Spinach Parmesan Quinoa

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.

If you’ve never tried quinoa before, this is the perfect dish to introduce yourself to this healthy seed. Quinoa is a great source of protein because it’s a complete protein and it’s also a good source of fiber. Definitely a food worth including in your diet.

This is by far my favorite quinoa recipe that I’ve tried. It’s incredibly easy to make and the garlic, onion and parmesan give it incredibly rich flavor with a nod to an Italian dish. The spinach adds a little extra nutrition and adds a nice pop of color and flavor.  

I could literally eat this by the (big) bowlful. It makes a great side dish and tastes great alongside shrimp, chicken or even beef. It also makes a great main dish by stirring in any cooked protein of your choice (I like to stir in cooked chicken).

Make sure you rinse the quinoa before you cook it as this will eliminate any potential bitter flavor. You can also make this dish vegetarian by cooking the quinoa with vegetable stock instead of chicken stock.

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, but frozen will also work. Just make sure it’s 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!

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Yield: 4 servings

Spinach Parmesan Quinoa

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

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup quinoa, rinsed well
• 2 cups chicken or vegetable stock
• 2 handfuls baby spinach, roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

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

Nutrition Information:

Yield:

4

Serving Size:

1
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 304Total Fat: 17gSaturated Fat: 5gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 74mgSodium: 757mgCarbohydrates: 15gFiber: 2gSugar: 1gProtein: 23g