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Spinach and Artichoke Quinoa Casserole with Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce - This creamy, gluten free quinoa casserole tastes like spinach and artichoke dip in a healthy, weeknight dinner form! No one will it has hidden veggies and is only 180 calories and 5 SmartPoints! | Foodfaithfitness.com | @FoodFaithFit
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Easy and Creamy Quinoa Casserole

Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Servings 4
Author FoodFaithFitness

Ingredients

  • 1 small head Garlic Chop it in half if it's quite large
  • 1/2 cup Quinoa Uncooked
  • 2 cups Reduced Sodium Vegetable Broth Divided
  • 3/4 teaspoon Salt Divided
  • 1 cup Water
  • 3 cups Cauliflower Cut into bite-sized florets, 260 grams
  • 1/2 tablespoon Olive Oil
  • 1/3 cup Onion Roughly chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • Black Pepper
  • 1/2 14.5 ounce can Quartered Artichoke Hearts Drained and roughly chopped, about 3/4 cup packed
  • 1 1/2 cups Roughly Chopped Spinach Leaves Packed
  • 1/2 cup Grated Parmesan Cheese Divided

Instructions

  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Chop the top of the head of garlic off so the tips of the cloves are exposed and rub a drizzle of olive oil into the head of garlic.
  • Place two pieces of tinfoil on top of each other (shiny side inwards) and wrap the garlic up tightly. Place on a small pan and bake until the garlic is soft and roasted, about 35-40 minutes.
  • Turn the oven down to 350°F.
  • Spray an 8x8 inch pan with cooking spray and combine the quinoa, 1 cup of broth and 1/4 teaspoon of salt inside it, stirring well.
  • Cover with tinfoil and bake until the broth is absorbed, about 35-40 minutes.
  • While the quinoa cooks, combine the remaining broth and water in a large pot and bring to a boil.
  • Once boiling, add in the chopped cauliflower, cover and boil until the cauliflower is fork-tender, about 6-7 minutes.
  • While the cauliflower cooks, heat the olive oil in a medium pan over medium/high heat. Add in the onion and stir until golden brown, about 4-5 minutes.
  • Using a slotted spoon, transfer the cauliflower into a large, high-powered blender. Add in the cooked onion, red pepper flakes, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt and a few good pinches of pepper.
  • Finally, add in 2 Tablespoon of the liquid that you cooked the cauliflower in and squeeze all of the roasted garlic into the blender.
  • Blend until smooth and pureed, scraping down the sides as necessary.
  • Once the quinoa is cooked, stir in all of the cauliflower Alfredo sauce, along with the chopped artichoke hearts, spinach leaves and 1/4 cup of the grated Parmesan cheese.
  • Stir until well combined and the spinach begins to wilt. Cover and bake for another 15 minutes.
  • Finally, sprinkle the remaining 1/4 cup of Parmesan cheese over the top of the casserole and bake, uncovered, until lightly golden brown, about 15-20 minutes.
  • Let stand for 5-10 minutes (it’s hot) and DEVOUR!