This one pot Spinach Pesto Quinoa is full of healthy Italian flavors without the guilt of heavy creams and starches. It’s delicious as a meal or as a side dish! A perfect example of a quick and easy weeknight dinner you’ll feel good about eating and serving your family. Hint- You’re gonna want leftovers of this one!
I made this dish for dinner on one of those crazy Saturdays when we had been birthday party hopping all day, eating junk food all afternoon. I knew I felt completely disgusting (and guilty) after grazing all day on pizza, sugar and snacks. I wanted to make sure we all went to bed with something nutritious in our bellies. This definitely got 7 out of 7 stars from the whole family. Every one of my kids ate it and LOVED it. I was so relived. Trying to please 5 kids with 1 meal can be extremely challenging sometimes, but I refuse to make individual preferences. You don’t eat it, you go to bed without dinner. It’s their choice. It’s that simple.
I personally LOVE the refrigerated pesto that Costco sells. I leave one in my fridge and freeze the other 2 containers for a later use. If you’re a Costco member be sure to pick some up the next time you’re there. I’m sure making your own fresh pesto would be even more amazing, but then it wouldn’t be a one pot recipe! Ha!
Ingredients
- 2 C quinoa
- 4 C chicken stock
- 6 C fresh baby spinach
- 1/3 C basil pesto
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 C freshly grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping
Instructions
- On stovetop, combine quinoa and chicken stock. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat. Cover and cook on low for 12-15 minutes.
- When quinoa is done, fluff with fork. Increase to medium heat and add spinach, pesto, salt and cheese. Stir to combine and heat until spinach has wilted.
- Serve hot with extra Parmesan cheese sprinkled on top.
Notes
adapted from Table for Two
