Side Dishes > Grain Dishes (Other) > Quinoa Sides > Simple Quinoa Recipe

Garlic Parmesan Quinoa

A savory and satisfying quinoa side dish with the delicious flavors of garlic and parmesan cheese. This recipe is quick, easy, and perfect for weeknight meals.

Prep Time
5 minutes
Cook Time
20 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 cup Quinoa
  • 2 cups Chicken Broth or Vegetable Broth
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/4 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese
  • 1/4 teaspoon Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Parsley (optional)

Rinsing the Quinoa

Place the quinoa in a fine-mesh sieve and rinse thoroughly under cold water for about 1-2 minutes.

Sautéing the Garlic

Mince the garlic. Heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.

Cooking the Quinoa

Add the rinsed quinoa and chicken broth to the saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until all the liquid is absorbed and the quinoa is cooked through. Fluff with a fork.

Adding the Parmesan

Remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper until the cheese is melted and evenly distributed.

Serving

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired. Serve warm as a side dish.

Nutrition Facts Estimated per 100g of product

Calories: 140kcal, Carbohydrates: 22g, Protein: 6g, Fat: 4g, Saturated Fat: 1.5g, Sodium: 250mg, Fiber: 3g, Sugar: 1g. Note: These values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients and cooking methods.

Other Considerations for Nutrition

This dish is a good source of protein and fiber. To reduce sodium, use low-sodium broth or omit the salt. For a vegan option, use nutritional yeast instead of parmesan cheese.

← Garlic Parmesan Couscous Grilled Polenta with Herbs and Parmesan →

FAQ

  • Can I use pre-cooked quinoa?

    Yes, you can use pre-cooked quinoa. Simply sauté the garlic in olive oil, then add the cooked quinoa and heat through. Stir in the Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. This will significantly reduce the cooking time.
  • Can I add other cheeses?

    Yes, feel free to experiment with other cheeses like Romano or Asiago.
  • How can I make this recipe vegan?

    Substitute the Parmesan cheese with nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor. Ensure that you are using vegetable broth instead of chicken broth.