Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

Featured in: Hearty Dinners

This one-pan dish highlights tender chickpeas and fresh spinach simmered in olive oil with cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and a touch of chili flakes for warmth. Onions, garlic, and red bell peppers build a flavorful base, while diced tomatoes add juiciness. After simmering to marry the spices, fresh spinach wilts gently before finishing with lemon juice and fresh parsley for brightness. Perfect for a quick, nutritious, vegetarian meal that’s easy to customize with tahini, feta, or alternative greens.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:50:00 GMT
Golden, steaming Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for dinner. Save It
Golden, steaming Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, garnished with vibrant parsley, perfect for dinner. | sunnyspoonful.com

A hearty, one-pan dish featuring protein-rich chickpeas and fresh spinach, simmered with aromatic spices and tomatoes for a quick, nourishing, and affordable meal.

I first discovered this skillet recipe when searching for a satisfying weeknight meal that required minimal cleanup. The blend of Mediterranean-inspired spices makes it a repeat favorite in my kitchen.

Ingredients

  • Olive oil: 2 tbsp
  • Onion: 1 medium, finely chopped
  • Garlic cloves: 3, minced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced
  • Chickpeas: 2 cans (15 oz/400 g each), drained and rinsed
  • Fresh spinach: 5 oz (140 g), roughly chopped
  • Diced tomatoes: 1 can (14 oz/400 g), with juices
  • Carrot: 1 medium, grated (optional, for extra sweetness)
  • Ground cumin: 1 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Ground coriander: 1/2 tsp
  • Chili flakes: 1/4 tsp (optional)
  • Salt and pepper: to taste
  • Lemon juice: juice of 1/2 lemon
  • Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tbsp, chopped

Instructions

Sauté aromatics:
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add vegetables:
Add the garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for another 2-3 minutes until softened.
Spice it up:
Stir in the cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Simmer ingredients:
Add the chickpeas, grated carrot (if using), and diced tomatoes (with juices). Stir well and bring to a simmer.
Thicken the stew:
Simmer uncovered for 8-10 minutes, allowing flavors to meld and mixture to thicken slightly.
Add spinach:
Add the chopped spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
Season & finish:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley or cilantro.
Serve:
Serve hot, with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa if desired.
Save It
| sunnyspoonful.com

My family loves sharing this nutritious skillet meal together. Everyone adds their favorite toppings, making each bowl personalized and comforting.

Required Tools

Large skillet or sauté pan. Wooden spoon or spatula. Chefs knife. Chopping board. Can opener.

Allergen Information

This dish is free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. Confirm all canned goods are safe for your household.

Nutritional Information

Per serving: 280 calories, 7 g total fat, 41 g carbohydrates, 11 g protein.

Savory Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet bubbling in a pan, with visible chickpeas and tomatoes ready to serve. Save It
Savory Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet bubbling in a pan, with visible chickpeas and tomatoes ready to serve. | sunnyspoonful.com

With bright flavors and minimal prep, this skillet makes healthy eating easy and delicious. Try it for your next busy evening.

Recipe FAQs

Can I substitute spinach with other greens?

Yes, kale or Swiss chard work well as replacements, offering similar texture and nutrients.

How can I add creaminess to the dish?

Stir in a spoonful of tahini or coconut milk before serving for a richer, creamier texture.

Is this dish gluten- and dairy-free?

Absolutely, it naturally contains no gluten or dairy, suitable for various dietary needs.

What spices enhance the flavor profile?

Ground cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, and optional chili flakes provide warm, aromatic notes.

What are good serving suggestions?

Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa to complement the savory flavors and textures.

Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

A wholesome one-pan dish combining chickpeas, spinach, and spices for a vibrant Mediterranean-style meal.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
20 mins
Total Duration
30 mins
Authored by Lana Bright

Recipe Type Hearty Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Style Mediterranean-Inspired

Recipe Yield 4 Serving Size

Diet Preferences Suitable for Vegans, Dairy-Free, Free From Gluten

What You'll Need

Legumes & Vegetables

01 2 tablespoons olive oil
02 1 medium onion, finely chopped
03 3 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 red bell pepper, diced
05 2 cans (15 oz each) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
06 5 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
07 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
08 1 medium carrot, grated (optional)

Spices & Seasoning

01 1 teaspoon ground cumin
02 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
03 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
04 1/4 teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
05 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Finishing

01 Juice of 1/2 lemon
02 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or cilantro

Directions

Step 01

Sauté Onion: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.

Step 02

Add Garlic and Bell Pepper: Incorporate minced garlic and diced red bell pepper, cooking for 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Step 03

Toast Spices: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and chili flakes; cook for 1 minute until aromatic.

Step 04

Combine Chickpeas and Vegetables: Add chickpeas, grated carrot if using, and diced tomatoes with their juices; stir thoroughly and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 05

Simmer Mixture: Allow mixture to simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes to meld flavors and slightly thicken.

Step 06

Incorporate Spinach: Add roughly chopped spinach and stir until just wilted, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 07

Season and Finish: Season with salt, freshly ground pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and sprinkle with chopped parsley or cilantro.

Step 08

Serve: Serve hot alongside crusty bread, rice, or quinoa as desired.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet or sauté pan
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Chef's knife
  • Chopping board
  • Can opener

Allergy Information

Review each ingredient to identify potential allergens, and consult a healthcare professional if you're unsure.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts.
  • Check canned goods for unexpected additives or allergens.

Nutrition Details (Per Serving)

This nutritional data is for reference only and isn't a substitute for medical advice.
  • Caloric Value: 280
  • Fats: 7 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 41 grams
  • Proteins: 11 grams