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Close-up of creamy cottage cheese pizza bowl with melted mozzarella, marinara, spinach, and black pepper.

Cottage Cheese Pizza Bowl

This cottage cheese pizza bowl is a quick, warm, pizza-inspired meal made with cottage cheese, marinara, mozzarella, vegetables, and simple seasonings. It gives you cozy pizza flavor without dough and works well as a fast lunch, savory snack, or easy weeknight dinner.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings: 1 bowl
Course: Dinner, Lunch, Snack
Cuisine: American, Italian-Inspired
Calories: 320
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pizza Bowl Base
  • 1 cup plain cottage cheese blend first for a smoother base, if desired
  • 1/4 cup marinara sauce or pizza sauce use a little less for a thicker bowl
  • 1/4 cup shredded mozzarella cheese for the melty topping
Vegetables and Seasoning
  • 1/4 cup diced bell pepper chop small so it heats quickly
  • 2 tbsp diced onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped baby spinach
  • 1/2 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 tsp garlic powder
  • black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
  • crushed red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • chopped fresh basil or parsley optional, for serving
  • 2 to 3 tbsp sliced olives optional, drained well
  • 1/3 cup leftover cooked chicken or cooked ground turkey optional, fully cooked before adding

Equipment

  • Microwave-safe bowl or ramekin
  • Small blender or immersion blender
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Spoon
  • Glass meal prep container
  • Food thermometer

Method
 

  1. Add the cottage cheese to a microwave-safe bowl or ramekin. For a smoother texture, blend the cottage cheese first, then spoon it into the bowl.
  2. Spoon the marinara sauce or pizza sauce over the cottage cheese.
  3. Add the diced bell pepper, diced onion, chopped spinach, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, and black pepper.
  4. If using cooked chicken, cooked ground turkey, or drained olives, add them now and spread everything evenly.
  5. Sprinkle the shredded mozzarella cheese over the top.
  6. Microwave for 45 seconds, then check the bowl. Continue microwaving in 20 to 30 second bursts until the cheese is melted and the bowl is heated through.
  7. Let the bowl rest for 1 to 2 minutes before eating. The filling will be hot, and the short rest helps the texture settle.
  8. Top with fresh basil, parsley, or crushed red pepper flakes if desired. Serve warm with crackers, toast, cucumber slices, mini bell peppers, rice cakes, or a simple salad.

Notes

For a baked version, assemble the bowl in an oven-safe ramekin and bake at 400°F for 10 to 12 minutes, or until hot and melted. Let it rest for 1 to 2 minutes before serving.
You can also use an air fryer if you have a small oven-safe ramekin that fits safely inside the basket. Cook at 330°F for about 5 to 7 minutes, checking early so the top does not overcook.
Blend the cottage cheese first if you want a smoother, creamier pizza-style base. Leave it unblended if you prefer the fastest prep and do not mind a chunkier texture.
Drain wet toppings and use only a modest amount of sauce to keep the bowl from becoming watery. Chop vegetables small so they heat quickly and evenly.
This bowl tastes best fresh, but you can prep the vegetables and sauce ahead. Store leftovers in a shallow airtight container in the refrigerator and use or freeze within 4 days. Reheat leftovers to 165°F before serving.