Creamy Parmesan-Garlic Quinoa is the answer to your what to serve with dinner prayers! This simple, savory side dish takes 5 minutes to prep, simmers for just 15 minutes, then is ready to serve. Perfectly garlicky, creamy, and cheesy. Plus quinoa is packed with protein so it’s a side dish with staying power!
Quinoa is quickly toasted in garlic-infused oil then cooked in chicken broth before being combined with salty parmesan cheese. Fast. Quick. Flavorful. Try this!
You’ll only need 5 kitchen staples to whip up Creamy Parmesan-Garlic Quinoa: Quinoa, of course, chicken broth, garlic, parmesan cheese, and extra virgin olive oil.
Start by rinsing 1 cup quinoa under cold running water in a fine mesh sieve if you don’t have the pre-rinsed kind of quinoa.
Let the quinoa drain while you heat 1 Tablespoon extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat then add 3 cloves minced garlic. Let the garlic saute for 30 seconds to a minute, stirring constantly, until it’s light golden brown. It will go from golden brown to burnt very quickly, so keep an eye on it.
Add the drained quinoa then stir for 1 minute to let it lightly toast, and then add 1-3/4 cup gluten-free chicken broth (or vegetable broth.) Turn the heat up to bring to a boil then place a lid on top, turn the heat back down to medium-low, and then cook until the quinoa is tender, about 15 minutes.
Finally, stir in 1/2 cup fresh grated parmesan cheese. That’s it!
Let the quinoa cool for 10 minutes before serving so you really get the parmesan-garlic flavor to come through. As with most things in life, it’s worth the wait!
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