Name: 5-ingredient Broccoli + Quinoa Mac and Cheese
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Ingredients: 1 cup white quinoa; 1 1/2 cups broccoli florets; 2 cups vegetable broth (or water); 1/2 cup water; 1/2 cup nutritional yeast (or parmesan); Salt + pepper if desired

A simple quinoa mac and cheese recipe that requires just 5 ingredients, is made in one pot and takes only 20 minutes to make. Also gluten-free + vegan!

QUINOA MAC AND CHEESE with broccoli -- the perfect meal when you think you have no time to cook. Takes just one pot, takes less than 20 minutes AND it only uses 5 ingredients! [gluten-free + vegan]

So lately I've been the total queen of lazy-girl cooking. I find myself thinking up all these elaborate recipes in my head and yet when I get into the kitchen all I want is quick, easy and healthy. Maybe it's the change of the season, maybe it's stress, but whatever it is, the easier the better.

Today is a prime example of what a typical weeknight meal looks like for us. Quinoa mac and cheese, made in one pot, with only five ingredients and in under 20 minutes. Probably served with a side of greens dressed in oil and lemon juice. Yep, that pretty much sums up our dinner life these days.

Luckily though, just because something is simple and easy it doesn't mean it's not still flavorful and tasty. In fact, this particular dish is downright delicious. Matt even took a bite and said, “Yummm!” (mind you I don't get that reaction very often when I serve him a vegan meal)

Oh and this recipe is also totally kid- and allergy-friendly. Not gluten, dairy, eggs, soy or nuts, but with the creamy, cheesy flavor of mac and cheese. Plus since there's broccoli, we even sneak in some healthy green veggies.

So this version of quinoa mac and cheese is a bit different than my others. For starters, you don't have to bake it. (remember, we're talkin' lazy-girl status here). You also don't have to blend anything up; the whole thing is made in just one pot. Third, it's naturally vegan, but still massively cheesy because of the nutritional yeast.

side note: if you don't have any issues with dairy, you could totally sub the nutritional yeast for parmesan.

And finally, it's faster. The whole thing comes together in only 20 minutes, so you can have dinner on the table in no time.

Friends, if you've been depriving yourself of mac and cheese because you think it's unhealthy or takes too much time to, this recipe is for you. And if you're the type of person who's feelin' real lazy one night, this recipe is going to save you.

Your turn…

When you're feeling pressed for time or just don't feel like getting into the kitchen, what's your go-to recipe? I'm always looking for new ideas to make for dinner, and the easier the better if you know what I mean 😉

xo A

p.s. if you end up making this recipe, or any other from the blog, I'd love for you to share a pic and tag @simplyquinoa on Instagram so I can see! (OR if you're on the snap…snap me!! @alyssarimmer)

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Prep: 5

Cook: 15

Total: 20

Ingredients

1 cup white quinoa
1 1/2 cups broccoli florets
2 cups vegetable broth or water
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup nutritional yeast or parmesan
Salt + pepper if desired

Instructions

Add quinoa, broccoli, broth and water to a large sauce pan. Bring the mixture to a boil, stir and then cover and reduce to simmer for 15 - 20 minutes. You want the quinoa to be fluffy and the water to be absorbed.
Remove from the heat and stir in nutritional yeast (or cheese). Taste and add salt and pepper if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy!

Nutrition

cuisine: American

course: Main Course

5-ingredient Broccoli + Quinoa Mac and Cheese

Your turn…

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