15 Spinach Recipes That Go Beyond Basics
Spinach is one of those ingredients that quietly works its way into all kinds of dishes without demanding attention. It brings color, a bit of texture, and a subtle flavor that blends well with everything from cheese and cream to pasta, meat, and even sweet potatoes. This list includes a mix of sides, mains, and casseroles, some rich and creamy, others light and quick, showing how easy it is to work spinach into meals without making it the whole focus. Whether it’s stirred into a sauce, baked into something hearty, or folded into a frittata, spinach keeps things fresh and balanced without complicating the cooking.
Easy Creamed Spinach
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Quick to make, this side dish uses cream, cheese, and wilted spinach to bring it all together. It’s smooth and rich with just enough bite. A go-to when you want something comforting and fast. Works with almost any main dish.
Get the Recipe: Easy Creamed Spinach
Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach
A creamy pan sauce made with sage coats tender chicken and fresh spinach. The spinach wilts just enough to soak up the flavors. It’s rich without being too heavy. A quick dinner that still feels like real cooking.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Chicken with Sage and Spinach
Frittata with Spinach and Feta
Eggs, spinach, and crumbled feta come together in this oven-baked frittata. It slices clean and holds up well at room temperature. Spinach adds color and keeps the texture from feeling too dense. Great for breakfast, lunch, or a light dinner.
Get the Recipe: Frittata with Spinach and Feta
Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza
This skillet pizza gets topped with spicy chorizo, spinach, and lots of cheese. The crust crisps up in the pan while the toppings melt into each other. The spinach adds a bit of balance to the bold sausage. Great for slicing up and sharing.
Get the Recipe: Chorizo Spinach Skillet Pizza
Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
This pasta is light and bright, with lemon juice, crumbled feta, and fresh spinach stirred in at the end. The heat from the pasta wilts the spinach just right. It’s a quick dish with a lot of flavor. Serve warm or cold.
Get the Recipe: Lemon Feta Spinach Pasta
Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
This twist on the classic uses mascarpone to give it a rich, velvety texture. The spinach wilts down and blends seamlessly into the creamy base. A touch of garlic and seasoning makes it feel just right. It’s a simple side that adds something special to any plate.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach with Mascarpone
Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Ground beef and cauliflower rice form the base of this bake, with spinach layered in for a bit of green. The cheese melts into everything, making it creamy and filling. It’s a solid one-dish dinner. Works well for leftovers too.
Get the Recipe: Cheesy Beef Casserole with Cauliflower Rice and Spinach
Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)
Sautéed mushrooms and fresh spinach get folded into warm rice with simple seasoning. Everything cooks in one pan for less cleanup. It’s light, comforting, and easy to dress up. A good base for adding more veggies or protein.
Get the Recipe: Easy Spinach Mushroom Rice Recipe (Vegan Friendly)
Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce
Pan-fried gnocchi get tossed in a creamy spinach sauce that coats every piece. It’s light enough for weeknights but still feels satisfying. The sauce comes together quickly with fresh greens and garlic. A smart choice when you want something fast and filling.
Get the Recipe: Low Carb Gnocchi with Fresh Spinach Sauce
Creamed Spinach
This is the traditional version, simple, creamy, and full of soft spinach. Butter and garlic give it a rich base, and the cream brings everything together. It’s a classic for a reason. Just the thing next to a steak or roasted chicken.
Get the Recipe: Creamed Spinach
Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach
This dish wraps seasoned chicken around a spinach and cheese filling before baking. The spinach keeps the inside moist and adds a little something without overpowering. It’s an easy way to make chicken more interesting. Pairs well with almost any side.
Get the Recipe: Chicken Breasts Stuffed With Spinach
Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes
Mashed sweet potatoes get an upgrade with tangy goat cheese and sautéed spinach mixed right in. The flavors blend into something savory and a little unexpected. It’s smooth with a little texture from the greens. Makes a nice switch from plain sides.
Get the Recipe: Goat Cheese & Spinach Mashed Sweet Potatoes
One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
Everything cooks in one pot so the pasta absorbs the tomato and spinach flavors as it simmers. The sauce is simple but comes together as it reduces. Spinach adds color and keeps things from feeling too heavy. Easy cleanup and a solid weeknight option.
Get the Recipe: One Pot Pasta with Spinach and Tomatoes
Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
These little tarts bake in flaky shells and are packed with smoky bacon, melty cheese, and soft spinach. They work well as starters or snacks. The filling is rich but balanced. Serve warm or at room temp.
Get the Recipe: Bacon, Cheese and Spinach Tartlets
Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
This oven dish has chicken smothered in a creamy spinach sauce that bakes into something warm and cozy. The spinach adds color and texture to the sauce. It’s easy to throw together and doesn’t take long in the oven. Great with rice or crusty bread.
Get the Recipe: Creamy Spinach Chicken Bake
