Cooked Spinach Recipe

I love finding simple ways to boost our family’s veggie intake, and this easy cooked spinach recipe delivers every time.

Imagine vibrant green spinach, perfectly wilted, infused with savory garlic aroma, ready in minutes. Struggling to get healthy greens on the table during busy weeknights? This easy cooked spinach recipe is your answer! Discover how simple, flavorful, and incredibly versatile cooked spinach can be, turning a humble vegetable into a family favorite. Perfect for busy parents, health-conscious cooks, or anyone wanting to add a vibrant, nutritious side dish to their meals. Transform plain spinach into a delicious, satisfying dish that even picky eaters might enjoy. A tried-and-true staple in our home, this cooked spinach recipe is loved for its simplicity and incredible taste.

What You’ll Need for Your Easy Cooked Spinach Recipe

Core ingredients with measurement and quick purpose notes:

• 1 bag (300-340g or 10-12 oz) fresh baby spinach, rinsed thoroughly (for a vibrant green base). If using frozen, use 10 oz, thawed and squeezed dry.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for aromatic depth and a savory kick). (Or 1 teaspoon garlic powder if you’re in a rush).
• 15 mL (1 tablespoon) extra virgin olive oil (for sautéing and rich flavor). (Or butter for a creamy finish).
• Fine sea salt, to taste (to enhance natural flavors).
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste (for a hint of warmth).

Highlight premium upgrades: Opt for organic spinach for purity, or use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil for richer flavor. For an extra special touch to your cooked spinach recipe, consider toasted pine nuts for crunch and a dusting of sumac for a bright, tangy finish.

Budget-friendly swaps or pantry shortcuts: Use frozen chopped spinach for convenience (no washing/chopping!), or swap olive oil for butter or another cooking oil you have on hand. Onion powder can also stand in for fresh garlic.

Seasonal or freshness insights for 4–6 key items: Choose fresh spinach with crisp, dark green leaves; avoid wilted or yellowed leaves. Garlic should be firm and free of sprouts for best flavor.

Step-by-Step Method Made Simple: How to Make Cooked Spinach

I’ve found that sometimes, especially on a busy weeknight, adding a handful of finely chopped red bell pepper with the garlic makes this a simple way to sneak more color onto the plate for my kids.

1. Prepare Spinach (2 mins): Rinse 10-12 oz (300-340g) fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water; leave some residual moisture, as it aids in wilting. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out all excess water before starting.
2. Sauté Aromatics (2 mins): In a large skillet or a 10-inch pan, heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, until it smells distinctly fragrant but hasn’t started to brown.
3. Cook Spinach (3-5 mins): Add the spinach to the skillet, in batches if your pan is not large enough to hold it all at once. Toss gently with tongs, allowing it to wilt down quickly. Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until it’s fully wilted and has turned a vibrant green color. If your pan is too small and the spinach looks soggy, cook in smaller batches to allow moisture to evaporate properly.
4. Season (1 min): Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The spinach should be tender, not mushy. For a little extra brightness, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage really elevates this easy cooked spinach recipe. If you notice any bitterness, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.

Include look/feel cues for doneness: Your cooked spinach should be tender and bright green, never mushy or dark, signifying it’s perfectly done.

Perfect Occasions and Serving Inspiration for Cooked Spinach

This cooked spinach recipe is incredibly versatile, fitting seamlessly into many meal times.

• Serve with: Grilled chicken, fish, roasted meats, pasta, scrambled eggs, grain bowls.
• Toppings: Parmesan, toasted pine nuts, ricotta.

Store leftover cooked spinach recipe in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. This cooked spinach recipe makes for excellent meal prep through the week.

Nutrition & Everyday Wellness Benefits of Cooked Spinach

This easy cooked spinach recipe is a nutritional powerhouse, boosting energy and supporting overall wellness.

• Weight-friendly: Low calorie, high fiber for satiety.
• Heart-healthy: Rich in potassium and folate.
• Rich in Iron: Increases vital iron intake.

Why This Cooked Spinach Recipe Works for Your Family

This quick and easy cooked spinach recipe helps you save time and enjoy flavorful, healthy meals together.

• Budget-Friendly: Affordable vegetable.
• Speedy Side: Ready in under 10 minutes for quick meals.
• Diet Fit: Naturally gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegan.

Smart Upgrades and Adjustments for Your Cooked Spinach

Ensure your pan is hot before adding spinach for a quick wilt without excess liquid, preventing soggy results.

• Flavor twists: Add nutmeg, balsamic vinegar, sun-dried tomatoes, or feta.
• Diet adaptations: Serve with grilled salmon for low-carb. Use plant-based oil for a vegan cooked spinach recipe.

Reader Q&A

“Can I prepare cooked spinach ahead of time?”

Yes, prepare this delicious spinach dish up to 3 days ahead and store it in an airtight container in the fridge.

“Is cooked spinach good for meal prep?”

Absolutely, this cooked spinach recipe is excellent for meal prep; I often cook a larger batch to add to meals throughout the week for healthy eating.

“What’s the best way to store cooked spinach?”

Store any leftover cooked spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, reheating gently to maintain texture.

“Are there healthier substitutes for this recipe?”

While this cooked spinach recipe is very healthy, use a small amount of vegetable broth instead of oil for sautéing if you prefer a lower fat, low-carb option.

“Can I use frozen spinach for this cooked spinach recipe?”

Yes, thaw frozen spinach completely and squeeze out all excess water before cooking to ensure perfect texture for your cooked spinach recipe.

“How do I prevent my cooked spinach from being bitter?”

A tiny pinch of sugar or a splash of lemon juice at the end can balance any natural bitterness in your cooked spinach, making it more appealing.

Conclusion

This deliciously easy cooked spinach recipe is your shortcut to healthy, flavorful meals any day of the week. Try it tonight for a fresh, vibrant boost to your dinner table!

Save this versatile family-friendly recipe on Pinterest for healthy eating ideas and quick meals!

cooked spinach recipe

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• Author: Nicole Martinez
• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

This recipe provides an easy and flavorful way to cook spinach, transforming a simple vegetable into a vibrant, nutritious side dish in minutes. It’s perfect for boosting veggie intake on busy weeknights, offering a savory garlic aroma and tender texture.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 12 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed thoroughly
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Fine sea salt, to taste
• Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare Spinach: Rinse 10-12 oz (300-340g) fresh baby spinach thoroughly under cold water; leave some residual moisture, as it aids in wilting. (If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and squeeze out all excess water before starting.)
2. Sauté Aromatics: In a large skillet or a 10-inch pan, heat 1 tablespoon (15 mL) of extra virgin olive oil over medium heat until it begins to shimmer. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30-60 seconds, until it smells distinctly fragrant but hasn’t started to brown.
3. Cook Spinach: Add the spinach to the skillet, in batches if your pan is not large enough to hold it all at once. Toss gently with tongs, allowing it to wilt down quickly. Cook for 3-5 minutes, tossing frequently, until it’s fully wilted and has turned a vibrant green color. (If your pan is too small and the spinach looks soggy, cook in smaller batches to allow moisture to evaporate properly.)
4. Season and Finish: Remove the skillet from the heat. Stir in fine sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. The spinach should be tender, not mushy. For a little extra brightness, a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice at this stage really elevates this easy cooked spinach recipe. (If you notice any bitterness, a tiny pinch of sugar can help balance the flavor.)

Notes

For an extra special touch, consider adding toasted pine nuts for crunch and a dusting of sumac for a bright, tangy finish. You can also add finely chopped red bell pepper with the garlic for more color. Your cooked spinach should be tender and bright green, never mushy or dark. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

• Prep Time: 2 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Side Dish
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: General

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 100 g)
• Calories: 60 calories
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 150 mg
• Fat: 4 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 2 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg

Keywords: easy spinach, cooked greens, healthy side dish, garlic spinach, quick recipe, vegetarian, weeknight meal, simple vegetables