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To make this tasty dish, gather the following ingredients: - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed - 2 cups vegetable broth - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 4 cloves garlic, minced - 1 small onion, finely chopped - 1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter option - 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme) - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish These ingredients create a creamy and flavorful quinoa base. The garlic and onion add a nice depth of flavor. The heavy cream or coconut cream makes it rich and smooth. Parmesan cheese adds a savory touch that really shines. If you want to make this dish dairy-free, use coconut cream instead of heavy cream. Nutritional yeast can replace Parmesan for a cheesy flavor without dairy. For those who want less fat, you can use low-fat milk instead. If you don’t have quinoa, use rice or couscous. Fresh herbs bring a bright taste to the dish. They work well as a garnish or mixed in at the end. If you use dried herbs, they add a rich flavor but need to be added earlier. Dried herbs are stronger, so use less than fresh. A teaspoon of dried herbs will go a long way. Choose what you have on hand, and enjoy the flexibility! Start by heating the olive oil in a large pot. Use medium heat for best results. Once the oil is hot, add the finely chopped onion. Cook it for about 3-4 minutes. You want it to turn soft and clear. Next, add the minced garlic. Let it cook for 1-2 minutes until it smells amazing. This is where the magic begins! Now, it's time to add the rinsed quinoa. Mix it well with the garlic and onion. This helps the quinoa soak up those great flavors. Pour in the vegetable broth and bring it all to a boil. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. The quinoa will absorb all the liquid and expand. You will know it’s done when it’s fluffy and the broth is gone. After cooking, stir in the heavy cream or coconut cream. This adds that rich and creamy texture we love. Then, sprinkle in the grated Parmesan cheese. Mix everything well until it’s combined and creamy. Finally, season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Let it simmer for 2-3 more minutes to warm it through. Use a fork to fluff the quinoa before serving. It’s now ready to enjoy! To get the creamiest texture, use heavy cream. It gives a rich taste. If you want a lighter dish, use coconut cream. Stir the cream well into the quinoa after cooking. This helps blend all the flavors. Adding the cheese while the pot is still warm makes it melt better. To prevent overcooking, keep an eye on the pot. Quinoa cooks fast. Once the broth boils, reduce the heat and cover it. Let it simmer for about 15 minutes. If you see tiny spirals, the quinoa is ready. Remove it from heat right away. Fluff it gently with a fork. You can change the flavor by trying new spices. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. Or, mix in smoked paprika for a smoky taste. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can also give a nice twist. Experiment with flavors to find your favorite! {{image_2}} You can boost nutrition by mixing in veggies. Try adding spinach, peas, or bell peppers. These will add color and taste. Chop them small so they cook well. Stir them in during the last few minutes of cooking. This way, they keep their crunch. You can even use frozen veggies for ease. Just toss them in with the quinoa. Want to make this dish heartier? Add protein! Cooked chicken, shrimp, or tofu works great. If using chicken, shred or dice it before mixing. For shrimp, add them in during the last few minutes. They cook fast and stay tender. Tofu can be cubed and sautéed before adding. This makes it crispy and adds flavor. Each protein choice adds a nice twist. You can easily make this dish vegan. Swap heavy cream for coconut cream. It gives the same creamy texture. Use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a cheesy taste. You can also add more herbs for flavor. Make sure your broth is vegan too. These changes still give you a tasty meal. To store your One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Quinoa, let it cool first. Once it’s cool, place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Make sure to label the container with the date. This way, you won’t forget when you made it. You can freeze the quinoa for longer storage. To do this, let it cool completely. Then, scoop it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label the bags with the date. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, you want to keep it creamy. Add a splash of vegetable broth or cream. This helps restore the texture. Heat it in a pot over low heat, stirring often. You can also use the microwave. Just heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This way, it warms evenly without drying out. Enjoy your delicious meal again! Yes, you can use water. However, vegetable broth adds more flavor. Water may make your dish less tasty. If you want to keep it simple, water works fine. But I recommend broth for a rich taste. You can store leftovers for about three days. Make sure to keep them in a sealed container. This helps keep the quinoa fresh. If you don’t eat it all, don’t worry! Just reheat it when you’re ready. This dish pairs well with many sides. You can serve it with grilled chicken or roasted vegetables. A fresh salad also adds a nice crunch. If you want something light, try steamed greens. Each option complements the creamy quinoa nicely. Absolutely! Quinoa is naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check the broth label. Some broths may have gluten. Use a gluten-free broth to keep the dish safe for everyone. Enjoy your meal worry-free! This article covered how to make One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Quinoa, including key ingredients and step-by-step instructions. I shared tips on getting the best texture and flavor. You learned about various ways to change the recipe to fit your taste and diet. I hope you feel ready to cook this dish. It's simple, tasty, and healthy. Enjoy your cooking and happy eating!

One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Quinoa

Indulge in this delicious One-Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Quinoa that combines savory flavors and creamy goodness in a breeze! Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this easy recipe utilizes simple ingredients like quinoa, garlic, and Parmesan for a nutritious twist. Ready in just 30 minutes, it's a meal your family will love. Click through to discover the full recipe and make your weeknight meals exciting! #QuinoaRecipes #OnePotMeals #EasyDinner #GarlicLovers
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Ingredients
  

1 cup quinoa, rinsed

2 cups vegetable broth

1 tablespoon olive oil

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 small onion, finely chopped

1 cup heavy cream or coconut cream for a lighter option

1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (oregano, basil, thyme)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and sauté until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.

    Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant.

      Add the rinsed quinoa to the pot, stirring to coat it in the garlic and onion mixture.

        Pour in the vegetable broth and bring the mixture to a boil.

          Once boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the quinoa has absorbed the liquid.

            Stir in the heavy cream (or coconut cream) and grated Parmesan cheese. Mix well until creamy and combined.

              Season with dried Italian herbs, salt, and pepper to taste. Let it simmer for another 2-3 minutes to warm through.

                Remove from heat, fluff the quinoa with a fork, and adjust seasoning if needed.

                  Serve warm, garnished with chopped fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness.

                    Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 10 minutes | 30 minutes | Serves 4