Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas with Spinach

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

A quick and nutritious vegetarian side dish of chickpeas sautéed with garlic and fresh herbs, brightened with tender spinach. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs olive oil, minced garlic cloves, dried thyme for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp dried thyme, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, cooking for 4-5 minutes until chickpeas are heated through and slightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh baby spinach, tossing gently and cooking for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
  5. Step 5: Season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice; stir to combine.
  6. Step 6: Remove from heat and serve warm as a flavorful side or light main.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas with 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas with Spinach 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 Sautéed Garlic and Herb Chickpeas 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.

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