Spinach Parmesan Quinoa Recipe

Spinach Parmesan Quinoa is a healthy, protein packed side dish that’s delicious served with shrimp, chicken, beef or pork. It’s also delicious on its own as a vegetarian main dish.

Quinoa – One of the World’s Healthiest Foods

If you’ve never tried quinoa before, this is the perfect dish to introduce yourself to this healthy seed. Cooked quinoa is a great source of protein as it’s considered a complete protein like fish, poultry, eggs and milk (essentially providing all 9 essential amino acids).

In addition to its nutritional value, it’s also a good source of fiber. Definitely a food worth including in your diet and a great healthy, delicious side dish option for the whole family.

An Easy Hearty Quinoa Dish to Prepare

This is by far one of my favorite quinoa recipes that I’ve tried and it’s an incredibly easy recipe to make. All it takes is a little sautéing and some simmering.

As for the other ingredients – the garlic, onion and parmesan give it incredibly rich flavor with a nod to an Italian dish. And, the spinach adds a little extra nutrition as well as a nice pop of color and flavor.  

(Note: Make sure you rinse the quinoa before you cook it as this will eliminate any potential bitter flavor.) 

Serving Suggestions

First and foremost, this quinoa recipe makes a great side dish. It’s one of my favorite recipes to serve alongside shrimp, chicken or even beef. 

Second, it makes a great main dish by stirring in any cooked protein of your choice. My favorite way to serve as a main dish is to stir in cooked chicken.

Third, you can make this dish vegetarian. Simply cook the quinoa with vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

Finally, this is a great recipe for next day eating. It stores well in the fridge for a few days and makes a great light lunch or dinner.

So, the next time you’re looking for some tasty, healthy recipes, look no further than this Spinach Parmesan Quinoa.

Tips and Tricks

• Make sure you rinse the quinoa well before cooking. This will insure that there is no bitter flavor.
• I prefer using grated parmesan cheese rather than shredded because I like the way that it melts into the dish.
• It’s delicious served as a side dish with Italian Style Sheet Pan Chicken and Green Beans or top it with these easy Blackened Shrimp for a hearty main dish. 

Ingredients Needed to Make Spinach Parmesan Quinoa

Full instructions can be found below in the printable recipe card

• Onion – I typically use red onion, but yellow or white onion will work as well.
• Fresh garlic – I recommend fresh over granulated or powdered as I feel it gives the dish better flavor. But, you can use what you have on hand.
• Olive oil 
• Salt 
• Black pepper 
• Quinoa  
• Chicken stock – Use vegetable stock if you want to make this recipe vegetarian.
• Fresh baby spinach – I prefer using fresh spinach, but frozen will also work. Just make sure the frozen spinach is thawed and well drained.
• Grated parmesan cheese – I prefer grated over shredded. Grated incorporates into the dish better.

How to Make Spinach Parmesan Quinoa

• Heat olive oil over medium heat in a medium sauce pan.
• Add onion, saute for 5 minutes, until translucent.
• Add garlic and saute for 1 minute.
• Stir in salt and pepper.
• Add quinoa, saute for 2 minutes.
• Stir in chicken or vegetable broth and bring to a boil.
• Reduce heat to low and simmer covered for 15 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
• Add spinach to the pan. Cover for about 2 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
• Stir in parmesan until well combined.
• Serve immediately.

 ENJOY!