This High Protein Calzone is filling, cheesy, and packed with apx 70 grams of protein per calzone while staying low carb. The creamy center satisfies those cheesy cravings, and when dipped in marinara sauce, it becomes a pizza lover’s dream come true and it's a delicious healthy dinner recipe.
This High Protein Calzone recipe is trending everywhere right now—and for good reason! I originally saw this concept on Madelaine Rascan’s site and had to tweak it to fit my own cravings and style. Not only is it incredibly versatile with endless filling options, but it’s also perfect for meal prep—make a few ahead of time and have easy meals ready all week!
This was inspired by my Southern Best Meatloaf on this site, and pairs well with this Easy Harvest Salad
Jump to:
- Why You’ll Love This High Protein Calzone
- Equipment Needed
- Ingredients & Substitutions
- How to Make This Healthy Dinner Recipe
- Variations for This High Protein Calzone
- Tips for Success
- High Protein Meal
- Storing the High Protein Calzone
- Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
- FAQs
- More High Protein Meals
- Cooking With Lori Recipes
- High Protein Calzone
Why You’ll Love This High Protein Calzone
First of all, this healthy dinner recipe checks all the boxes for busy families looking for something simple, satisfying, and nutritious.
- Made with healthy, wholesome ingredients
- High protein and low carb, keeping you full longer
- Versatile—change the filling based on what you have
- Kids and teens love it
- Perfect for meal prep and busy weeknights
- An easy way to enjoy a pizza-style dinner guilt-free
- Doubles as both an easy dinner recipe and fun weekend meal
Equipment Needed
To make this healthy dinner recipe, you’ll need a few simple kitchen tools.
- Measuring cups and spoons – to measure ingredients accurately
- Small Cuisinart or immersion blender – to blend the cottage cheese smoothly
- Large baking sheet – to bake the calzone evenly
- Parchment paper – prevents sticking and makes cleanup easier
- Bowl – to mix the chicken and seasonings
- Spoon or spatula – to combine the filling ingredients
Ingredients & Substitutions
Each ingredient in this High Protein Calzone plays an important role, and there are easy swaps if needed.
- Ground chicken – lean protein base for the crust; sub: ground turkey or finely chopped chicken breast recipe option
- 2% cottage cheese – creates a creamy, high-protein filling; sub: ricotta or Greek yogurt (thicker)
- Parmesan cheese (grated) – adds salty, cheesy flavor and helps crisp the top; sub: pecorino romano
- Turkey pepperoni – gives that classic pizza flavor; sub: regular pepperoni or cooked sausage
- Fresh spinach – adds nutrients and color; sub: kale or arugula
- Italian seasoning – classic Italian flavor; sub: oregano + basil blend
- Salt & pepper – enhances flavor
- Garlic powder – deepens savory flavor; sub: fresh garlic
- Onion powder – adds subtle sweetness; sub: finely minced onion
- Marinara sauce – perfect for dipping; sub: pizza sauce or pesto
How to Make This Healthy Dinner Recipe
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Season ground chicken with divided Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix in the divided spinach. I do this directly on the parchment paper! Spread the chicken thinly on parchment paper on a baking sheet in an oval shape.
Step 2: Blend cottage cheese with divided seasonings until smooth.
Step 3: Stir in chopped spinach divided. Spread filling over half of the chicken (leave edges clear). Add chopped pepperoni over the filling.
Step 4: Using the parchment paper, fold the calzone over and seal the edges.
Step 5: Sprinkle the grated parmesan cheese on top.
Step 6: Bake 20 minutes, then carefully pour off any excess liquid before serving and serve with marinara sauce.
Variations for This High Protein Calzone
One of the best parts about this High protein calzone is how customizable it is:
- Spicy version: add chopped pickled jalapeños, drained well
- Mediterranean: sun-dried tomatoes + feta
- Buffalo style: add shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
- BBQ chicken: swap marinara for BBQ sauce
- Veggie-packed: add bell peppers, onions, artichoke hearts drained well (low moisture only veggies)
Tips for Success
To get the best results with this healthy dinner recipe, keep these tips in mind:
- Substitute Italian Seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder with my Herb Dipping Oil seasoning packet. Use 1 t to season the chicken and ½-1 t to season the cottage cheese filling.
- Avoid high-water veggies like tomatoes or mushrooms
- Additionally, chop pepperoni finely for even bites
- Also, trim spinach stems for better texture
- Finally, spread ground chicken thinly for even cooking
High Protein Meal
High protein meals help keep you full and satisfied longer, which can reduce mindless snacking and steady your energy throughout the day. Additionally, protein supports muscle health, helps balance blood sugar, and keeps cravings in check—making it easier to stay on track with healthy eating habits. This protein calzone is loaded with protein!
- Packed with over 35g of protein per serving (serves 2)
- Each calzone has 70+ grams of protein
Storing the High Protein Calzone
This Calzone is great for leftovers!
- Store in an airtight container
- Refrigerate for up to 4 days
- Reheat in oven or air fryer for best texture. Microwave is fine too.
- Freeze in airtight storage bag. To reheat, thaw and warm in the microwave for a few minutes or in a 350 degree oven for 5 minutes.
Cooking With Lori Quality Seasonings
I created these seasoning packets with only the best ingredients—no MSG, no preservatives, and no anti-caking agents, just pure herbs and seasonings. Even better, with over 60 meals (each with a recipe card), you can finally get out of your cooking rut and make dinnertime easier. Every blend—including this Herb Dipping Oil—is designed to bring bold flavor to your table without the extra junk. Use code WELCOME15 to get 15% off your first order!
FAQs
Yes! Finely chop or pulse a chicken breast recipe in a food processor.
Yes—this is a low carb chicken calzone with no traditional dough.
Absolutely. Freeze cooked calzones and reheat when needed.
You can try dairy-free cottage cheese alternatives, though texture may vary.
Pair with salad, roasted veggies, or keep it simple with marinara.
More High Protein Meals
Cooking With Lori Recipes
High Protein Calzone
Equipment
- Blender or Food Processor
Ingredients
- 200 g ground chicken apx ½ lb
- 160 g 2% cottage cheese apx ⅔ C
- ½ C
Fresh spinach
stems removed, finely chopped, divided - ¼ C turkey pepperoni chopped
- 15 g parmesan cheese, grated apx 2 T
- ¾ t Italian seasoning, divided
- ¾ t salt, divided
- ¾ t pepper, divided
- ¾ t garlic powder, divided
- ¾ t onion powder, divided
- ½ C marinara sauce
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F.
- Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- On the parchment paper season the ground chicken with ½ t each of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder and onion powder. Mix together with your hands or a spoon.
- Mix in ¼ C chopped spinach.
- Spread the chicken mixture out thinly on parchment in an oval shape.
- Blend the cottage cheese with ¼ t each of Italian seasoning, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder until smooth.
- Stir in chopped spinach with the cottage cheese.
- Spread the cottage cheese filling over half of the chicken (leave edges clear).
- Add chopped pepperoni over the filling.
- Using the parchment paper, fold the calzone over and seal edges.
- Top with grated parmesan.
- Bake 20 minutes, then carefully pour off any excess liquid before serving. Slice and dip in marinara sauce.
Notes
- Spicy version: add chopped pickled jalapeños
- Mediterranean: sun-dried tomatoes + feta
- Buffalo style: add shredded chicken tossed in buffalo sauce
- BBQ chicken: swap marinara for BBQ sauce
- Veggie-packed: add bell peppers, artichoke hearts drained well & chopped, green onions, red onions finely diced.
- Substitute my Herb Dipping Oil Seasoning packet in place of seasonings. Use 1 t for chicken mixture and ½ t for cottage cheese filling.
- Avoid high-water veggies like tomatoes or mushrooms
- Chop pepperoni finely for even bites
- Trim spinach stems for better texture
- Spread chicken thinly for even cooking
- Seal the edges well before baking.
Leave a Reply