Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A vibrant, protein-packed stir-fry featuring tender chickpeas and wilted spinach with aromatic garlic notes. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (vegetarian) ready in about 18 minutes pairs olive oil, garlic, chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir to coat and cook for 3 minutes until chickpeas are slightly crispy.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 cups fresh spinach, 1 tbsp soy sauce, and 1 tbsp rice vinegar. Cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted and chickpeas are heated through.
  4. Step 4: Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 min prep + 8 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Chickpea and Spinach Stir-Fry with Garlic vegetarian?

Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes