This creamy, comforting twist on risotto tastes decadent, but is actually much healthier (and easier) than the traditional version. Classic risotto is made with white (arborio) rice and large quantities of high fat ingredients, such as butter and cheese. This slow cooker quinoa version is made with whole-grain quinoa and numerous other Foods that Fight Cancer™, including spinach and garlic. This one-pot meal is both simple and delicious and makes for great leftovers to eat throughout the week.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 cups quinoa, uncooked and rinsed
- 1 1/2 lbs. skinless, boneless chicken breasts, cut into bite-size pieces
- 3 cups sliced mushrooms
- 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth (plus up to 1 cup additional, if needed at the end)
- 1 large shallot, thinly sliced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 tsp. each of dried thyme, basil and oregano
- 1 Tbsp. coconut oil*
- 1/2 tsp. pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon or 2 Tbsp. lemon juice
- 4 cups roughly chopped, packed spinach
- 2/3 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Directions
- Place all ingredients except spinach and cheese in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 3 hours.
- When almost done cooking, the liquid should be absorbed, and the mixture should be slightly sticky. If very sticky, add up to 1 cup additional broth and stir to combine until texture is creamy.
- Stir in spinach and cheese, cover and continue cooking just until spinach begins to wilt (about 2-5 minutes).
Notes
*May substitute coconut oil with oil of your choice.
- This dish can be made vegan by omitting the chicken, swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth and replacing the Parmesan cheese with ¼ cup nutritional yeast.
- Quinoa risotto can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 2 months.
This recipe contains cancer fighting foods:
This recipe was specially crafted to support cancer prevention and survival. It adheres to AICR's Cancer Prevention Recommendations. Learn more about our recipe guidelines.
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Got a good deal on fresh spinach!
Usually I savor this recipe on cold, dreary Michigan winter days; however, I got a good deal on fresh spinach & decided to make it up “just because!” So worth it!!! (PS: I also use the instant pot version)
A favorite instant pot recipe
I followed the instructions on the previous comment & it turned out great! Warm & flavorful ‘comfort food’ without the guilt! I’m making it again-perfect for the chilly weather.
Had to throw out
Wanted to love this, but it was the opposite. Was still very watery and the chicken wasn’t cooked through at 3 hours (dinner time). Turned on high for another hour, then it was gummy. Even if the texture had been right, it was very, VERY garlic-y (and I like garlic). I should have known 5 cloves were too many. Threw it out and had something from the freezer.
Used Instant Pot and made a few adjustments
I made it in the IP according to the directions in a previous comment. I omitted the chicken and used vegetable broth. I substituted a little goat cheese in place of the parm. I didn’t have mushrooms, so I drizzled with a touch of truffle oil. The results were fabulous! I can’;t wait to make it again when I have mushrooms!
Sooo delicious
Thank you so much for this amazing recipe, I loved it 🙏😋
Kim
