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.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
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.
