One Pan Spring Tuscan Quinoa Bake

One Pan Spring Tuscan Quinoa Bake

Imagine a dish that transports you to the rolling hills of Tuscany with minimal effort and maximum flavor! This One Pan Spring Tuscan Quinoa Bake is your ticket to a gourmet meal that's not just delicious, but incredibly easy to prepare. Perfect for busy home cooks who crave restaurant-quality meals without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe combines the nutritious power of quinoa with vibrant spring vegetables and a cheesy finish that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: Tuscan
Serves: 6 servings

Ingredients

  1. 1 cup quinoa
  2. 2 cups vegetable broth
  3. 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  4. 1 zucchini, diced
  5. 1 bell pepper, diced
  6. 1/2 cup spinach, chopped
  7. 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, grated
  8. 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  9. Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Select a large oven-safe skillet or casserole dish that can accommodate all ingredients.
  2. Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
  3. Pour vegetable broth into the skillet and add rinsed quinoa. Stir to ensure quinoa is evenly distributed in the liquid.
  4. Dice zucchini and bell pepper into uniform small cubes, approximately 1/2 inch in size to ensure even cooking.
  5. Scatter halved cherry tomatoes, diced zucchini, and bell pepper over the quinoa. Sprinkle Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper evenly across the surface.
  6. Cover the skillet tightly with aluminum foil or an oven-safe lid to trap steam and ensure quinoa cooks evenly.
  7. Place the covered skillet in the preheated oven and bake for 25 minutes, allowing quinoa to absorb the broth and vegetables to soften.
  8. Remove from oven, uncover, and gently fold in chopped spinach. Sprinkle grated parmesan cheese over the top.
  9. Return to oven uncovered for an additional 5 minutes to allow cheese to melt and edges to slightly crisp.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and quinoa to set.
  11. Serve hot, garnishing with additional fresh herbs or a drizzle of olive oil if desired.

Tips

  1. Quinoa Prep is Key: Always rinse your quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter. Use a fine-mesh strainer for best results.
  2. Vegetable Consistency Matters: Cut your zucchini and bell peppers into uniform small cubes to ensure even cooking and a beautiful presentation.
  3. Liquid Ratio is Crucial: Stick to the 2:1 broth to quinoa ratio for perfectly cooked, fluffy quinoa that's not too dry or soggy.
  4. Cheese Melting Hack: For a golden, slightly crispy cheese topping, broil the dish for 1-2 minutes after the final baking stage, watching carefully to prevent burning.
  5. Let it Rest: Always allow the dish to sit for 5 minutes after cooking. This helps the quinoa set and allows flavors to meld together beautifully.Pro tip: This dish is incredibly versatile! Feel free to swap vegetables based on seasonal availability or your personal preference.

Nutrition Facts

Calories: 77kcal

Carbohydrates: g

Protein: g

Fat: g

Saturated Fat: g

Cholesterol: mg

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