There’s something irresistibly cozy about a warm skillet full of bold flavors and vibrant colors, which is exactly why this Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe has found a special place in my weekly rotation. It’s quick to make, packed with wholesome ingredients, and just the right amount of kick to keep you coming back for more.

A white plate holds a dish with two main parts: on one side, there are sliced pieces of cooked chicken with a brown, crispy skin, showing a light pinkish inside; next to it is a mix of chickpeas, cooked spinach leaves, and small bits of red and white vegetables. The chickpeas are light yellow, and the spinach is dark green with a slightly wilted texture. There is a chicken wing piece resting on top of the chickpea and spinach mixture. The plate is set on a wrinkled red cloth, and the photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Jump to:

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Ingredients & Why They Work
Make It Your Way
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Top Tip
How to Serve Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe
Make Ahead and Storage
Frequently Asked Questions:
Final Thoughts
Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Why You'll Love This Recipe

What really makes this dish stand out is how effortlessly it combines spice, earthiness, and freshness into one nourishing meal. I love how you can whip it up faster than you’d expect, and still fill your kitchen with those mouthwatering aromas that make everyone ask for seconds.

Simple and quick: You’ll have a hearty, flavorful dish on the table in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutrition-packed: Chickpeas, spinach, and tomatoes bring fiber, protein, and vitamins to every bite.
Flexible flavor: The moderate heat from red pepper flakes lets you adjust the kick just how you like it.
Great leftovers: It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen, making meal prep a breeze.

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient in this Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe plays a key role—whether it’s layering flavors or adding texture. I’ve learned that choosing fresh, good-quality produce and pantry staples really makes all the difference.

Flat lay of two medium ripe red tomatoes, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a small white ceramic bowl of crushed red pepper flakes, a whole small yellow onion, two whole cloves of garlic, two white ceramic bowls each filled with pale beige chickpeas, a small white ceramic bowl of ground cumin, a small white ceramic bowl of dried oregano, a small white ceramic bowl of bright yellow turmeric powder, and a loose pile of fresh green spinach leaves arranged with perfect symmetry, all placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997

Olive oil: Adds a rich base flavor and helps carry the spices evenly throughout the dish.
Crushed red pepper: Gives just enough heat without overpowering, and you can dial it up or down.
Small onion: Provides a subtle sweetness that softens as it sautés, balancing the spice and tartness.
Garlic: Minced fresh garlic adds depth and aroma—fresh is definitely best here.
Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes bring juiciness and brightness; canned work great too, especially off-season.
Chickpeas: I always use organic low-sodium canned chickpeas—rinsing them well to reduce excess salt and improve texture.
Cumin: This warm spice adds earthiness that pairs beautifully with chickpeas and spinach.
Oregano: Brings a light herbaceous note that complements the tomato base.
Turmeric: Adds subtle color and mild flavor along with health benefits.
Fresh spinach: Packed spinach adds a vibrant green color and soft, delicate texture when wilted.

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Note: You'll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Make It Your Way

One thing I love about this Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is how easy it is to personalize. Whether you want to bump up the heat, sneak in more veggies, or keep it mild for the family, it adapts beautifully.

Variation: I sometimes add a splash of coconut milk near the end to mellow the spices and create a creamy texture that’s dreamy with warm naan.
Spice tweaks: Feel free to swap crushed red pepper for a dash of smoked paprika if you want smoky warmth without too much heat.
Extra veggies: Adding diced bell peppers or mushrooms during the onion sauté stage is a tasty way to boost nutrients and add texture.
Make it a stew: For something heartier, toss in a handful of cooked quinoa or rice just before serving.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

A white plate holds a dish with three main parts: a pile of chickpeas mixed with wilted dark green spinach leaves and small pieces of red tomato, all lightly sauced and glossy, in the center; to the right, sliced cooked chicken with a browned crispy skin showing a golden texture; behind the chickpea mix, two pieces of browned sausage add a dark, textured contrast. The plate is set on a red cloth, and the background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Step 1: Heat up that flavorful base

Start by warming olive oil over medium heat in a large skillet, then sprinkle in the crushed red pepper. I like to let the oil get fragrant—about 30 seconds to a minute—before adding the diced onion and minced garlic. Cooking these for just a couple of minutes softens the onion and kicks off a lovely aroma. Don’t let the garlic brown too much or it can turn bitter, so keep stirring gently.

Step 2: Bring in the chickpeas, tomatoes, and spices

Once the onions are translucent and garlic fragrant, stir in the diced tomatoes (or canned if using), drained chickpeas, cumin, oregano, turmeric, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This part is where the magic happens — the spices marry with the juicy tomatoes and hearty chickpeas under the lid, simmering together for about 10 minutes. It thickens slightly and develops real depth of flavor, so resist the urge to rush this step.

Step 3: Wilt the spinach and finish strong

Lastly, stir in the fresh spinach and cover to let it wilt gently—usually takes about 3 minutes. You’ll want it tender but still bright green, which really lifts the dish visually and flavor-wise. Then, taste and adjust with salt and pepper as needed. This is when I usually add a bit more red pepper if I want extra warmth.

Top Tip

I’ve found that balancing the spice heat with fresh ingredients makes all the difference in this recipe. Here are a few things I’ve learned through cooking it multiple times that you might find handy:

Don’t overcook the spinach: Adding it at the very end ensures it stays vibrant and doesn’t turn slimy or dull.
Rinse canned chickpeas well: It reduces the canned taste and removes extra sodium, making the dish taste fresher.
Let it simmer gently: A low simmer helps spices bloom and prevents the tomatoes from getting sour or bitter.
Adjust salt last: Salt intensifies flavors, so always add it after you’ve combined everything and tasted.

How to Serve Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe

Garnishes

When I serve this dish, I usually sprinkle on some freshly chopped cilantro or parsley to add a fresh, herbal punch that contrasts nicely with the spices. Sometimes a squeeze of lemon juice brightens everything up and adds a lovely zing. A dollop of yogurt can also cool down the heat if you went heavy on the crushed red pepper.

Side Dishes

This recipe shines alongside warm crusty bread or fluffy basmati rice to soak up all those delicious juices. I also like serving it with roasted sweet potatoes or a simple green salad for an easy, balanced meal that feels hearty but fresh.

Creative Ways to Present

For a cozy dinner party, I’ve served this dish in individual mini cast iron skillets or layered it over grilled polenta slices. It’s surprisingly elegant when you garnish with edible flowers or microgreens and pair with a nice glass of chilled white wine.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it an even tastier lunch option. Just make sure to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep it fresh longer.

Freezing

This recipe freezes well—just portion it out into freezer-safe containers. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove. The texture of the spinach softens a bit after freezing but the flavors hold up beautifully.

Reheating

I like to reheat gently over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep things from drying out. Stir occasionally until warmed through, then taste again and adjust seasoning before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use dried chickpeas instead of canned?

Yes, you can! Just be sure to soak the dried chickpeas overnight and cook them until tender before adding them to the recipe. This will take longer than canned but gives great texture and flavor.

How spicy is this Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe?

The crushed red pepper adds a gentle to moderate heat depending on how much you use. You can easily adjust the amount or omit it if you prefer a milder dish.

Can I make this recipe vegan?

Absolutely! This recipe is naturally vegan, as it uses plant-based ingredients. Just be mindful if you add garnishes like yogurt—use a plant-based yogurt alternative to keep it fully vegan.

What can I serve with this recipe for a complete meal?

Try pairing it with rice, couscous, or warm flatbreads to soak up the sauce. A side salad or roasted veggies round out the meal nicely. I like a fresh cucumber and mint salad on the side for contrast.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Chickpeas with Tomatoes and Spinach Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug after a long day, yet it’s so easy to make that even busy weeknights won’t slow you down. I’ve shared my favorite tips and variations, but really, it’s all about adjusting the heat and ingredients to suit your tastes and needs. Give it a try—you just might find it becomes your new go-to comfort meal to enjoy anytime.