Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Chickpeas

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

Quick sautéed spinach with crisp toasted chickpeas adds texture and protein to this vibrant side dish. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves, washed and trimmed fresh spinach 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: 15 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 can (15 oz) drained chickpeas and 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, stirring frequently for 6-8 minutes until chickpeas become golden brown and crispy. Remove chickpeas from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic edges start to crisp.
  3. Step 3: Add 10 oz fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing continuously for 3-4 minutes until spinach is wilted but still vibrant green. Season with 3/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Return the toasted chickpeas to the skillet, stir to combine, and remove from heat. Drizzle 1 tbsp lemon juice over the dish and toss gently before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Garlic Spinach with Toasted Chickpeas take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (5 min prep + 15 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 with Toasted Chickpeas?

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 Spinach with Toasted Chickpeas?

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 with Toasted Chickpeas 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 with Toasted Chickpeas gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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