When it comes to cooking on busy nights, it’s easy to get stuck in a rut. The same old recipes, the same old ingredients. But what if you could have a fresh and flavorful meal on the table in no time? Canned spinach is a pantry staple that can be used in countless dishes, from comforting casseroles to savory stir-fries. In this article, we’ll explore 18 quick and easy recipes that use canned spinach as a key ingredient. From classic comfort food to international inspiration, these recipes are sure to spice up your dinner routine.
Read on to discover the many ways you can incorporate canned spinach into your meals, and get ready to save time and impress your family with delicious dishes.
Creamed spinach with garlic and parmesan
This classic side dish is a staple of many Italian-inspired meals, and for good reason – the combination of rich cream, pungent garlic, and nutty parmesan cheese elevates spinach to new heights. This recipe is a simple yet impressive addition to any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 package fresh spinach, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons butter
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
2. Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
4. Reduce the heat to low and let the cream thicken slightly, stirring occasionally.
5. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional parmesan cheese if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and feta stuffed chicken
A flavorful and moist chicken dish filled with the tanginess of feta cheese and the earthiness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, feta cheese, garlic, salt, and pepper.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket.
4. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture, dividing it evenly among the four breasts.
5. Close the incision and secure with toothpicks if needed.
6. Drizzle olive oil over the stuffed chicken and bake for 30-35 minutes or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and artichoke dip
A classic party favorite, this creamy spinach and artichoke dip is sure to please even the pickiest of eaters. With a rich blend of flavors and textures, it’s perfect for snacking or serving as an appetizer.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice
– 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
3. Transfer the mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish or a small cast-iron skillet.
4. Sprinkle Parmesan cheese on top.
5. Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the dip is warm and bubbly.
6. Serve with tortilla chips, pita bread, or crackers.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Easy spinach quesadillas
Get ready to savor the flavors of Mexico with this simple and delicious recipe! These quesadillas are packed with fresh spinach, gooey cheese, and a hint of garlic.
Ingredients:
– 4 large tortillas
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat a large skillet or griddle over medium heat.
2. In a bowl, mix together spinach, cheese, cilantro, and garlic.
3. Place a tortilla in the skillet and sprinkle one-quarter of the spinach mixture onto half of the tortilla.
4. Fold the tortilla in half to enclose the filling.
5. Cook for 2-3 minutes or until the tortilla is lightly browned and the cheese is melted.
6. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes or until the other side is also lightly browned.
7. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells
A classic Italian-American dish gets a boost of nutrients with the addition of spinach. These stuffed shells are a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal that’s perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup ricotta cheese
– 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cook pasta shells according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a mixing bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, egg, and breadcrumbs. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture.
5. Place stuffed shells in a baking dish and drizzle with olive oil.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the filling is set and the shells are lightly browned.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Greek spinach pie (Spanakopita)
A classic Greek dish, Spanakopita is a savory pie filled with spinach, feta cheese, and herbs. This recipe makes one 9-inch pie.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1 egg, beaten
– 1 package phyllo dough (usually found in the freezer section)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine spinach, feta cheese, onion, garlic, salt, pepper, and nutmeg.
3. Add olive oil and beaten egg to the mixture; mix well.
4. Layer phyllo dough in a 9-inch pie dish, brushing each layer with melted butter.
5. Spoon the spinach mixture into the center of the phyllo layers, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
6. Fold the phyllo edges over the filling to form a crust.
7. Bake for 45-50 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and cheese omelette
A classic breakfast or brunch option that’s easy to make and packed with nutrients. This spinach and cheese omelette is a great way to start your day.
Ingredients:
– 2 eggs
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon butter
– 1/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese (or other cheese of your choice)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Crack the eggs into a bowl and whisk them together with a fork.
2. Heat the butter in an 8-inch non-stick skillet over medium heat.
3. Pour the egg mixture into the skillet and let it cook for about 2-3 minutes, until the edges start to set.
4. Sprinkle the chopped spinach and shredded cheese over half of the omelette.
5. Use a spatula to gently fold the other half of the omelette over the filling.
6. Cook for another minute or until the cheese is melted and the eggs are cooked through.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spinach and bacon pasta
Quickly cook up a delicious and satisfying pasta dish with this simple recipe that combines the savory flavors of spinach, bacon, garlic, and Parmesan cheese.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 6 slices of bacon
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy. Remove from heat and set aside.
3. Add garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted (about 1-2 minutes).
5. Combine cooked pasta, reserved pasta water, bacon, spinach mixture, and Parmesan cheese in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and mushroom quiche
Spinach and Mushroom Quiche Recipe
This savory quiche is a great way to use up fresh spinach and mushrooms, perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups mixed greens spinach
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms
– 1/4 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 3 large eggs
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1 tablespoon butter, melted
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch pie dish.
3. In a skillet, sauté mushrooms until tender. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. In a bowl, whisk together eggs, heavy cream, and melted butter. Pour mixture over mushroom-spinach combination.
5. Top with grated cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until quiche is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and potato curry
This hearty curry recipe combines the natural sweetness of potatoes with the earthy flavor of spinach, all wrapped up in a rich and creamy sauce. Perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner!
Ingredients:
– 2 medium-sized potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bunch of fresh spinach leaves
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon curry powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
2. Add garlic, curry powder, cumin, turmeric, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional minute.
3. Add diced potatoes and stir to coat with the spice mixture. Cook for 5 minutes or until potatoes start to brown.
4. Add fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
5. Stir in coconut milk and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat to low and let curry cook for 10-15 minutes or until potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and lentil soup
This hearty and nutritious soup is a perfect blend of flavors and textures, packed with the goodness of spinach and lentils. It’s an easy and comforting meal that can be prepared in no time.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup dried green or brown lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups vegetable broth
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the lentils, vegetable broth, cumin, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30-40 minutes or until the lentils are tender.
5. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves and cook until wilted.
6. Serve hot, garnished with additional spinach leaves if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Spinach and sausage lasagna
Elevate your lasagna game with this flavorful combination of spinach, sausage, and rich tomato sauce.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, finely chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 28 oz canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh basil leaves, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook sausage in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking apart with a spoon, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add onion and garlic; cook until onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
4. Stir in spinach and cook until wilted.
5. In a large bowl, combine cooked sausage mixture, crushed tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, Parmesan cheese, and beaten egg. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Cook lasagna noodles according to package instructions. Assemble the lasagna by spreading meat sauce, then layering noodles, meat sauce, and shredded mozzarella cheese.
7. Top with chopped basil leaves (if using). Bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cook Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and tomato frittata
A flavorful and nutritious breakfast or brunch option that combines the goodness of spinach, tomatoes, and eggs.
Ingredients:
– 6 large eggs
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 2 medium tomatoes, diced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent, about 2-3 minutes.
4. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 1-2 minutes.
5. Add the diced tomatoes and stir to combine with the onion and spinach mixture.
6. In a large bowl, whisk together the eggs and a pinch of salt.
7. Pour the egg mixture over the vegetable mixture in the skillet.
8. Cook for about 3-4 minutes or until the edges start to set.
9. Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes or until the frittata is cooked through and golden brown.
Cooking Time: Approximately 20-25 minutes
Garlic butter sautéed spinach
This recipe combines the simplicity of sautéed spinach with the richness of garlic butter, making it a delicious and easy side dish perfect for any meal. With just a few ingredients, you can create a flavorful and nutritious accompaniment to your favorite dishes.
Ingredients:
– 1 package fresh spinach leaves (about 10 oz)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Rinse the spinach leaves and pat dry with a paper towel.
2. Heat the butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Add the spinach leaves and cook until wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 5-7 minutes
Spinach and cheese stuffed mushrooms
A deliciously savory twist on the classic stuffed mushroom recipe, this dish combines the earthy flavor of mushrooms with the richness of spinach and cheese. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 large mushrooms (such as portobello or cremini), stems removed and caps cleaned
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a medium bowl, combine spinach, cheddar cheese, Parmesan cheese, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix well.
3. Wipe mushroom caps clean with a damp cloth and fill each cap with the spinach mixture, mounding it slightly in the center.
4. Drizzle olive oil over the mushrooms and season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Place stuffed mushrooms on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until golden brown.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and corn casserole
This creamy casserole combines the sweetness of corn with the earthiness of spinach, making it a perfect side dish for any meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup cream of mushroom soup
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic until softened.
3. Add spinach, corn kernels, cream of mushroom soup, milk, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir until combined.
4. Pour mixture into a 9×13-inch baking dish.
5. Top with shredded cheddar cheese.
6. Bake for 25-30 minutes or until casserole is hot and bubbly.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and chickpea stew
This hearty stew is a perfect blend of nutritious spinach and flavorful chickpeas, simmered together with aromatic spices to create a deliciously comforting meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (14.5 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Add the cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
5. Add the chickpeas and stir to combine.
6. Stir in the fresh spinach leaves. Simmer until wilted, about 3-4 minutes.
7. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges if desired.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and shrimp stir-fry
A quick and flavorful stir-fry recipe that combines succulent shrimp with the nutrients of spinach, perfect for a weeknight dinner or lunch. This dish is ready in under 20 minutes!
Ingredients:
– 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
– 1 small onion, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon soy sauce
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat.
2. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until pink and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
3. In the same pan, add the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the onion is translucent.
4. Add the spinach to the pan and stir-fry until wilted, about 1 minute.
5. Return the shrimp to the pan and stir in soy sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Serve immediately over rice or noodles.
Cooking Time: 15-18 minutes
Summary
Get creative with canned spinach! This versatile ingredient can be used in a variety of quick and delicious recipes. From creamy pasta dishes to savory stuffed chicken, there’s something for everyone. Try creamed spinach with garlic and parmesan, or go Greek with spanakopita. You can even use it in breakfast omelettes or quiches. For a satisfying dinner, try spinach and feta stuffed shells or sausage lasagna. And don’t forget about healthy options like lentil soup and chickpea stew. With these 18 recipes, you’ll be cooking with canned spinach in no time!