked?
Absolutely! Just cook it first – I like to sauté diced chicken breasts with a pinch of the Italian seasoning until no longer pink. Let it cool slightly before shredding. This actually gives you more control over the flavor!
Can I freeze this casserole?
Honestly? I wouldn’t recommend it. The cottage cheese texture gets a bit grainy after freezing and thawing. But it keeps so well in the fridge for 3 days that I’ve never needed to freeze it anyway!
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! The beauty of skipping the crust means it’s naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your marinara sauce labels if you’re sensitive – some brands sneak in wheat-based thickeners.
Share Your Feedback
I’d love to hear how your Pizza Cottage Cheese Casserole turned out! Did your kids gobble it up like mine do? Leave a comment below or tag me on Instagram @FrostyRecipes – nothing makes me happier than seeing your kitchen creations. Happy cooking, friends! Follow us on Facebook for more quick dinner ideas!
