Imagine a dish that combines the protein-packed goodness of quinoa, the creamy decadence of Alfredo sauce, and the nutritional powerhouse of vegetables - all without the guilt! This Quinoa Casserole with Cauliflower Alfredo Sauce is not just another boring health food; it's a culinary revolution that will make your taste buds dance and your body thank you. Perfect for vegans, health-conscious foodies, and anyone looking to transform their dinner routine into an extraordinary meal that's both delicious and nutritious.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 50 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup quinoa
- 1 head cauliflower, chopped
- 1 cup spinach
- 1 can artichoke hearts, drained
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1/2 cup nutritional yeast
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly under cold water using a fine-mesh strainer to remove any bitter coating.
- In a medium saucepan, combine quinoa with vegetable broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy.
- While quinoa cooks, steam chopped cauliflower until very tender, approximately 10-12 minutes. Allow to cool slightly.
- Transfer steamed cauliflower to a high-speed blender. Add nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, creating the Alfredo-style sauce.
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch casserole dish.
- Chop artichoke hearts into bite-sized pieces. Roughly chop fresh spinach leaves.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine cooked quinoa, cauliflower Alfredo sauce, chopped artichokes, and spinach. Mix thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Transfer mixture to prepared casserole dish, spreading evenly. Smooth the top with a spatula.
- Bake in preheated oven for 20-25 minutes until top is slightly golden and edges are bubbling.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes before serving to allow casserole to set.
- Serve hot, garnishing with additional nutritional yeast or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly to remove the natural saponin coating, which can make it taste bitter.
- For the creamiest Alfredo sauce, ensure cauliflower is steamed until extremely tender before blending.
- Use a high-speed blender to achieve the smoothest sauce possible.
- Don't skip the nutritional yeast - it adds a cheesy flavor that makes this dish irresistible.
- Let the casserole rest after baking to help it set and make serving easier.
- Feel free to add extra vegetables like roasted bell peppers or mushrooms for more depth of flavor.
- For a crispy top, consider sprinkling some breadcrumbs or additional nutritional yeast before the final bake.
- This casserole reheats beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 180kcal
Carbohydrates: 30g
Protein: 8g
Fat: 4g
Saturated Fat: 1g
Cholesterol: 0mg
