Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

Featured in: Everyday Cozy Meals

This wholesome one-pan dish combines protein-rich chickpeas and fresh spinach with a blend of cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander. Sautéed with onion, garlic, and red bell pepper, then simmered with diced tomatoes, it forms a flavorful, hearty meal ready in 30 minutes. A squeeze of lemon and fresh herbs finish it off with brightness, ideal served with crusty bread or grains. Adaptable with kale or additional creamy toppings for extra richness.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 10:35:00 GMT
Vibrant Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, served in a skillet with parsley garnish, ready to enjoy. Save to Pinterest
Vibrant Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, served in a skillet with parsley garnish, ready to enjoy. | recipesforevers.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.

When I first made this recipe on a busy weeknight, I was amazed by how quickly dinner came together and how flavorful each bite turned out. The vibrant colors and bold spices always energize my kitchen, making it a regular comfort choice for our family.

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: 1 medium, grated (optional)
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper: to taste
  • Lemon juice: Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Chopped fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp

Instructions

Prepare aromatics:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Sauté vegetables:
Add garlic and red bell pepper; cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
Add spices:
Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer chickpeas:
Add chickpeas, grated carrot (if using), and diced tomatoes. Stir, bring to a simmer.
Cook:
Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes for flavors to meld and mixture to thicken.
Add spinach:
Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Finish:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro.
Serve:
Serve hot, with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa if desired.
Flavorful Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, showcasing bright red tomatoes and tender spinach, perfect comfort food. Save to Pinterest
Flavorful Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, showcasing bright red tomatoes and tender spinach, perfect comfort food. | recipesforevers.com

Our favorite way to enjoy this skillet is gathered around the table with slices of crusty bread and a fresh salad. Even our picky eaters find themselves asking for seconds!

Required Tools

Large skillet or sauté pan, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, chopping board, can opener

Allergen Information

Always check canned chickpeas and tomatoes for unexpected additives. This dish is naturally free of common allergens.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 280 calories, 7 g fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein

A warm, filling bowl of Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet with steam rising, a wholesome and delicious meal. Save to Pinterest
A warm, filling bowl of Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet with steam rising, a wholesome and delicious meal. | recipesforevers.com

This simple chickpea & spinach skillet turns everyday ingredients into a nourishing meal. Enjoy leftovers for lunch, as flavors only get better with time.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well and provide a similar texture and nutritional profile.

How can I add creaminess to this skillet?

Stir in tahini or coconut milk before serving for a rich, creamy texture.

What spices enhance the flavor of this dish?

Aromatic cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and optional chili flakes create a warm, balanced taste.

Is this dish suitable for vegan and gluten-free diets?

Absolutely, it contains no animal products or gluten ingredients, making it vegan and gluten-free friendly.

What are good serving suggestions for this skillet?

Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to complement the flavors and add substance.

Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

A quick, wholesome skillet featuring chickpeas, spinach, and aromatic spices for a nourishing meal.

Prep Duration
10 minutes
Time to Cook
20 minutes
Complete Duration
30 minutes

Recipe Type Everyday Cozy Meals

Complexity Easy

Cuisine Mediterranean-Inspired

Makes 4 Portions

Dietary Info Plant-Based, No Dairy, Without Gluten

What You Need

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 ounces 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 olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 02

Cook Vegetables: Add garlic and red bell pepper, sauté until softened, approximately 2 to 3 minutes.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 04

Combine Main Ingredients: Add chickpeas, grated carrot (if using), and diced tomatoes with juices. Stir thoroughly and bring to a simmer.

Step 05

Simmer Mixture: Simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and allow sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 06

Add Greens: Incorporate chopped spinach and cook while stirring until wilted, around 2 minutes.

Step 07

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

Step 08

Serve: Serve immediately, pairing well with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa as desired.

Essential Tools

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

Allergy Details

Be sure to check every item for allergens. If uncertain, talk with a healthcare provider.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts; verify canned items for additives.

Nutrition per serving

Nutrition details are for your reference only. Always speak with a professional for medical concerns.
  • Caloric Content: 280
  • Total Fat: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 41 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams