Quinoa with Creamy Garlic Sauce
Elevate your weeknight dinners with this irresistible Quinoa with Creamy Garlic Sauce recipe—a dish that combines fluffy, protein-packed quinoa with a luscious, flavor-packed sauce. This recipe starts with perfectly cooked quinoa, infused with wholesome simplicity, and is topped with a velvety garlic sauce made from sautéed garlic, a touch of butter, creamy milk, and indulgent parmesan cheese. The rich, savory sauce beautifully complements the nutty quinoa, creating a balanced yet indulgent dish that's both comforting and nutritious. Ready in just 30 minutes, this meal is an excellent choice for vegetarians and can easily be customized with your favorite plant-based milk. Finished with a sprinkle of fresh parsley, this recipe is a perfect option for a wholesome side dish or a light main course. Whether you're looking for a quick and healthy dinner or a flavorful gluten-free alternative, this creamy garlic quinoa is sure to become a new favorite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 pieces garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon all-purpose flour
- 1.5 cups milk (whole or plant-based)
- 0.5 cup parmesan cheese (grated)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
- 2 tablespoons parsley (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Rinse the quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine mesh strainer to remove its natural bitterness.
In a medium-sized saucepan, combine the quinoa and water. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the water is absorbed and the quinoa is tender.
While the quinoa is cooking, heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 2-3 minutes until fragrant, making sure not to burn it.
Add the butter to the skillet and let it melt. Once melted, sprinkle the flour over the garlic and whisk continuously for 1-2 minutes to create a roux.
Gradually pour in the milk while whisking to prevent lumps from forming. Continue whisking and cooking for 3-4 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken.
Stir in the parmesan cheese, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 1-2 minutes, stirring until the cheese is fully melted and the sauce is smooth. Remove the skillet from the heat.
Once the quinoa is done cooking, fluff it with a fork and divide it among serving plates or bowls.
Spoon the creamy garlic sauce over the quinoa, spreading it evenly.
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1670 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 95.3 g | 122% | |
| Saturated Fat | 45.1 g | 226% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 1.3 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 193 mg | 64% | |
| Sodium | 4379 mg | 190% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 123.0 g | 45% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 0.8 g | 3% | |
| Total Sugars | 18.0 g | ||
| Protein | 82.8 g | 166% | |
| Vitamin D | 3.8 mcg | 19% | |
| Calcium | 1841 mg | 142% | |
| Iron | 5.9 mg | 33% | |
| Potassium | 869 mg | 18% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
