Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

Featured in: One-Pot Meals

This hearty one-pan dish combines protein-packed chickpeas with fresh spinach, simmered alongside diced tomatoes and aromatic spices. Quick to prepare and easy to cook, it delivers rich Mediterranean-inspired flavors in just 30 minutes. A versatile, affordable, and wholesome meal perfect for any time, enhanced by a touch of lemon and fresh herbs.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 13:09:00 GMT
Sizzling Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet topped with fresh parsley, ready to serve with crusty bread. Pin
Sizzling Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet topped with fresh parsley, ready to serve with crusty bread. | garlicgroove.com

A hearty, one-pan dish featuring protein-rich chickpeas and fresh spinach, simmered with aromatic spices and tomatoes for a quick, nourishing, and affordable meal.

I first made this chickpea and spinach skillet on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. It became an instant favorite in my house for its bright flavors and easy cleanup.

What's for Dinner Tonight? 🤔

Stop stressing. Get 10 fast recipes that actually work on busy nights.

Free. No spam. Just easy meals.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 oz/400 g each), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh spinach: 5 oz (140 g), roughly chopped
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g)
  • Carrot (optional): 1 medium, grated
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes (optional): 1/4 tsp
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper: to taste
  • Lemon juice: juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped

Tired of Takeout? 🥡

Get 10 meals you can make faster than delivery arrives. Seriously.

One email. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.

Instructions

Sauté aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add vegetables:
Add garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Spice it up:
Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine legumes and tomatoes:
Add chickpeas, grated carrot (if using), and diced tomatoes. Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Simmer the mixture:
Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes for flavors to meld and thicken slightly.
Add spinach:
Add chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
Finish and serve:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat. Sprinkle with parsley or cilantro and serve hot.
Pin
| garlicgroove.com

This dish has become a go-to when we want everyone at the table to enjoy the same meal, especially because even picky eaters love it with bread or rice.

Still Scrolling? You'll Love This 👇

Our best 20-minute dinners in one free pack — tried and tested by thousands.

Trusted by 10,000+ home cooks.

Required Tools

Large skillet, wooden spoon, chef's knife, chopping board, and can opener make preparation a breeze.

Allergen Information

Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts so it's welcoming to most dietary needs.

Nutritional Information (per serving)

Calories: 280, Total Fat: 7 g, Carbohydrates: 41 g, Protein: 11 g

Vibrant shot of a steaming Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, showcasing tender spinach and juicy tomatoes. Pin
Vibrant shot of a steaming Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, showcasing tender spinach and juicy tomatoes. | garlicgroove.com

Try serving this with crusty bread and a glass of mint tea for a comforting meal everyone can enjoy.

Recipe Questions

What cooking method is used for this dish?

It is prepared using a skillet where ingredients are sautéed and simmered to meld flavors gently.

Can the spinach be substituted?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard can replace spinach for a different but equally delicious green touch.

How can creaminess be added?

Stir in a spoonful of tahini or coconut milk before serving for a smooth, creamy texture.

What spices contribute most to the flavor?

Ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and a hint of chili flakes provide rich, aromatic depth.

Is this dish suitable for special diets?

It is naturally vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and dairy-free, accommodating various dietary needs.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve hot alongside crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to complete the meal.

20-Minute Dinner Pack — Free Download 📥

10 recipes, 1 shopping list. Everything you need for a week of easy dinners.

Instant access. No signup hassle.

Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

A hearty one-pan dish with chickpeas, spinach, and spices for a quick, nourishing meal.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min


Complexity Easy

Heritage Mediterranean-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Dietary requirements Vegan, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Legumes & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
06 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
07 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
08 1 medium carrot, grated (optional)

Spices & Seasoning

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing

01 Juice of 1/2 lemon
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Aromatics: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.

Step 02

Cook Garlic and Pepper: Add the garlic and red bell pepper; cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Add Spices: Stir in the ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 04

Incorporate Chickpeas and Tomatoes: Add the chickpeas, grated carrot if using, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir to combine and bring to a simmer.

Step 05

Simmer to Develop Flavor: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes, enabling the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 06

Wilt Spinach: Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Step 07

Season and Finish: Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Step 08

Serve: Serve warm with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa as desired.

You Just Made Something Great 👏

Want more like this? Get my best easy recipes — free, straight to your inbox.

Join 10,000+ home cooks. No spam.

Necessary tools

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board
  • Can opener

Allergy details

Review each ingredient for potential allergens and speak with a healthcare provider if you're uncertain about anything.
  • Naturally free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
  • Always verify canned products for unexpected additives.

Nutrition breakdown (per portion)

These values are provided as estimates only and shouldn't replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 280
  • Fat: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Protein: 11 g

Cooking Shouldn't Be Hard ❤️

Get a free recipe pack that makes weeknight dinners effortless. Real food, real fast.

Free forever. Unsubscribe anytime.