Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

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Start your morning with a burst of protein, flavor, and satisfaction with these Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Packed with veggies, fluffy eggs, and creamy cottage cheese, these muffins are a delicious, grab-and-go option that keeps you full and energized. They’re perfect for meal prep, brunch spreads, or anytime you need a wholesome snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Protein-Packed – Cottage cheese and eggs give these muffins serious staying power.
Easy Meal Prep – Make a batch on Sunday and enjoy breakfast all week long.
Customizable – Add your favorite vegetables, herbs, or cheese to suit your taste.
Gluten-Free Option – Use oat flour or almond flour for a gluten-free version.
Freezer-Friendly – They reheat beautifully for busy mornings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Muffins:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)
  • 4 large eggs
  • ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)
  • 1 tsp baking powder
  • ½ tsp baking soda
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • ½ cup chopped baby spinach
  • ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives
  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Cooked and crumbled turkey sausage or chicken bacon
  • Diced mushrooms or shredded zucchini
  • A pinch of chili flakes for a little kick

Tools You’ll Need

  • 12-cup muffin tin
  • Paper liners or nonstick spray
  • Mixing bowls
  • Whisk and spatula
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cottage cheese until smooth.
The cottage cheese may remain slightly lumpy, which is fine.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Fillings
Add shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, green onions, and any optional add-ins.
Stir gently to distribute everything evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Top with a little extra shredded cheese or chopped herbs if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Tips for the Best Savory Cottage Cheese Muffins
Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the muffins rise better and bake evenly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
Drain Watery Veggies – Squeeze out moisture from veggies like zucchini or mushrooms before adding.
Mix and Match Veggies – These muffins are super versatile—use what you have on hand!
Bake Ahead – They store well in the fridge or freezer for later.

Serving Suggestions
Serve warm with a dollop of Greek yogurt or avocado slices.
Pair with fresh fruit or a smoothie for a balanced breakfast.
Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of feta for extra flavor.
Include them on a brunch board with mini quiches, muffins, and fruit skewers.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Keep in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
Room Temp: Best eaten within 24 hours if not refrigerated.

Freezing:
Freeze in a zip-top bag or container with parchment paper between layers for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Microwave: Heat for 20–30 seconds for a quick breakfast.
Oven: Warm at 300°F for 8–10 minutes for a fresh-from-the-oven texture.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Can I make these dairy-free?
    Yes! Use dairy-free cheese and a plant-based cottage cheese alternative.
  2. Can I use whole wheat flour?
    Absolutely—just expect a slightly denser texture.
  3. Can I add meat?
    Of course! Turkey sausage, ground chicken, or chopped chicken bacon are all great options.
  4. Are these good cold?
    Yes! They taste great at room temp, making them perfect for packed lunches.
  5. Can I use egg whites?
    Yes, use 6 egg whites in place of the whole eggs if you prefer.

Final Thoughts
Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins are a flavorful, healthy, and protein-rich way to fuel your day. Whether you’re looking for an easy breakfast, a post-workout snack, or a savory brunch option, these muffins are versatile enough to suit your lifestyle and taste. Plus, they’re easy to batch cook and freeze, making mornings smoother and tastier.

Give them a try and don’t forget to share your favorite veggie combinations!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 24 minutes
Cuisine: American

Nutritional Information (Per Muffin):
Calories: 180 | Protein: 9g | Carbohydrates: 14g | Fat: 9g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 220mg

Print
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Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta

Crockpot Olive Garden Chicken Pasta


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  • Author: Paula
  • Total Time: 34 minutes

Description

Start your morning with a burst of protein, flavor, and satisfaction with these Savory Cottage Cheese Breakfast Muffins. Packed with veggies, fluffy eggs, and creamy cottage cheese, these muffins are a delicious, grab-and-go option that keeps you full and energized. They’re perfect for meal prep, brunch spreads, or anytime you need a wholesome snack that doesn’t skimp on flavor.

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Ingredients

Scale

For the Muffins:

  • 1 cup cottage cheese (full-fat or low-fat)

  • 4 large eggs

  • ½ cup milk (dairy or plant-based)

  • 1 cup all-purpose flour (or oat flour for gluten-free)

  • 1 tsp baking powder

  • ½ tsp baking soda

  • ½ tsp salt

  • ¼ tsp black pepper

  • ½ cup shredded cheddar cheese

  • ½ cup chopped baby spinach

  • ¼ cup finely diced red bell pepper

  • ¼ cup chopped green onions or chives

  • 1 tsp dried oregano or Italian seasoning (optional)

Optional Add-ins:

  • Cooked and crumbled turkey sausage or chicken bacon

  • Diced mushrooms or shredded zucchini

  • A pinch of chili flakes for a little kick


Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Grease or line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners or spray with nonstick cooking spray.

Step 2: Mix the Wet Ingredients
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs, milk, and cottage cheese until smooth.
The cottage cheese may remain slightly lumpy, which is fine.

Step 3: Add the Dry Ingredients
Stir in the flour, baking powder, baking soda, salt, and pepper.
Mix just until combined—do not overmix.

Step 4: Fold in the Fillings
Add shredded cheddar, chopped spinach, red bell pepper, green onions, and any optional add-ins.
Stir gently to distribute everything evenly throughout the batter.

Step 5: Fill the Muffin Cups
Divide the batter evenly among the 12 muffin cups, filling each about ¾ full.
Top with a little extra shredded cheese or chopped herbs if desired.

Step 6: Bake the Muffins
Bake for 20–24 minutes, or until the tops are golden and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
Let muffins cool in the pan for 5 minutes, then transfer to a wire rack to cool completely.

Notes

Use Room Temp Ingredients – Helps the muffins rise better and bake evenly.
Don’t Overmix – Stir until just combined to keep the muffins tender.
Drain Watery Veggies – Squeeze out moisture from veggies like zucchini or mushrooms before adding.
Mix and Match Veggies – These muffins are super versatile—use what you have on hand!
Bake Ahead – They store well in the fridge or freezer for later.

  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 24 minutes
  • Cuisine: American

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