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    Home » Recipes » Gluten Free

    Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa in the Slow Cooker

    Published: Jan 16, 2014 · Modified: Oct 12, 2024 by Lauren Kelly · This post may contain affiliate links.

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    This is one of those healthy recipes that is so ridiculously easy to prepare and delicious rolled into one. This Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa is naturally gluten-free, vegetarian, healthy, quick and easy.

    Vegetable parmesan quinoa on a white plate with text on the bottom.Pin

    This is what I like to call perfection in a slow cooker.

    Do you love cooking with your slow cooker as much as I do? It just makes life so much easier, especially with these busy kids!

    Because who doesn't love prepping for a meal in the morning and then coming home later to dinner all done? I have three busy kids who I am running around after school and most nights. Enter my slow cooker and my night is simplified!

    Many of my recipes are vegetarian or some even vegan. That's mainly because many of you ask for lower calorie dishes (especially in January!) and I figured one easy way to cut calories to cut back on the meat.

    Side note: I am not a huge meat eater. I do enjoy chicken and turkey though.

    That means I am not a vegetarian, I totally get that and I never claimed to be one. But man, I get some really weird comments and emails sometimes.

    One woman sent me a very long email explaining what a true vegetarian is and how dare I call myself one...

    I  realize that many of my readers are vegetarian or vegan, some might be trying to cut back on eating meat and others might be curious in trying new, meatless recipes. Whatever the reason is, I am happy you are here.

    If you are looking for some other healthy dishes, try this Zucchini Ravioli, Eggplant Parmesan, Slow Cooker Thai Chicken Soup, Alfredo Spaghetti Squash and Easy Baked Ziti. Al of these would be even more tasty with some Spiked Apple Cider!

    Why You Should Make This vegetable Parmesan Quinoa

    All of the different textures in this dish blend together perfectly in this Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa. I also love that I used the slow cooker.

    I need to use my slow cooker more.  The first time I made this Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa I was shocked at how easy it is to cook quinoa in the slow cooker!

    Also, go ahead and use whatever vegetables you'd like in this dish. Just be careful of the cooking time.

    I've used sweet potatoes, zucchini, bell peppers, carrots...you name it!

    The only exception would be a leafy green vegetable like spinach, kale, collard greens etc. I wouldn't add those until the last 20 minutes or so until they get slightly wilted, but are still brightly-colored green. This way no nutrients are lost in the cooking!

    Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa on an oval white plate.Pin

    Recipe Tips

    On those REALLY busy nights, I just might buy a bag of pre-cut broccoli and pre-chopped sun dried tomatoes. Whatever makes my life easier on those nights, I am taking advantage.

    You can easily add some cooked shredded chicken or even some cooked chicken or turkey sausage to this dish.  On busy weeknights, I just shred a rotisserie chicken and add it the already cooked quinoa.

    One thing to know, there is enough protein without the meat.  Sometimes you just need a little more. But yes, you can get all of your protein eating a plant-based diet.

    You just have to be more prepared, that's all. But before you message me and complain, it absolutely can be done. You just have to do it the right way, that's all.

    But before you ask me, I choose not to eat red meat or pork not for health reasons.  I cook meat for my family all the time.  It's all about texture for me. Even the more perfectly cooked steak or pork chop doesn't do it for me. And that's ok.

    I am just a super picky eater.  I think that's why I work with a lot of children.  They relate to me because I totally get it.

    I have come so far though since I was a picky little kid. I am still picky, just WAY healthier. But still picky nonetheless.

    This recipe is a perfectly well-balanced, healthy, vegetarian dish.  The quinoa and beans add enough protein to help keep you full and each serving has a generous helping of vegetables. And vitamins. And nutrients. You get my point.

    Oh and it's pretty amazing.  Man I love sun dried tomatoes...

    Make your life easier and chop the vegetables the night before (if you didn't surge on the pre-chopped veggies!). This way, it will take you minutes to put everything in the slow cooker and dinner will be ready a few hours later. This is my kind of dinner!

    Go ahead and sprinkle some extra Parmesan cheese on top. I always do. I actually love the big chunks of freshly shaved Parmesan!

    Related Recipes

    Healthy Slow Cooker Chicken Cacciatore from Creme de la Creme

    Eggplant Parmesan from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

    Tomato Kale Quinoa Soup from Damn Delicious

    Healthy Mexican Casserole from Lauren Kelly Nutrition

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    Vegetable parmesan quinoa on a white plate with text on the bottom.Pin

    Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa in the Slow Cooker

    Simple to make, healthy and gluten free, this Vegetable Parmesan Quinoa ie everyone's favorite.
    5 from 9 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, main dish, meatless, Side Dish, vegetarian
    Cuisine: American
    Diet: Gluten Free, Vegetarian
    Prep Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 3 hours hours
    Total Time: 3 hours hours 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 8 servings
    Calories: 205kcal
    Author: Lauren Kelly

    Ingredients

    • 2 cups quinoa rinsed and drained
    • 4 cups vegetable or chicken broth
    • 1 small white beans rinsed and drained
    • 1-2 cups broccoli florets chopped
    • ½ cup sun dried tomatoes chopped (not in oil)
    • 1 small onion diced
    • 3 cloves garlic minced
    • 1 large zucchini sliced
    • 1 cup mushrooms wiped clean and sliced
    • ½ teaspoon salt optional
    • 1 teaspoon dried basil
    • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
    • salt and fresh black pepper to taste
    • ¼ cup freshly shredded Parmesan cheese

    Instructions

    • In a 4 o 5 quart slow cooker, place quinoa and broth and top with remaining ingredients.
    • Place on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 5-6 hours.
    • Fluff with a fork, top with Parmesan cheese and salt and pepper if desired. Serve immediately.

    Notes

    You can easily add some shredded chicken or turkey to this dish to make it a complete meal if you eat meat.
    To store in the refrigerator: Place in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
    To store in the freezer: Place in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, defrost in the refrigerator overnight and reheat in a saucepan over medium heat for 15 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 205kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 9g | Fat: 4g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 691mg | Potassium: 624mg | Fiber: 5g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 462IU | Vitamin C: 18mg | Calcium: 79mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Pin it for Later!Mention @lkellynutrition or tag #lkellynutrition!
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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Donna Weaver

      April 13, 2025 at 11:58 am

      Can you use frozen vegetables

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        April 13, 2025 at 3:42 pm

        Hi donna! Yes, you can most likely use frozen veggies! I might defrost them first to ensure that it's evenly cooked. Thank you!

        Reply
    2. Allyson Zea

      January 15, 2024 at 4:07 pm

      5 stars
      Oh my goodness I absolutely love quinoa and this recipe was delicious!

      Reply
    3. Kristyn

      January 15, 2024 at 3:49 pm

      5 stars
      Quinoa has become one of my favorite sides!! I love that this recipe is made in the slow cooker! It makes it super easy & it has so much flavor!

      Reply
    4. Kristyn

      March 22, 2023 at 2:40 pm

      5 stars
      Yum!! Love the parmesan & veggies!! It really adds a great flavor & heartiness to the quinoa!!

      Reply
    5. Samantha

      March 22, 2023 at 2:05 pm

      5 stars
      I had no idea you could cook quinoa in the slow cooker! Such an easy, healthy side...the whole family enjoyed it!

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        March 22, 2023 at 2:18 pm

        So easy, right? So happy you loved it!

        Reply
    6. Sarah

      May 09, 2022 at 9:43 pm

      5 stars
      Very good! Subbed artichoke hearts for mushrooms for kids preference. Also added some chopped carrots!

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        May 10, 2022 at 6:35 am

        yay! So happy you liked it Sarah. Thanks so much for stopping by!

        Reply
    7. Chris

      April 25, 2022 at 12:00 pm

      Getting ready to make this. Are the beans fresh or canned?

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        April 25, 2022 at 12:24 pm

        Hi Chris! I used canned beans. I hope you love it!

        Reply
    8. Abby

      October 20, 2021 at 6:16 pm

      Can the mushrooms be left out? I really dislike mushrooms, but I just want to make sure it won't affect the overall flavor too much if I leave them out

      Reply
      • Lauren Kelly

        October 20, 2021 at 6:27 pm

        Yes you can leave the mushrooms out. I hope you love it!

        Reply
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    5 from 9 votes (1 rating without comment)

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