19 Easy Meals That Make Spinach Work Hard

Spinach might seem simple, but it shows up strong in all kinds of meals, from savory pastas and rich casseroles to crisp salads and creamy sauces. It blends easily into dishes without taking over, and it plays well with bold ingredients like shrimp, feta, beef, and chorizo. Whether you’re going meat-heavy, keeping it light, or somewhere in between, these recipes put spinach to work in all the right ways.

Spinach and Arugula Salad

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A blend of peppery arugula and tender spinach makes a strong base for this flexible salad. Add-ins like citrus, nuts, or cheese give it texture and flavor. A light vinaigrette keeps it sharp and fresh. Simple but never boring.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Arugula Salad

Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

A skillet filled with chicken and spinach. — Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach. Photo credit: Trina Krug.

This one-pan dish simmers chicken in a cream sauce infused with sage, with spinach stirred in at the end. The sauce coats everything without being too heavy. It’s herby, warm, and filling. Serve with pasta or bread to soak it up.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach

Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chicken is filled with a creamy spinach mixture and baked until golden and juicy. The stuffing keeps the meat tender while adding a rich, savory twist. It slices clean for a sharp presentation. Serve with roasted veggies or rice.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach

Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza

Spicy chorizo and wilted spinach sit on a crisp skillet crust with melted cheese to tie it all together. The sausage adds bold flavor while the spinach balances it out. Slice it hot right out of the pan. Big flavor, low fuss.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza

Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

A plate of cheese and spinach tartlets on a white plate. — Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets. Photo credit: Thriving In Parenting.

These mini bakes combine crisp pastry with a creamy mix of cheese, bacon, and spinach. They’re easy to serve in batches and hold up well at room temperature. Each bite delivers salty, cheesy goodness with a soft center. Great for brunch or casual gatherings.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets

Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Eggs poach in a tomato base with red beans and fresh spinach stirred in. The greens soften into the sauce, adding a pop of color and a fresh note. Scoop it with crusty bread while the yolks are still soft. Hearty, spicy, and easy to make in one pan.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Red Bean Shakshuka

Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Ground beef and cauliflower rice form the base of this bake, with wilted spinach folded in and plenty of melted cheese on top. It’s hearty and rich without being too heavy. The spinach blends right in, adding depth without taking over. It’s a one-dish meal that feeds well and reheats easily.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach

Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Lemon pasta with spinach, feta and cherry tomatoes in a bowl. — Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta. Photo credit: Running to the Kitchen.

Fresh spinach, salty feta, and lemon juice turn this pasta into a fast, flavorful dish. The cheese softens into the warm noodles while the lemon brightens everything. Great warm or chilled. Add grilled chicken or shrimp if you want more heft.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta

Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Stuffed shells in a cast iron skillet. — Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta. Photo credit: Renee Nicole’s Kitchen.

These pasta shells hold a creamy spinach-ricotta filling and bake under marinara and cheese. The edges crisp while the centers stay soft and cheesy. It’s classic, filling, and great for freezing ahead. A meatless favorite that doesn’t feel like a compromise.
Get the Recipe: Stuffed Shells with Spinach and Ricotta

Frittata with Spinach and Feta

A picture of easy keto breakfast frittata. — Frittata with Spinach and Feta. Photo credit: Primal Edge Health.

Whisked eggs hold spinach and crumbled feta in a baked frittata that’s firm enough to slice but soft inside. The feta melts just enough to keep its shape and tang. It’s fast, flexible, and works for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. Add herbs or onions if you want to take it further.
Get the Recipe: Frittata with Spinach and Feta

Spinach Bacon Salad

A fork holds a bite of spinach salad with chopped eggs, bacon, and cheese over a wooden bowl filled with the same salad. Two blurred bowls are in the background. — Spinach Bacon Salad. Photo credit: Little Bit Recipes.

Fresh spinach gets a hit of smoky bacon and a warm dressing that slightly wilts the leaves. Hard-boiled eggs or mushrooms round it out. The flavor is bold and salty, balanced with a little tang. Serve right after tossing for best results.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Bacon Salad

Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Shrimp sautéed in garlic butter sauce meet a handful of spinach that wilts down just before serving. The dish is fast, rich, and loaded with flavor. Serve it with pasta, rice, or crusty bread. The sauce is reason enough to make it.
Get the Recipe: Tuscan Garlic Shrimp and Spinach

Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Image shows an overhead shot of Spinach Parmesan Quinoa in a blue bowl with a sprinkle of cheese on top. — Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa. Photo credit: Honest and Truly.

Cooked quinoa gets tossed with sautéed spinach and parmesan for a side dish that leans savory and light. The cheese melts just a bit into the grains, giving it creaminess without a sauce. Works warm or cold. It pairs easily with roasted meat or fish.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Parmesan Quinoa

Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

Spinach Salmon Rolls on a wooden board. — Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This cold dish rolls up spinach and salmon with a creamy filling, chilled and sliced for serving. A bit of caviar on top adds a sharp, salty contrast. It looks refined but isn’t complicated to make. A standout on any appetizer spread.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Salmon Roulade with Caviar

Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Healthy and flavorful stir-fried Taiwanese spinach with garlic on a brown plate. — Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic. Photo credit: Sassy Chopsticks.

Quick and bold, this stir fry softens spinach in hot oil with plenty of garlic and a splash of soy. It cooks fast and pairs well with rice or noodles. The spinach wilts without getting soggy. A strong side for any main.
Get the Recipe: Stir Fry Taiwanese Spinach with Garlic

Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

An overhead image of the vegan efo niro in a pot. — Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew). Photo credit: Urban Farmie.

This bold stew features blended peppers, tomatoes, and spices simmered down with plenty of spinach. It’s rich, spicy, and full of depth, even without meat. Serve it with rice or yams for a full meal. The spinach softens completely into the sauce.
Get the Recipe: Vegan Efo Riro (Nigerian Spinach Stew)

Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

A lasagna being dished up. — Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna. Photo credit: Splash of Taste.

This classic meat-free lasagna layers spinach, ricotta, and marinara between sheets of pasta. It bakes into a soft, bubbling dish with golden edges. The spinach cuts through the richness of the cheese and sauce. Comforting, familiar, and easy to prep ahead.
Get the Recipe: Spinach and Ricotta Lasagna

Spinach Feta Wraps

A white plate with a spinach feta egg wrap sliced in half. — Spinach Feta Wraps. Photo credit: fANNEtastic food.

Warm spinach and crumbly feta get wrapped in soft tortillas for an easy handheld meal. They’re good fresh or lightly pressed on a skillet for extra crisp. The filling is simple, salty, and satisfying. Great for lunch or light dinners.
Get the Recipe: Spinach Feta Wraps

Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce

Bright green gnocchi sauce with orange turmeric powder over the gnocchi plate. — Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce. Photo credit: Low Carb – No Carb.

This dish pairs gnocchi with a creamy spinach sauce blended until smooth. It’s rich without being too heavy and comes together in one pan. A sprinkle of parmesan gives it a final hit of flavor. Quick enough for weeknights.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce