Are you looking for healthy and easy meal ideas that just happen to feature one of the most nutritious foods out there? Look no further! Canned spinach is a pantry staple that can be used in a variety of dishes, from comforting casseroles to elegant main courses. And the best part? It’s incredibly versatile and can be paired with almost any ingredient.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 delicious and easy recipes that showcase the humble canned spinach in all its glory. From creamy dips and savory pasta dishes to hearty soups and indulgent breakfast treats, there’s something for everyone on this list. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for quick and easy meals or a foodie seeking inspiration for your next dinner party, these spinach-filled recipes are sure to become new favorites.
Let’s dive in and get cooking! [Insert first recipe: Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip]
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Dip
A rich and creamy dip that combines the flavors of spinach, artichokes, and Parmesan cheese – perfect for snacking or entertaining.
Ingredients:
– 1 (14.5 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 cup mayonnaise
– 1/2 cup sour cream
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. In a medium bowl, combine chopped artichoke hearts, spinach, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, and garlic. Mix well until combined.
3. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish or ramekin.
4. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until warm and bubbly.
5. Serve with tortilla chips, crackers, or pita bread.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
A flavorful and elegant main dish that combines the richness of feta cheese with the nutty taste of spinach, all wrapped up in a tender chicken breast.
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, and garlic.
3. Lay the chicken breasts flat and make a horizontal incision in each breast to create a pocket. Stuff each breast with the spinach-feta mixture.
4. Drizzle the outside of the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
5. Place the stuffed chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake for 25-30 minutes, or until cooked through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Garlic Parmesan Spinach Pasta
This creamy pasta dish combines the flavors of garlic, parmesan cheese, and wilted spinach for a comforting meal that’s quick to prepare.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz. pasta (linguine or fettuccine work well)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water before draining.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
3. Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Let cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly thickened.
4. Stir in grated parmesan cheese until melted and smooth.
5. Add wilted spinach leaves (heat from the pasta water will help them wilt) and cook until heated through.
6. Combine cooked pasta, garlic-parmesan sauce, and reserved pasta water. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 15-20 minutes
Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells
A classic Italian-inspired dish, this Spinach and Ricotta Stuffed Shells recipe combines the flavors of fresh spinach, creamy ricotta cheese, and tender pasta shells. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 12 jumbo pasta shells
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 8 oz ricotta cheese
– 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– 1/2 cup breadcrumbs
– 1 egg, beaten
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F.
2. Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach, ricotta cheese, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, egg, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
4. Stuff each cooked shell with the spinach-ricotta mixture, placing them in a baking dish as you go.
5. Cover with aluminum foil and bake for 25 minutes.
6. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes or until shells are lightly browned.
7. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Mushroom Quiche
A classic French quiche recipe with a twist, this Spinach and Mushroom Quiche combines the earthy flavors of mushrooms and spinach with a flaky crust. Perfect for brunch or dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 pie crust (homemade or store-bought)
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup sliced mushrooms (button or cremini work well)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Roll out the pie crust and place in a 9-inch tart pan.
3. In a large skillet, sauté mushrooms, garlic, and spinach until tender. Season with salt and pepper.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together heavy cream and eggs.
5. Arrange the mushroom-spinach mixture in the pie crust, followed by the grated cheese.
6. Pour the cream-egg mixture over the filling.
7. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the quiche is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Bacon Breakfast Casserole
A hearty and flavorful breakfast casserole that combines the savory goodness of bacon with the nutritional benefits of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 6 slices of cooked bacon, crumbled
– 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
– 1 cup milk
– 1/2 cup granulated sugar
– 2 large eggs
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 9×13-inch baking dish
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F (180°C).
2. In a large bowl, combine spinach, bacon, and sugar. Mix well.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together milk, eggs, salt, and pepper.
4. Pour the wet ingredients over the spinach mixture and stir until combined.
5. Pour the mixture into the prepared baking dish and top with shredded cheese.
6. Bake for 35-40 minutes or until the casserole is set and golden brown.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Cheese Stuffed Portobello Mushrooms
Elevate your dinner game with this creamy, savory dish that combines the earthy flavor of portobello mushrooms with the richness of spinach and cheese. Perfect for a cozy night in or a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 4 large portobello mushrooms
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Clean and stem the mushrooms.
3. In a pan, sauté the spinach with garlic until wilted. Season with salt and pepper.
4. Stuff each mushroom cap with the spinach mixture, followed by a sprinkle of cheddar and feta cheese.
5. Drizzle the tops with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the mushrooms are tender and the filling is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Lentil Soup
A hearty and nutritious soup perfect for a chilly day, this Spinach and Lentil Soup is packed with protein-rich lentils and leafy spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup brown or green lentils, rinsed and drained
– 2 cups water
– 1 onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 teaspoon dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, combine lentils and water. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until lentils are tender.
2. In a pan, sauté onion and garlic in a little bit of oil until softened.
3. Add cooked onion mixture, spinach, and thyme to the pot with lentils. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Simmer for an additional 5-10 minutes or until spinach has wilted.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Goat Cheese Tart
Spinach and Goat Cheese Tart Recipe
A savory tart that combines the earthy flavor of spinach with the tanginess of goat cheese, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or as an appetizer for a special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 sheet puff pastry, thawed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/4 cup crumbled goat cheese (chèvre)
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 egg, beaten (for brushing pastry)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Roll out puff pastry on a lightly floured surface to a thickness of about 1/8 inch.
3. In a bowl, combine spinach and crumbled goat cheese. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Arrange the spinach mixture onto one half of the pastry, leaving a 1-inch border around the edges.
5. Fold the other half of the pastry over the filling, pressing gently to seal.
6. Brush the top crust with beaten egg for a golden glaze.
7. Place the tart on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until golden brown.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spinach and Sausage Stuffed Peppers
A flavorful twist on traditional stuffed peppers, this recipe combines sweet bell peppers with savory sausage, spinach, and cheese.
Ingredients:
– 4 large bell peppers, any color
– 1 pound sweet Italian sausage, casings removed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
– 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Cut the tops off the peppers and remove seeds and membranes.
3. Cook sausage in a large skillet, breaking up with spoon as it cooks, until browned and cooked through.
4. Add spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted.
5. Stuff each pepper with the sausage mixture, dividing evenly.
6. Top with cheese and breadcrumbs.
7. Place peppers in a baking dish and cover with aluminum foil.
8. Bake for 25 minutes.
9. Remove foil and bake an additional 10-15 minutes, or until peppers are tender.
Cooking Time: 35-40 minutes
Spinach and Cheddar Cheese Muffins
A delightful twist on traditional muffins, these Spinach and Cheddar Cheese Muffins combine the earthy flavor of spinach with the richness of cheddar cheese. Perfect for a quick breakfast or snack.
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
– 1/2 cup grated cheddar cheese
– 1/2 cup fresh spinach leaves, chopped
– 1/2 cup milk
– 1 large egg
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a 12-cup muffin tin with paper liners.
2. In a bowl, whisk together flour, cheese, and spinach.
3. In another bowl, whisk together milk, egg, and melted butter. Add salt and pepper to taste.
4. Pour wet ingredients into dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Do not overmix.
5. Divide batter evenly among muffin cups.
6. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center of a muffin comes out clean.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Potato Curry
This vibrant curry combines the creaminess of potatoes with the earthy flavor of spinach, perfect for a comforting and nutritious meal.
Ingredients:
– 2 large potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 bunch fresh spinach leaves
– 2 medium onions, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1 teaspoon curry powder
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
– Salt, to taste
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions:
1. Heat the oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the onions and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the garlic, cumin, curry powder, and turmeric; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the potatoes and cook until they start to soften, about 5 minutes.
5. Stir in the coconut milk and spinach leaves. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook, covered, for 15-20 minutes or until the potatoes are tender.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Serve hot over rice or with naan bread. Enjoy!
Spinach and Chickpea Stew
A hearty and nutritious stew that combines the creaminess of chickpeas with the earthy flavor of spinach, perfect for a cozy evening meal.
Ingredients:
– 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained and rinsed
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1 onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 oz)
– 4 cups vegetable broth
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
Instructions:
1. In a large pot, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper; cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in cumin; cook for 1 minute.
5. Add chickpeas, diced tomatoes, and vegetable broth; bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let stew cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
7. Stir in spinach leaves; cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
8. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
9. Serve hot, garnished with chopped cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and Shrimp Scampi
Savor the flavors of Italy with this quick and easy recipe that combines succulent shrimp, wilted spinach, and a hint of garlic. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions:
1. Bring a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the butter and let melt.
2. Add the garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, or until pink and cooked through.
4. Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.
5. Add the spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 1 minute.
6. Return the shrimp to the skillet and toss with the spinach and garlic mixture.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Serve immediately, with lemon wedges on the side if desired.
Cooking Time: 10-12 minutes
Spinach and Sun-Dried Tomato Risotto
A creamy and flavorful Italian-inspired dish that combines the richness of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes with the comfort of Arborio rice.
Ingredients:
– 1 cup Arborio rice
– 4 cups vegetable broth, warmed
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 small onion, finely chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
2. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
3. Add the Arborio rice and cook, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Add 1/2 cup of warmed broth to the rice and stir until absorbed. Repeat this process, adding the broth in 1/2 cup increments, until the rice is cooked (about 20-25 minutes).
5. Stir in the chopped spinach and sun-dried tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Remove from heat and stir in the grated Parmesan cheese.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Spinach and Caramelized Onion Pizza
A flavorful and savory pizza that combines the sweetness of caramelized onions with the earthiness of spinach.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb pizza dough
– 2 large onions, thinly sliced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
– 1/2 cup grated mozzarella cheese
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Olive oil for brushing
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Roll out the pizza dough to desired thickness.
3. In a large skillet, cook onions over medium-low heat for 30 minutes or until caramelized.
4. Add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Spread cooked onion mixture evenly over the pizza dough, leaving a small border around edges.
6. Top with fresh spinach leaves and mozzarella cheese.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Brush crust with olive oil and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crust is golden brown.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Spinach and Sweet Potato Hash
This sweet and savory hash combines the natural sweetness of roasted sweet potatoes with the earthy flavor of wilted spinach, perfect for a satisfying breakfast or brunch.
Ingredients:
– 2 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cubed
– 1 tablespoon olive oil
– 1 small onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup fresh spinach leaves
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: 1-2 eggs, beaten (for a breakfast twist)
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. Toss sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 20-25 minutes or until tender.
3. In a large skillet, sauté onion and garlic over medium heat until softened.
4. Add wilted spinach leaves to the skillet and cook until heated through.
5. Once sweet potatoes are done, add them to the skillet with spinach mixture. Toss to combine.
6. Serve hot, topped with beaten eggs (if using) for an added breakfast boost.
Cooking Time: 30-35 minutes
Spinach and Coconut Milk Curry
A creamy and flavorful curry that combines the nutrients of spinach with the richness of coconut milk, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 package frozen chopped spinach, thawed and drained
– 1 can (14 oz) coconut milk
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon turmeric powder
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Cooking oil for sautéing
Instructions:
1. Heat 2 tablespoons of cooking oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the cumin, turmeric, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute.
5. Pour in the coconut milk and bring to a simmer.
6. Add the chopped spinach and stir until wilted.
7. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
8. Simmer for 10-15 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Summary
Get ready to cook up some delicious and healthy meals with these 18 flavorful canned spinach recipes! From creamy dips and savory pastas to stuffed chicken breasts and quiches, there’s something for everyone. Try making a Spinach and Artichoke Dip or a Garlic Parmesan Spinach Pasta. Or, if you’re in the mood for something sweet, whip up some Spinach and Cheddar Cheese Muffins. With canned spinach as the star of the show, these recipes are quick, easy, and packed with nutrients. Get cooking and start enjoying the flavors!
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