Looking for a wholesome dish that’s packed with flavor and nutrients? Dive into the delightful world of our Sun Dried Tomato Kale Chicken Sausage Quinoa Bake! This one-pan wonder combines savory chicken sausage, hearty quinoa, and vibrant kale, all baked to perfection with a sprinkle of tangy feta cheese. In just 40 minutes, you can create a mouthwatering meal that not only satisfies your taste buds but also keeps you feeling energized. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this recipe is bound to become a family favorite. Read on to discover how to whip up this scrumptious dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 40 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken sausage, sliced
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup kale, chopped
- 1/2 cup sun dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a 9x13 inch baking dish with cooking spray or olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse quinoa thoroughly in a fine-mesh strainer under cold water to remove any bitter coating. This helps improve the quinoa's flavor and texture.
- In the prepared baking dish, combine rinsed quinoa and vegetable broth. The broth will help the quinoa cook evenly and absorb flavor.
- Slice chicken sausage into half-inch thick rounds. Distribute evenly over the quinoa in the baking dish.
- Chop kale into bite-sized pieces, removing any tough stems. Sprinkle chopped kale over the sausage and quinoa.
- Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes across the dish, distributing them evenly for balanced flavor in each bite.
- Sprinkle garlic powder, salt, and pepper over the entire mixture. Use your hands or a spoon to gently mix ingredients, ensuring even seasoning.
- Crumble feta cheese over the top of the dish, creating a delicious, tangy layer.
- Cover the baking dish tightly with aluminum foil to trap moisture and help quinoa cook properly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes, until quinoa is tender and has absorbed most of the liquid.
- Remove foil for the last 5 minutes of cooking to allow the top to slightly crisp and cheese to lightly brown.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving. This allows the dish to set and makes serving easier.
- Serve hot, garnishing with fresh herbs like parsley or basil if desired for added freshness.
Tips
- Rinse the Quinoa: Don’t skip rinsing the quinoa! This step removes the saponins that can give quinoa a bitter taste, ensuring a deliciously nutty flavor in your bake.
- Customize Your Greens: While kale is a fantastic choice, feel free to swap it out for spinach or Swiss chard based on your preference or what you have on hand.
- Sausage Choices: Chicken sausage adds a great flavor profile, but you can also experiment with turkey or even plant-based sausages for a healthier or vegetarian option.
- Layering Flavors: For an extra flavor boost, sauté the chicken sausage before adding it to the baking dish. This will give it a nice caramelization and enhance the overall taste.
- Foil Technique: Covering the dish with foil during the first part of baking helps trap moisture, ensuring the quinoa cooks evenly. Don’t forget to remove it for the last few minutes to achieve that perfect golden top!
- Herb Garnish: Fresh herbs like parsley, basil, or even a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can elevate the dish’s presentation and flavor. Add them just before serving for a pop of freshness.
- Make It Ahead: This recipe is perfect for meal prep! You can assemble it a day in advance and bake it just before serving, making weeknight dinners a breeze.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 85mg
