Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme
Earthy mushrooms and tender spinach sautéed with garlic and fresh thyme, creating a quick, flavorful vegetarian side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (vegetarian) ready in about 17 minutes pairs sliced cremini mushrooms, baby spinach, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 140 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, sliced cremini mushrooms
- 5 oz baby spinach
- 4, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until melted and shimmering.
- Step 2: Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves to the skillet, sautéing gently for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 12 oz sliced cremini mushrooms to the skillet, stirring occasionally. Cook over medium heat for 6-8 minutes until the mushrooms release their moisture and become golden brown.
- Step 4: Add 5 oz baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until wilted, about 2 minutes. Season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over the vegetables. Toss lightly and serve warm as a side or topping.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme take to make?
Total time is about 17 minutes (5 min prep + 12 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 Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme?
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 sliced cremini mushrooms from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme?
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 Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme 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 Sautéed Mushrooms and Spinach with Garlic and Thyme 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.
Equipment for this recipe
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