Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and Spinach

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

A simple and nutritious stir-fry combining garlic-scented chickpeas and tender spinach for a fast plant-based side or main. This Mediterranean-inspired stir-fry recipe (vegan), ready in about 15 minutes, pairs extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, canned chickpeas for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and just starting to brown at the edges.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 cups drained and rinsed canned chickpeas to the skillet and stir-fry for 4 minutes until they begin to develop a golden crust.
  3. Step 3: Add 5 cups fresh baby spinach, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss continuously for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts but remains bright green.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and stir in 1 tbsp lemon juice to brighten the flavors before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 15 minutes (5 min prep + 10 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 Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and 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 Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Quick Stir-Fried Chickpeas with Garlic and Spinach vegan?

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

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