Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

Featured in: Family Dinners

This hearty one-pan dish features protein-rich chickpeas and fresh spinach simmered with a blend of aromatic spices and juicy tomatoes. Quick to prepare, it offers a nourishing, affordable, and flavorful option for any mealtime. The combination of cumin, smoked paprika, and coriander brings warmth, while a splash of lemon juice brightens the dish. Fresh parsley or cilantro adds a fragrant finish. Perfect served with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa for a satisfying experience.

Updated on Wed, 19 Nov 2025 12:51:00 GMT
Sizzling Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet: a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dinner in a skillet. Save
Sizzling Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet: a vibrant, flavorful vegetarian dinner in a skillet. | griddleglory.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 tried this chickpea & spinach skillet on a busy weeknight when I wanted something satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The aromatic spices and fresh veggies made it a standout choice for everyone at the table.

Ingredients

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

Instructions

Sauté vegetables:
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Add garlic and pepper:
Add garlic and red bell pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
Spice it up:
Stir in cumin, paprika, coriander, and chili flakes. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
Combine chickpeas and tomatoes:
Add chickpeas, grated carrot (if using), and diced tomatoes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
Simmer:
Simmer uncovered 8-10 minutes so flavors meld and mixture thickens slightly.
Add spinach:
Add spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.
Finish and serve:
Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Remove from heat and sprinkle with parsley or cilantro. Serve hot.
Savory Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet with glistening chickpeas, fresh spinach, and rich spices. Save
Savory Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet with glistening chickpeas, fresh spinach, and rich spices. | griddleglory.com

This skillet quickly became a weeknight favorite in our family, especially when everyone gathers in the kitchen to chop fresh ingredients together.

Required Tools

Large skillet or sauté pan, wooden spoon or spatula, chefs knife, chopping board, can opener

Nutritional Information

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

Serving Suggestions

Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or quinoa. Enjoy with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or mint tea for a complete meal.

A steaming bowl of Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, perfect with crusty bread for a quick supper. Save
A steaming bowl of Vegetarian Chickpea & Spinach Skillet, perfect with crusty bread for a quick supper. | griddleglory.com

With bold flavor and plenty of protein, this skillet makes every dinner a healthy delight. Enjoy fresh and simple Mediterranean-inspired comfort at home.

Vegetarian Chickpea Spinach Skillet

A nourishing one-pan meal with chickpeas and fresh spinach simmered with aromatic spices.

Prep duration
10 min
Cook duration
20 min
Complete duration
30 min
Created by Sarah Collins


Skill level Easy

Heritage Mediterranean-Inspired

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition specifications Plant-Based, No dairy, No gluten

Components

Legumes & Vegetables

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

Phase 01

Sauté aromatic vegetables: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add finely chopped onion and sauté until translucent, approximately 3 minutes.

Phase 02

Add garlic and bell pepper: Incorporate minced garlic and diced red bell pepper into the skillet. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes until softened.

Phase 03

Toast spices: Stir in ground cumin, smoked paprika, ground coriander, and chili flakes if using. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant, stirring constantly.

Phase 04

Combine legumes and tomatoes: Add chickpeas, grated carrot if included, and diced tomatoes with their juices. Stir thoroughly and bring mixture to a gentle simmer.

Phase 05

Simmer mixture: Allow the mixture to simmer uncovered for 8 to 10 minutes to develop flavors and reduce liquid slightly.

Phase 06

Incorporate spinach: Add the roughly chopped fresh spinach and cook, stirring, until just wilted, about 2 minutes.

Phase 07

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

Phase 08

Serve warm: Present immediately, optionally accompanied by crusty bread, rice, or quinoa.

Necessary tools

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

Allergy details

Review each component for potential allergens and seek professional healthcare advice if you're uncertain.
  • Free from gluten, dairy, eggs, and nuts. Verify canned goods for unintended allergens.

Nutritional information (per portion)

These values are provided as a general guide only and aren't intended to replace professional medical guidance.
  • Energy: 280
  • Fats: 7 g
  • Carbohydrates: 41 g
  • Proteins: 11 g