Ingredients
Scale
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breast, cubed into bite-sized pieces
- 2 cups Low-fat cottage cheese (2% or 4% works best)
- 2 medium Zucchinis, sliced into half-moons
- 1 Red bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups Fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1 tsp Onion powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 1/4 cup Shredded parmesan cheese
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Preparation – Start by dicing your chicken breasts into small, uniform cubes to ensure even cooking. Slice the zucchinis into half-moons and chop the red bell pepper. If you prefer a completely smooth sauce, place the cottage cheese in a blender or food processor and pulse until it reaches a silky consistency. Otherwise, keep it as is for a more rustic texture.
- Step 2: Sautéing the Protein and Veggies – Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the cubed chicken and season with salt, pepper, onion powder, and oregano. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes until it is golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the zucchini and bell peppers. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until they are tender-crisp. Add the minced garlic during the last minute of cooking so it doesn’t burn.
- Step 3: Creating the Creamy Sauce – Lower the heat to medium-low. This is crucial because high heat can cause cottage cheese to separate. Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the cottage cheese and stir gently to coat everything. Add the fresh baby spinach and stir until it begins to wilt into the sauce. Sprinkle in the parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes, stirring until the sauce is warm and slightly thickened.
- Step 4: Portioning for Meal Prep – Divide the mixture equally into four airtight meal prep containers. Allow the food to cool slightly before sealing the lids. This prevents excess moisture from making the vegetables soggy. Store the containers in the refrigerator for a quick and easy high-protein dinner throughout the week.
- Cook Time: 35 minutes