Sautéed Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan

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

Tender sautéed spinach infused with golden garlic, cooked in a hot cast iron pan to preserve vibrant color and flavor. This mediterranean-inspired vegetarian ready in about 12 minutes pairs fresh spinach, garlic cloves, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 110 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: 7 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 110 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse and thoroughly dry 10 oz fresh spinach, removing any tough stems.
  2. Step 2: Peel and thinly slice 4 garlic cloves.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a well-seasoned cast iron pan over medium heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the sliced garlic to the pan and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and lightly golden, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  5. Step 5: Immediately add the spinach to the pan, tossing with tongs to coat in the garlic oil. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the spinach wilts but remains bright green.
  6. Step 6: Season the spinach with 1/2 tsp kosher salt and 1/4 tsp freshly ground black pepper, stirring well.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tsp fresh lemon juice over the spinach, tossing gently to combine. Serve warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan take to make?

Total time is about 12 minutes (5 min prep + 7 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 Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan?

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 spinach from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan?

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 Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan 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 Spinach and Garlic in Cast Iron Pan 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.

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