15-Minute Dinner Recipes with Spinach are a lifesaver when the 5 PM scramble hits. You need something fast, healthy, and delicious on the table without stress, and spinach is the perfect ingredient to make that happen. It wilts in seconds, is packed with nutrients, and works beautifully in so many dishes. Forget side salads or recipes that take forever, this is your ultimate list of complete, balanced dinners starring spinach, all ready in 15 minutes or less.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
15-Minute Dinner Recipes with Spinach – Pasta Favorites
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Spinach Pasta
Shrimp cooks in minutes, spinach wilts instantly, and the creamy garlic sauce makes it taste like you’ve been in the kitchen for hours.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Freshly grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté 30 seconds.
- Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes until pink.
- Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
- Toss in spinach until wilted. Add pasta and some reserved water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper, then top with parmesan.
Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Spinach Pasta – 15-Minute Dinner Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
A rich, creamy pasta with shrimp, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh spinach, ready in just 15 minutes. Perfect for busy weeknights when you need something impressive and fast.
Ingredients
8 oz pasta (penne or fettuccine)
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
2 cups fresh spinach
½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
Freshly grated parmesan for serving
Instructions
1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Reserve ½ cup cooking water, then drain.
2. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
3. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes until pink.
4. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cream, bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Toss in spinach until wilted. Add pasta and some reserved water if needed for sauce consistency.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Top with parmesan before serving.
Notes
For another fast and creamy dinner, try our Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Lemon, Ricotta, and Spinach Pasta
Light, bright, and vegetarian-friendly, this pasta combines creamy ricotta with a pop of lemon zest. Spinach folds in effortlessly at the end for a dish that tastes fresh and vibrant. For another speedy, protein-packed vegetarian meal, see our Healthy Weeknight Meals with Tofu.
Ingredients
- 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, reserving ¼ cup cooking water.
- In a bowl, mix ricotta, lemon zest, and juice.
- Drain pasta, then toss with spinach until wilted.
- Stir in ricotta mixture, adding reserved water if needed.
- Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.
Sausage and Spinach Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes
Using pre-cooked sausage shaves valuable minutes off your prep time. The rich, savory flavors blend beautifully with spinach and sun-dried tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells
- 8 oz pre-cooked sausage, sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add sausage and sun-dried tomatoes, cook 2 minutes.
- Toss in spinach and pasta, stirring until spinach wilts.
- Serve warm.
15-Minute One-Pan Skillet Dinners
Garlic Butter Chicken with Wilted Spinach
This simple classic never disappoints. Juicy chicken breasts are seared until golden, then swirled in a garlic butter sauce. For another fast and comforting meal, check out our collection of One-Pot Egg Dinners.
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts, sliced into cutlets
- 2 tbsp butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add chicken, cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden.
- Stir in garlic, cook 30 seconds.
- Toss in spinach until wilted, serve hot.
Ground Turkey and Spinach Skillet with Feta
A lean and flavorful option perfect for low-carb nights. It’s a healthy choice that comes together as quickly as our popular Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet over medium heat.
- Add turkey and paprika, cook until browned.
- Stir in spinach, cook until wilted.
- Sprinkle with feta before serving.
White Bean, Spinach, and Tomato Skillet
This plant-based dinner is hearty and budget-friendly. Canned white beans keep things quick while diced tomatoes bring a rich, saucy base.
Ingredients
- 1 can white beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cups spinach
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet, sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
- Add beans and tomatoes, simmer 5 minutes.
- Stir in spinach until wilted.
- Season and serve warm.
More Quick and Creative Spinach Dinners
Spinach and Cheese Quesadillas with Salsa
Perfect for busy weeknights, these quesadillas are ready in minutes.
Ingredients
- 4 tortillas
- 2 cups spinach
- 1½ cups shredded cheese
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salsa for serving
Instructions
- Heat oil in skillet.
- Place tortilla, sprinkle cheese and spinach, top with another tortilla.
- Cook 2 minutes per side until golden.
- Cut into wedges, serve with salsa.
“Green Monster” Smoothie and Avocado Toast
For a lighter dinner, pair a spinach smoothie with avocado toast.
Ingredients
- 2 cups spinach
- 1 banana
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 tbsp peanut butter
- 2 slices whole grain bread
- 1 avocado, mashed
Instructions
- Blend spinach, banana, almond milk, and peanut butter.
- Toast bread, spread mashed avocado.
- Serve smoothie with avocado toast.
Egg Scramble with Spinach and Goat Cheese on Toast
Breakfast-for-dinner at its finest.
Ingredients
- 4 eggs
- 1 cup spinach
- 2 oz goat cheese
- 1 tbsp butter
- 2 slices bread
Instructions
- Whisk eggs, season with salt and pepper.
- Heat butter in skillet, add spinach until wilted.
- Pour eggs, scramble gently.
- Stir in goat cheese. Serve over toasted bread.
Pro Tips for 15-Minute Success
Mise en Place is Key: Have all ingredients ready before you start cooking.
The Power of Pre-Cooked Proteins: Use rotisserie chicken, pre-cooked sausage, or canned beans to save time.
Fresh vs. Frozen Spinach: Fresh for salads and sautés, frozen for soups and creamy dishes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make these recipes dairy-free?
Yes, easily. Use dairy-free alternatives like almond or coconut milk, and swap the cheese for a plant-based option or omit it entirely.
How do I store leftover spinach?
Keep fresh spinach in a sealed plastic bag with a paper towel to absorb moisture, and store it in the refrigerator. If it starts to wilt, it’s best to use it in cooked dishes like soups, stews, or pasta sauces where the texture change won’t be noticeable.
What’s the best way to wash fresh spinach?
Place the spinach in a large bowl of cold water and gently swish it around to loosen any dirt. Then drain and dry thoroughly with kitchen towels or a salad spinner.
What can I serve with these dinners?
Pair them with a quick side salad, crusty bread, or a whole grain like quinoa or brown rice to boost nutrition.
Conclusion
With these 15-minute dinner recipes with spinach, you now have a complete collection of balanced, flavorful meals that deliver on speed and taste.
If you enjoyed these quick spinach dinners, you’ll also love:
- Healthy Weeknight Meals with Tofu
- One-Pot Egg Dinners
- Chinese Beef and Broccoli
- Quick Easy Homemade Butter Chicken
If you made any of these 15-minute spinach dinners, share your favorite in the comments below! Follow me on Facebook and Pinterest for even more quick and tasty family meals.
