Spinach is one of my favorite ingredients because not only is it nutritious, but it is extremely versatile. In fact, I keep frozen spinach on hand at all times, but I also like to use fresh spinach from time to time for salads and because it has a more delicate texture when added to cooked dishes. Fresh spinach can be a bit pricy, though, so when I do buy it I try to use up every last leaf before it goes bad. So here are some of the most easy and delicious spinach recipes I use to make sure none of my spinach goes to waste!
Substituting Fresh Spinach for Frozen Spinach
Any time you see a recipe with frozen spinach, fresh spinach can be substituted as long as you sauté it first to remove the excess moisture. Sautéing spinach is fast and easy. Jus sauté the spinach in a skillet with a splash of oil until the liquid that pools at the bottom of the skillet evaporates away. Then, make sure to press it to remove any excess moisture before adding it to your recipe.
I’ve broken down the recipes into five main categories: Soups & Stews, Pasta, Pizza, Eggs, Sandwiches and Wraps. Plus a few miscellaneous ideas at the end!
Soup Recipes with Spinach
Adding spinach to soups and stews is probably one of the easiest ways to use up leftover spinach. Because the spinach will be swimming in hot liquid, there is no need to sauté the spinach first (if substituting for frozen in a recipe). Simply toss your fresh spinach in, a handful at a time, and stir until the hot soup or stew wilts the spinach down. Super easy, right? Here are some of my favorite soups and stews that are perfect for your leftover spinach:
1. Garden Vegetable Lasagna Soup
Garden Vegetable Lasagna Soup
This Garden Vegetable Lasagna Soup is packed full of vegetables and lasagna flavor, plus a hidden dollop of melty three cheese ricotta blend!
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This Garden Vegetable Lasagna Soup is chock full of colorful and flavorful textures, plus it has a hidden cache of delicious melty cheese in the bottom of every bowl!
2. Navy Bean Soup with Sausage & Spinach
Navy Bean Soup with Smoked Sausage and Spinach
A rich hearty navy bean soup made from scratch with dry beans, smoked sausage, spinach, and other vegetables for a delicious and filling meal in one bowl.
from votes $7.11 recipe / $0.89 serving Get the Recipe
Talk about comfort food! This Navy Bean Soup with Sausage and Spinach is the perfect bowl of cozy goodness on chilly fall or winter nights.
3. Upgrading Instant Ramen
Upgraded Instant Ramen
When all you have (or want) is one of those little cheap packets of noodles, here are 6 easy ways to upgrade instant ramen and make it a legit meal.
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One of my favorite ways to upgrade a humble bowl of instant ramen is to toss in a handful or two of fresh spinach! It adds so much to a bowl of noodles.
4. Easy Egg Drop Soup
Easy Egg Drop Soup
This fast and easy homemade egg drop soup is warm and soothing on cold days or when you’re feeling under the weather. Comes together in under 30 minutes!
from votes $4.67 recipe / $0.78 serving Get the Recipe
This Easy Egg Drop Soup is so fast and easy, and it’s incredibly cozy when you’re feeling a little under the weather. It’s perfect for using up all your fresh spinach!
5. Swamp Soup
Swamp Soup
A thick, tomatoey vegetable soup with “swampy” bits of spinach and gooey swiss cheese make this unconventional Swamp Soup unforgettable!
from votes $7.22 recipe / $0.90 serving Get the Recipe
Swamp Soup is thick, rich, and oh so delicious! And it gets its name from the wilted spinach that makes the soup look a little “swampy”. 😉
6. Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen
Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen
This incredibly simple Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen is a rich and flavorful 15 minute meal that only requires a handful of ingredients!
from votes $2.75 per serving Get the Recipe
Once again, fresh spinach adds a TON of texture, color, and flavor to this simple bowl of Vegan Creamy Mushroom Ramen. It just wouldn’t be the same without it!
Pasta Recipes with Spinach
Fresh spinach is the perfect addition to your favorite pasta dish. Just as with soups and stews, the hot pasta or sauce is usually enough to wilt the fresh spinach within moments, making it a fast and easy addition to the recipe. So, just toss a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach into your easy weeknight pasta dish to get more flavor, color, and nutrients! Here are my favorite pasta dishes that use fresh spinach:
7. Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan
Bacon and Spinach Pasta with Parmesan is a quick and flavorful weeknight dinner that only requires a few ingredients.
from votes $5.23 recipe / $1.31 serving Get the Recipe
This super simple one pot Bacon and Spinach Pasta never misses. Bacon, Parmesan, spinach, and onion make an incredibly simple and satisfying meal.
8. Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta
Easier than a box meal, this creamy tomato and spinach pasta is also more flavorful and delicious. 100% real ingredients. Perfect for busy weeknights!
from votes $3.72 recipe / $0.93 serving Get the Recipe
This Creamy Tomato and Spinach Pasta has been a viral hit for almost ten years, and for good reason! It’s incredibly easy and delicious, and it can take any amount of spinach that you happen to have on hand.
9. Creamy Spinach and Sausage Pasta
Creamy Spinach & Sausage Pasta
Creamy Spinach and Sausage Pasta is an easy one pot meal for quick weeknight dinners. The pasta cooks right in the broth for more flavor!
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Another one pot winner! Creamy Spinach and Sausage Pasta hits all the marks: easy, filling, and oh so satisfying!
10. Sesame Noodles with Wilted Greens
Sesame Noodles with Wilted Greens
These Easy Sesame Noodles with Wilted Greens are a simple vegetarian meal with big flavor and plenty of options for customization.
from votes $5.00 recipe / $1.25 serving Get the Recipe
I love simple food, and these Sesame Noodles with Wilted Greens are the perfect example. Lightly seasoned noodles, wilted spinach with a little garlic and pepper, and a fried egg on top. Perfect!
11. Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
One Pot Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta
This super lush and Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is perfect for busy weeknights. Everything cooks in one pot and is done in under 30 minutes!
from votes $10.41 recipe / $2.60 serving Get the Recipe
This Creamy Pesto Chicken Pasta is a TOTAL crowd pleaser! So much flavor and rich goodness in one pot.
12. Tuscan White Bean Pasta
Tuscan White Bean Pasta
This Tuscan White Bean Pasta is a fast and flavorful dish that is perfect for weeknight dinners. Caramelized garlic, basil, and Parmesan add BIG flavor!
from votes $6.45 recipe / $1.61 serving Get the Recipe
This quick Tuscan White Bean Pasta is light, fresh, and perfect for spring and summer! Toss in as much spinach as you’d like!
13. Spinach Alfredo Pasta
Spinach Alfredo Pasta
Creamy and rich, yet never heavy, this Spinach Alfredo Pasta is an easy and satisfying comfort food.
from votes $5.92 recipe / $1.48 serving Get the Recipe
Spinach Alfredo Pasta is pure creamy pasta goodness at its best! …Plus a few handfuls of fresh spinach for good measure. 😉
Pizza Recipes with Spinach
PIZZAAAAA! Spinach has always been one of my favorite pizza toppings because it adds a welcomed dose of color and freshness to the pie. For the most part, you’ll want to sauté your fresh spinach before adding it to the pizza so that it doesn’t get crispy or dry out in the hot oven. Your other option is to place the spinach under your cheese so that it stays moist during baking. Here are a few of my favorite pizza recipes that include spinach:
14. Eggs Florentine Breakfast Pizza
Eggs Florentine Breakfast Pizza
This creamy Eggs Florentine Breakfast Pizza combines a garlicky white sauce, mozzarella, spinach, and a perfectly silky yolk for an easy yet stunning meal.
from votes $2.86 recipe / $0.95 serving Get the Recipe
You can use either fresh or frozen spinach for this Eggs Florentine Breakfast Pizza. To use fresh spinach, simply sauté the spinach down to remove the moisture before adding it to the pizza.
15. Freezer Ready Mini Pizzas
Freezer Ready Mini Pizzas
Freezer Ready Mini Pizzas are an easy and inexpensive snack to keep stocked in your freezer. A homemade and healthy option compared to frozen pizza.
from votes $4.31 recipe / $0.36 each Get the Recipe
Chop up a handful or two of fresh spinach and add it to some Freezer-Ready Mini Pizzas!
16. Mushroom Spinach and Swiss French Bread Pizzas
Spinach Mushroom French Bread Pizzas
These super easy Spinach Mushroom French Bread Pizzas combine homemade garlic bread with a cheesy spinach mushroom topping.
from votes $5.76 recipe / $1.44 serving Get the Recipe
French bread pizzas are one of my favorite Friday quick fixes, and the combination of spinach, mushroom, and Swiss is such a nice change from the classic! Simply sauté your fresh spinach until most of the moisture is removed to use it in place of the frozen spinach in this recipe.
17. Easy White Spinach Pizza
Easy White Spinach Pizza
This super easy White Spinach Pizza takes minutes to put together and doesn’t require a white sauce.
from votes $4.68 recipe / $1.56 serving Get the Recipe
Fresh spinach is just as easy to use in this White Spinach Pizza as frozen. Simply chop and sauté a bunch of spinach until most of the moisture is removed and add it to this simple and delicious pizza!
Egg Recipes with Spinach
Spinach and eggs are a match made in heaven. I can’t even count how many dishes I have that pair the two together. I love to sauté spinach right into my scrambled eggs, add spinach to my breakfast quesadillas and breakfast bowls, or bake it the spinach right into a quiche. Eggs release quite a bit of moisture on their own when cooked, so it’s a good idea to sauté your spinach before adding it to your egg dish, otherwise, you might end up some pooling water. Here are my favorite egg and spinach dishes:
18. Vegetable Breakfast Scrambles
Vegetable Breakfast Scrambles
These Vegetable Breakfast Scrambles are a savory breakfast lover’s dream. Fast, flavorful, full of healthy vegetables, and fully customizable.
from votes $2.19 each Get the Recipe
A quick Vegetable Breakfast Scramble is my favorite way to use up odds and ends in the fridge, especially spinach!
19. Tortilla Baked Eggs
Tortilla Baked Eggs
Tortilla Baked Eggs are a fun and flexible way to use leftover ingredients from the week in a delicious homemade breakfast. Get the Recipe
You can also toss a handful of spinach into some tortilla baked eggs! These eggs are SO colorful and delicious!
20. Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche
Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche
This easy, tasty Spinach Mushroom and Feta Crustless Quiche is low on carbs and big on flavor. This veggie-filled breakfast will keep you full and happy.
from votes $5.89 recipe / $0.98 serving Get the Recipe
This spinach quiche is probably the most viral recipe on our website. It’s so incredibly delicious and its perfect for brunch! As always, to substitute fresh spinach for frozen, just chop up some fresh spinach and sauté it down until most of the moisture is gone before adding it to the recipe.
21. Spinach Pie
Spinach Pie
Puff pastry makes this rich and delicious spinach pie a breeze to prepare. Perfect for breakfast, lunch, or brunch!
from votes $6.48 recipe / $0.81 serving Get the Recipe
Is this Spinach Pie an egg dish with spinach or a spinach dish with eggs? It doesn’t matter because it’s delicious!
22. Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Feta
Scrambled Eggs with Spinach and Feta
These tasty scrambled eggs with spinach and feta are fast and easy enough to prepare on a weekday, and are perfect for using up spinach!
from votes $2.31 recipe / $1.16 serving Get the Recipe
It doesn’t get any more simple than some basic scrambled eggs with spinach and feta for a little flavor punch!
23. Creamed Spinach Baked Eggs
Creamed Spinach Baked Eggs
Make these fast and easy Creamed Spinach Baked Eggs using items you probably have in your pantry. A little feta on top takes it to the next level!
from votes $4.97 recipe / $1.24 serving Get the Recipe
If you like shakshuka, you need to try their creamy cousin, Creamed Spinach Baked Eggs!
24. Veggie Packed Freezer Ready Breakfast Sandwiches
Veggie Packed Freezer Breakfast Sandwiches
Meal prep six days of breakfast at once with these Veggie Packed Freezer Ready Breakfast Sandwiches to stay on track on those busy mornings!
from votes $7.52 recipe / $1.25 each Get the Recipe
If you’re going to make an egg breakfast sandwich, why not toss in a handful of spinach??
Sandwiches, Wraps, and Quesadillas with Spinach
And when all else fails, just start stuffing that fresh spinach into every sandwich, wrap, or quesadilla you eat! Seriously, spinach can go in just about anything. 😉 Here are my favorite sandwich recipes where I stuff spinach in for a little extra nutrition:
25. Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese
Spinach Artichoke Grilled Cheese is like your favorite restaurant appetizer turned into a meal. Rich, creamy, cheesy, and totally veggilicious!
from votes $3.63 recipe / $1.82 serving Get the Recipe
Love spinach and artichoke dip? You’ll go crazy for this Spinach and Artichoke Grilled Cheese!!
26. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wrap
Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wraps
These quick and flavorful Roasted Red Pepper Hummus Wraps are a great no-cook, no-reheat lunch idea. A fresh and light lunch for summer! Budetbytes.com
from votes $11.69 recipe / $1.94 each Get the Recipe
When in doubt, stuff it into a wrap! This simple hummus wrap can take just about any leftover vegetable you have on hand, including spinach.
27. The BEST Veggie Sandwich
The Best Veggie Sandwich
Use what you have on hand to build the best vegetarian sandwich packed with color, flavor, and texture. Eat the rainbow!
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Want to know how to make the BEST veggie sandwich on the planet?? I’ve got the deets on how to make that happen. Hint: you should definitely include spinach. 😉
28. Spinach Feta Grilled Cheese
Spinach and Feta Grilled Cheese
Take your grilled cheese sandwich to the next level with this gourmet Spinach Feta Grilled Cheese! An easy and flavorful lunch idea.
from votes $3.40 recipe / $1.70 serving Get the Recipe
More Spinach Grilled Cheese goodness! It’s sooooo gooey and delicious!
29. Creamy Spinach and White Bean Quesadillas
Creamy White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas
Crispy on the outside, creamy on the inside, these insanely delicious Creamy White Bean and Spinach Quesadillas make an awesomely fast weeknight dinner.
from votes $3.99 recipe / $1.00 per quesadilla Get the Recipe
These white bean and spinach quesadillas are SO fast and easy, plus they’re extra creamy and cheesy!
30. Chili Garlic Breakfast Quesadilla
Chili Garlic Breakfast Quesadilla
These quick and easy Chili Garlic Breakfast Quesadillas are the perfect fast, filling, and comforting breakfast for busy mornings.
from votes $0.83 each Get the Recipe
I almost ALWAYS toss a handful of fresh spinach into my breakfast quesadillas. It adds an extra dose of green to my day and doesn’t require any extra prep!
31. Spinach Mushroom Quesadillas
Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas
These Spinach and Mushroom Quesadillas are filled with melty, creamy cheese, sautéed mushrooms, and a healthy dose of spinach.
from votes $5.73 recipe / $1.15 each Get the Recipe
And of course, you can always make a classic spinach and mushroom quesadilla!
More Spinach Recipe Ideas
32. Savory Oatmeal
Savory Oatmeal
Savory oatmeal is a delicious, hearty, and inexpensive meal that can be customized to use ingredients you have on hand.
from votes $1.25 recipe Get the Recipe
Did you know you can make oatmeal savory?? And when you do, a handful of fresh spinach is the perfect add-in. 🙂
33. Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad
Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad
This Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad with homemade Parmesan Balsamic Vinaigrette is the perfect light and fresh summer meal. Perfect for potlucks!
from votes $8.59 recipe / $1.43 serving Get the Recipe
Toss a few handfuls of spinach into a pasta salad, like this Tomato Mozzarella Pasta Salad!
34. Ground Turkey Stir Fry
Ground Turkey Stir Fry
This super easy Ground Turkey Stir Fry is a delicious and versatile answer to busy weeknight dinners. Try the suggested variations to make it your own!
from votes $7.41 recipe / $1.48 serving Get the Recipe
Add a few handfuls of spinach to your stir fry at the very end so it just has enough time to wilt in the hot wok or skillet.
35. Spinach and White Bean Enchiladas
Spinach White Bean Enchiladas
White beans make an inexpensive and fiber filled alternative to chicken in these creamy Spinach White Spinach White Bean Enchiladas.
from votes $6.72 recipe / $1.68 serving Get the Recipe
Add some spinach into the stuffing for your favorite enchiladas! It’s especially good when paired with a creamy sauce.
36. Curried Chickpeas with Spinach
Curried Chickpeas with Spinach
These super fast Curried Chickpeas with spinach are packed with flavor and nutrients, vegan, gluten-free, and filling! Plus they freeze great!
from votes $4.68 recipe / $1.17 serving Get the Recipe
Stir some spinach into your favorite quick curry!
37. Smoothie Packs
Smoothie Packs
Make ahead smoothie packs makes your morning smoothie much faster and easier to prepare.
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Spinach blends so easily into smoothies and you can toss a handful of fresh spinach right into the bag with your other fruits and vegetables!
38. Spinach and Feta Mashed Potatoes
Spinach and Feta Mashed Potatoes
Dress up basic mashed potatoes with a little spinach, feta, and garlic. These Spinach and Feta Mashed Potatoes are versatile enough for any meal.
from votes $4.79 recipe / $0.80 serving Get the Recipe
How about stirring some chopped spinach into your mashed potatoes?
Here’s one more quick way to use up the spinach in your fridge:
Quick Veggie Pasta
from votes Use up your leftover odds and ends in the kitchen because “anything goes” with this Quick Veggie Pasta! Make it vegetarian or vegan! 
Servings 4 Prep 10 minutes Cook 15 minutes Total 25 minutes Save RecipeSaved! Print Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/2 lb. linguine ($0.50)
- 4 oz. mushrooms ($0.75)
- 1 cup grape tomatoes ($1.25)
- 1 Tbsp cooking oil ($0.04)
- 4 oz. fresh spinach ($0.50)
- 1 Tbsp butter* ($0.09)
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder ($0.02)
- 2 Tbsp nutritional yeast ($0.42)
- 1/4 tsp salt ($0.02)
- 1/4 tsp freshly cracked black pepper ($0.02)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil for the pasta. Once boiling, add the pasta and continue to boil until the pasta is tender (about 7 minutes). Reserve a 1/2 cup of the pasta water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- While waiting for the water to boil, slice the mushrooms and cut the tomatoes in half.
- Heat the cooking oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the mushrooms and a pinch of salt to the skillet and sauté until they have released all of their moisture and water is no longer pooling on the bottom of the skillet (about 5-7 minutes).
- Add the tomatoes and sauté for about two minutes more, or just until they’re heated through (they’ll continue to cook more after other ingredients are added). Add the spinach and sauté just until wilted.
- Finally, add the cooked and drained pasta to the skillet along with the butter. Toss until everything is coated in melted butter. Turn the heat off.
- Season with garlic powder, nutritional yeast, salt, and pepper, then toss to coat. Give the pasta a taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking. If the pasta gets too dry as you’re tossing with the seasoning, just add a splash of the reserved pasta water. Serve immediately and enjoy.
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Notes
*Swap with a vegan butter to make this recipe vegan.
Nutrition
Serving: 1servingCalories: 301kcalCarbohydrates: 48gProtein: 11gFat: 8gSodium: 200mgFiber: 4g Read our full nutrition disclaimer here. 
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