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Quinoa & Spinach Mac -n- Cheese

Foodie Loves Fitness, Adapted from Shape magazine
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 40 mins
Total Time 55 mins
Servings 4
Calories 375 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 2/3 cup [whole-grain] quinoa
  • 1 cup vegetable broth
  • 1 medium leek white and light green parts only
  • 1/2 TBSP olive oil
  • 1 10- oz package frozen chopped spinach thawed
  • 1/2 TSP Italian seasoning
  • 1/4 TSP salt
  • 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
  • 2/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • 1/2 cup light garlic and herb cream cheese
  • 2 TBSP milk
  • 2 TBSP Italian seasoned bread crumbs

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 375.
  • In a medium pot, combine quinoa and vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cover. Cook until broth is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes.
  • Meanwhile, roughly chop the leek. Heat the olive oil in a saute pan over medium heat.
  • Drain the spinach and use your hands to squeeze excess water out from it. Add the chopped leek to the pan and saute for 2 minutes, then add the spinach and saute for 3 minutes more.
  • Remove spinach mix from heat and stir in Italian seasoning and salt. Fluff the resting quinoa with a fork, then add to the spinach mixture.
  • Heat the cream cheese and milk in the microwave in a bowl. Whisk together, then stir into the quinoa mixture. Stir in the cheddar and mozzarella cheeses, and combine everything well.
  • Coat a 8x11 baking dish with cooking spray. Spread the quinoa mixture evenly into the dish, then sprinkle bread crumbs on top.
  • Bake in the oven until golden brown, 20-25 minutes.

Nutrition

Calories: 375kcalCarbohydrates: 42gProtein: 18gFat: 15g
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