Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach: Easy One Pan Recipe

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach is more than just a simple meal, it’s a warm and cozy one-pan recipe rooted in flavor and memory. My story with this dish started in a sun-drenched Greek town where I was handed a bowl of simmered chickpeas and greens, cooked with love. The simplicity amazed me. Once home, I reimagined that moment into the dish you’re about to discover.

This Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach has become a reader favorite for good reason. It’s quick, hearty, packed with flavor, and comes together in just 25 minutes. In this post, you’ll learn exactly how to make it, with smart tips, tasty variations, and make-ahead storage advice to simplify your weeknights.

Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach

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• Author: Matteo
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2–3 servings
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

A cozy one-pan Mediterranean meal packed with chickpeas, spinach, tomatoes, and warm spices. Ready in just 25 minutes, this skillet is a healthy and hearty favorite perfect for weeknights.

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Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 3 packed cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional Add-Ins: Crumbled feta cheese, Sliced Kalamata olives, Lemon zest, Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and cook for 4–5 minutes.
2. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes (if using). Cook until fragrant.
3. Add chickpeas, tomato paste, and cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat and simmer for 6–7 minutes until tomatoes soften.
4. Gradually add spinach, stirring gently until wilted, about 2–3 minutes.
5. Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and garnish with fresh parsley. Serve warm.

Notes

Use a high-quality olive oil to elevate the dish. Don’t overcook the spinach—add it last for best texture. This dish is perfect for batch cooking and easy lunch prep. Pair with rice or quinoa for a heartier meal.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make this Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach shine, gather these fresh and pantry-ready ingredients. The magic comes from layering simple Mediterranean flavors, think garlic, cumin, fresh lemon, and olive oil.

Basic Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 can (15 oz) chickpeas, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• ½ teaspoon chili flakes (optional)
• 3 packed cups fresh baby spinach
• Juice of ½ lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Optional Add-Ins:

• Crumbled feta cheese
• Sliced Kalamata olives
• Lemon zest
• Cooked rice or quinoa for serving

This recipe pairs well with our Chickpea Feta Avocado Dinner Salad or Mediterranean Chicken Bowl, both offering more bold Mediterranean flavors.

How to Make Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach

Ready in just 25 minutes, this one-skillet meal is ideal for beginner cooks and seasoned foodies alike.

Step 1: Sauté Aromatics

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium. Add onion and cook 4–5 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, and chili flakes. Cook until fragrant.

Step 2: Add Chickpeas and Tomatoes

Mix in chickpeas, tomato paste, and cherry tomatoes. Stir to coat well. Let simmer for 6–7 minutes, until the tomatoes soften and break down.

Step 3: Wilt the Spinach

Add fresh spinach gradually, stirring gently until wilted. This takes 2–3 minutes. You’re building the base of your Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach here, keep it moving to avoid overcooking.

Step 4: Finish and Garnish

Remove from heat. Squeeze lemon juice over the skillet, season with salt and pepper, and top with parsley. Serve warm.

For similar flavor-packed bowls, try the Healthy Asian-Inspired Dinner Bowl or the Garlic Chicken Veggie Bowl.

Tips for Success

These quick pro-tips will make your Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach even better:

• Use good olive oil: The flavor really matters in Mediterranean cooking.
• Balance the acidity: Lemon juice brightens up the chickpeas and tomatoes.
• Don’t overcook the spinach: Add it last to keep texture and color intact.
• Double it up: This skillet is great for batch cooking and meal prep.

This one-pan meal fits perfectly into our Healthy Dinner Bowls Recipes lineup, ideal for planning your week.

Variations to Try

Whether you’re looking for plant-based, gluten-free, or protein-boosted versions, this Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach can flex with your preferences.

Gluten-Free Option:

Naturally gluten-free! Just pair with quinoa, rice, or gluten-free flatbread.

Add Protein:

Top with grilled chicken, tofu, or even shrimp for a high-protein dinner.

Toss in Grains:

Mix in couscous or bulgur for a filling variation.

This is not the place for streusel, save that for our Apple Pumpkin Streusel Muffins, but a touch of lemon zest? Always welcome.

Storage and Meal Prep

Leftovers? You’ll love them just as much the next day.

• Refrigerate: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Reheat: Microwave gently or heat in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice.
• Freeze: Yes, freeze without the spinach, then stir in fresh greens when reheating.

If you like to prep ahead, pair this dish with our Easy Weeknight Dinner Recipes for a smooth weekday routine.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chickpea Skillet with Spinach is everything a weeknight meal should be, fast, flavorful, healthy, and satisfying. It’s also a reminder that the best dishes don’t need to be complicated. Just a few quality ingredients, cooked simply, can deliver big comfort.

From my kitchen to yours, I hope this dish finds a spot in your regular rotation. It’s a perfect balance of bold Mediterranean taste and easy everyday cooking.

Don’t forget to explore other recipes like the Roasted Chickpea & Veggie Bowl or see what’s trending in our Popular Dinner Recipes section.