Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry

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

A quick stir fry of tender spinach and chickpeas with aromatic garlic and a hint of chili for a nutritious, flavorful side or light meal. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (vegetarian, vegan) ready in about 15 minutes pairs fresh baby spinach, garlic cloves, minced, red chili flakes 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
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes; sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and sauté for 3 minutes until they begin to crisp slightly on the edges.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  4. Step 4: Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; squeeze juice from 1 lemon wedge over the stir fry and toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve immediately as a nutrient-packed side dish or light vegetarian main.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry 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 Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry?

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 fresh baby spinach from drying out.

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

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 Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry 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 Garlic Spinach and Chickpea Stir Fry vegetarian?

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

Related recipes