10+ Spinach Recipes for Healthy and Delicious Meals
Spinach is a versatile and nutritious leafy green that can enhance a variety of dishes. You can easily incorporate spinach into your meals for added flavor and health benefits.
This article will explore different spinach recipes that you can try in your kitchen.
From sautéed options to creamy bakes, there is a spinach dish for everyone. You’ll find steps to prepare these recipes, making it easy to enjoy spinach in delicious ways.
Get ready to discover how this green can transform your cooking.
1) Easy Sautéed Spinach
Sautéed spinach is a quick and tasty side dish. You will enjoy its bright colors and fresh flavor. This recipe takes just a few minutes to make.
Start by heating some olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add fresh spinach to the skillet. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it becomes wilted.
For extra flavor, add minced garlic and a pinch of salt. Stir everything together and cook for another minute. Serve hot for the best taste.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 8 cups fresh spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Add fresh spinach and cook for 5 minutes until wilted.
- Stir in minced garlic and salt.
- Cook for 1 more minute.
- Serve immediately.
2) Creamy Spinach and Garlic Pasta
This creamy spinach and garlic pasta is a quick and delicious meal. You can whip it up in about 30 minutes. It features a rich garlic sauce that pairs perfectly with fresh spinach.
Start by cooking your favorite pasta.
While the pasta cooks, prepare the creamy sauce with garlic, butter, and cream. Stir in fresh spinach until it wilts.
Combine the pasta with the sauce and toss well. You can add Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
This dish is perfect for a busy weeknight dinner or a comforting meal at home.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta (like fettuccine or penne)
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- In a pan, melt butter over medium heat.
- Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream and stir.
- Add fresh spinach and cook until wilted.
- Mix in the cooked pasta and Parmesan, then season with salt and pepper.
3) Cheesy Spinach Quiche
Cheesy spinach quiche is a delicious dish that is perfect for brunch or dinner. It combines fresh spinach, creamy cheese, and eggs in a flaky crust. You can use either fresh or frozen spinach, making it easy to prepare.
This quiche is versatile, allowing you to add ingredients like feta or cheddar for extra flavor. Baking it at 375°F (190°C) creates a rich and satisfying meal that everyone will love.
You can serve it warm or at room temperature, making it great for gatherings. Pair it with a simple salad for a complete meal.
Ingredients
- 1 pie crust
- 1 cup fresh or frozen spinach, thawed
- 1 cup shredded cheese (cheddar, feta, or your choice)
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place the pie crust in a quiche or pie dish.
- In a bowl, whisk together the eggs, cream, salt, and pepper.
- Add the spinach and cheese to the egg mixture.
- Pour the filling into the crust.
- Bake for 35-40 minutes, or until the quiche is set and golden. Enjoy!
4) Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken
Spinach and feta stuffed chicken is a delicious and easy dinner option. This recipe combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful filling of spinach and feta cheese. It’s a great way to enjoy greens and protein in one dish.
You can prepare the filling by mixing cooked spinach with crumbled feta cheese, garlic, and some herbs. Once you fill the chicken breasts, they can be baked until golden. This dish pairs well with rice or a fresh salad.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 (16 oz) bag of spinach (frozen works well)
- 1 cup feta cheese
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Cook the spinach and let it cool.
- Mix spinach, garlic, and feta cheese in a bowl.
- Cut slits in the chicken breasts and stuff with the filling.
- Brush with olive oil and season as desired.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
5) Spinach Salad with Strawberries and Almonds
This spinach salad is a refreshing choice, great for any meal. The combination of fresh spinach, strawberries, and almonds creates a tasty dish. You can enjoy it as a side or a light main meal.
To make the salad, start with fresh baby spinach. Add sliced strawberries for sweetness. Toss in toasted almonds for a crunchy texture.
A simple dressing of olive oil and balsamic vinegar enhances the flavors. This salad is not only colorful but also packed with nutrients.
Ingredients
- 7-10 cups fresh baby spinach
- 5 cups fresh strawberries, sliced
- 1/4 cup sliced almonds, toasted
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse and dry the spinach.
- Slice the strawberries.
- Toast the almonds in a pan over medium heat until golden.
- In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil and balsamic vinegar.
- Combine spinach, strawberries, and almonds in a large bowl.
- Drizzle the dressing and toss gently.
- Season with salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!
6) Greek Lemon Spinach Rice
Greek Lemon Spinach Rice is a flavorful dish that combines rice and fresh spinach with a zesty lemon touch. This recipe is simple yet satisfying, making it a great side or main dish.
You’ll start by cooking the rice in vegetable broth for added flavor. As it cooks, sauté some garlic and onions to build the base of the dish. Once fragrant, add in the fresh spinach, allowing it to wilt and mix nicely.
Finish off by stirring in lemon juice and zest. This will give the dish a refreshing brightness. Serve it warm for a delicious taste of Greece in your kitchen.
Ingredients
- 1 cup jasmine rice
- 2 cups vegetable broth
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 5 ounces baby spinach
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Rinse the rice under cold water.
- In a pot, bring the vegetable broth to a boil.
- Add the rice, reduce heat, and cover. Cook for about 15 minutes.
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Sauté garlic and onion until soft.
- Stir in the spinach until wilted.
- Combine the cooked rice with spinach mixture.
- Add lemon juice and zest. Season with salt and pepper.
- Serve warm.
7) Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Shells
Spinach and cheese stuffed shells make a delicious and comforting meal. These jumbo pasta shells are filled with a tasty mixture of spinach and various cheeses.
To prepare them, you’ll need cooked shells, a mix of ricotta, mozzarella, and Parmesan cheese, and some spices. A simple marinara sauce works well on top.
This dish is perfect for a family dinner or to impress guests at a gathering. You’ll enjoy the rich flavors and creamy texture in every bite.
Ingredients
- 12 jumbo pasta shells
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup marinara sauce
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Cook the jumbo shells according to package instructions and drain.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, mozzarella, Parmesan, spinach, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Stuff each shell with the cheese mixture.
- Spread marinara sauce in a baking dish.
- Place the stuffed shells in the dish and top with more marinara.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes until bubbly.
8) Spinach and Artichoke Dip
Spinach and artichoke dip is a creamy and delicious snack. It’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. You can serve it hot with toasted bread or tortilla chips.
To make this dip, you’ll need fresh spinach, artichoke hearts, cream cheese, and some cheese for extra flavor. It’s easy to prepare and always a crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- 1 (10 oz) bag fresh spinach (or 1 (10 oz) box frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
- 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Cooking Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a bowl, mix the spinach, artichokes, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, and garlic.
- Transfer the mixture to a baking dish.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until hot and bubbly.
- Enjoy it warm with your favorite chips or bread!
9) Mushroom and Spinach Risotto
Mushroom and spinach risotto is a delicious and comforting dish. The creamy texture paired with earthy mushrooms and fresh spinach makes it a favorite. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner.
Start by sautéing onions and garlic in olive oil. Add arborio rice and stir until it’s slightly toasted. Gradually add warm vegetable broth, letting it absorb slowly.
Once the rice is creamy and cooked, mix in the mushrooms and spinach. Finish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese for extra flavor.
Ingredients
- 1 cup arborio rice
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 1 cup mushrooms, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- ½ cup Parmesan cheese, grated
- Salt and pepper to taste
Cooking Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft.
- Add arborio rice and cook for 1-2 minutes.
- Gradually stir in warm broth, one ladle at a time.
- Cook until rice is creamy and tender.
- Stir in mushrooms and spinach until wilted.
- Add Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
10) Spinach Pesto Pasta
Spinach pesto pasta combines fresh flavors with the goodness of spinach. It’s quick to make and perfect for a family meal. You will love how easy it is to whip this up on a busy night.
To make the pesto, blend fresh spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese. This delicious sauce comes together in just a few minutes.
Toss it with your favorite pasta and enjoy!
You can add some grilled chicken or veggies for extra nutrition. This meal is not only tasty but also colorful and appealing.
Ingredients
- 1 pound (450g) pasta of your choice
- 3 cups (90g) fresh baby spinach
- 2 cups (60g) fresh basil
- 1/2 cup (120ml) olive oil
- 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic
- Squeeze of lemon juice
Cooking Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package directions. Then, drain and set aside.
- In a blender, combine spinach, basil, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Blend until smooth.
- Mix in Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Toss the pasta with the pesto mixture.
- Serve warm and enjoy!