Quinoa Spinach Mac and Cheese
Move over macaroni because quinoa is in town and taking over this mac and cheese. I know this recipe is called Quinoa Spinach MAC and Cheese, but there is no macaroni involved. Don’t be sad, you won’t miss the macaroni. I promise.
When I saw Carrie’s recipe on Tasty Kitchen, I knew I had to make it for dinner. It had my name written all over it. I am obsessed with quinoa-did you see my Crunchy Quinoa Granola? And I love trying new mac and cheese recipes-remember my Avocado Mac and Cheese? Yeah, I knew I would love this recipe.
This quinoa mac and cheese is loaded with spinach, white cheddar, and has a crunchy Parmesan and Panko topping. I baked it in a skillet until it was bubbly and screaming EAT ME!
I loved everything about this “not” mac and cheese. It is creamy, cheesy, and even a little crunchy thanks to the topping. The quinoa and spinach boost up the nutritional value of the traditional mac and cheese. This Popeye approved mac and cheese was a hit at our dinner table. All of the peas give this recipe two big thumbs up!
For step-by-step photos and the recipe, visit Tasty Kitchen. You are going to love this Quinoa Spinach Mac and Cheese. It is a great easy weeknight meal and perfect for the cold winter months. Healthified comfort food! I don’t know if healthified is technically a word, but it is now because I am using it:) Now, go make some Quinoa Mac and Cheese please!
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Heamthified is totally a word. I use it all the time, so its a word.
What an creative s mac and cheese! Going to check it out over at Tasty Kitchen!! Have a nice weekend!!
What a great idea! This quinoa craze that everyone is going through is awesome, the stuff is so good and you really can incorporate it into just about any kind of recipe – case in point, your mac & cheese!
This looks amazing! Creamy and delicious. Perfect for a comforting meal with the family.
I’d love for you to enter this recipe into the first ever quinoa link party if you’re interested. It’s hosted over at my site, Queen of Quinoa, and will be happening all weekend long on a bi-weekly basis.
Thank Goodness it’s Quinoa (TGIQ): http://www.queenofquinoa.me/2013/01/thank-goodness-its-quinoa-tgiq-1/
Happy Weekend!!
Seeing as I’ve been on a spinach kick lately, this looks amazing!
By the way, I can’t believe I haven’t tried your avocado mac and cheese. It’s on my list to make very soon!
YUM! Looks like the perfect weekend lunch
I cooked quinoa for the first time two days ago. I sauteed onions/garlic, added the quinoa, and then simmered in chicken broth. Delicious. Then yesterday, I took the leftovers and made a cheese sauce and added leftover broccoli. But now I want to make it again so I can try it with the panko topping!! I can’t believe I am just now getting into quinoa. I’ve been missing out!
Brilliant! Maybe this will be the way I can get my kids to eat quinoa.
Holy moly! This looks too dang good. And so creative, too!
Oh my word. Yes.
So glad you liked it Maria! This is a family favorite in our house…. and it gets my kids to eat their spinach!
This is such a brilliant idea!
I’m thinking I have dinner figured out for tonight!!
Maria, this sounds fantastic! Is Caleb eating your cooking now? He’s going to be the luckiest little boy around with Mama’s cooking!
Happy weekend friend!
I have never had quinoa and am afraid to try! What is the texture like?
Oh how I wish I had a bowl for breakfast right now
Looks great!
I cannot believe how good this looks to me right now! and NO macaroni?? I love it.
Another great idea for quinoa!
What a great idea! I am in love quinoa, so this is a logical next step – gorgeous!
Making this next week! what a delicious creation!
I absolutely LOVE that you used quinoa in this mac and cheese instead of the regular pasta! Superb idea, Maria!
Well who wouldn’t love this??? Healthy AND comforting!
Such a smart way to do mac and cheese!
What a great idea! I wouldn’t have thought to use quinoa instead of pasta but it makes perfect sense. I can imagine this tastes so creamy and good…and much healthier than regular mac.
YUM! Great substiution for macaroni!
Anything cooked in a skillet is awesome in my books!
Don’t tell my Italian ancestors but I choose quinoa over mac! Especially when it means that I can have an extra serving.
This looks so good! I can’t resist anything with a crunchy cheesy crust like that
Oh my, this looks good! Like the kind of comfort food I love!
Looks super delicious. I’ve only cooked with quinoa once but I’ve seen so many different recipes using quinoa lately (like this one) so I must buy more quinoa soon!
Seriously need this in my life STAT!
I absolutely CANNOT wait to give this a try!
I know what I making this next week for dinner. Delicious!
This looks delicious! I’ve done a regular cheddar quinoa mac & cheese with broccoli & red peppers but this will definitely be the next recipe I try!
Just tried for dinner. We loved it! Healthified even more by substituting butter for olive oil and using fat free milk. Still reach enough for us. Could also add mushrooms, ham, other vegetables. Will make it again for sure.
i CANNOT wait to try this….
This looks yummy – I will be trying it soon. I’ll also br trying Mel’s recipe for Cheesy Brocoli and Ham Quinoa cups at her blog Mel’s Kitchen Cafe (www.melskitchencafe.com)
Quinoa is the in thing!
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I’m totally okay with forgoing macaroni for this cheesy, creamy masterpiece. Just look at that perfect golden breadcrumb topping. Yum!
I really want to make this!! I just need to put panko on my grocery list