One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach
A hearty vegetarian stew combining tender chickpeas, fresh spinach, and a rich tomato base simmered to perfection in one pot. This mediterranean-inspired one pot (vegetarian, gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs olive oil, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium, diced yellow onion
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz), drained and rinsed canned chickpeas
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 4 cups, roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
- Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp ground cumin, and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes with their juices, 1 can (15 oz) drained and rinsed chickpeas, and 2 cups vegetable broth. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low and cook uncovered for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 4: Stir in 4 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook for 3 more minutes until the spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Season with 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice. Serve warm.
Frequently asked questions
How long does One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (10 min prep + 25 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 One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach?
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 One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach?
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 One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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 One-Pot Tomato and Chickpea Stew with Spinach vegetarian?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Authentic Mediterranean flavors without complicated steps. Made it for my in-laws and they raved about the simplicity and taste.
- ★★★★★
Perfect for busy weeknights! The chickpeas held up beautifully and the spinach wilted just right. My kids even ate their veggies.
- ★★★★★
This is now my go-to meal. The tomato base was so rich and the chickpeas added the perfect protein. Leftovers were even better!







