Are you looking for quick dinner ideas that are both healthy and delicious? Look no further! Canned spinach is a fantastic pantry staple, packed with nutrients and surprisingly versatile. It's the secret ingredient to many easy recipes, transforming simple dishes into flavourful and nutritious meals. Forget the image of limp, sad spinach; with a little creativity, canned spinach can become the star of your next homemade cooking adventure! This post is dedicated to showcasing the best recipes with canned spinach, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend cooking spree.
Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta
This creamy spinach and artichoke pasta is a crowd-pleaser, perfect for a family dinner or a casual get-together. The rich and savory sauce coats the pasta beautifully, while the spinach adds a healthy boost. It's one of those delicious dishes that's surprisingly easy to make.
Ingredients:
- 1 pound pasta (penne, rotini, or your favorite shape)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14 ounce) can artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 2 (10 ounce) cans spinach, drained
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
- While the pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and cook for 1 minute, until fragrant.
- Stir in artichoke hearts and spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until heated through.
- Pour in heavy cream and bring to a simmer. Reduce heat and cook for 5 minutes, or until the sauce has slightly thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese, salt, and pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat.
- Serve immediately.
Tips and Variations:
- For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken broth for some of the heavy cream.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- To make it a complete meal, add cooked chicken or shrimp.
- For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.
Quick Spinach and Feta Stuffed Chicken Breast
This recipe is a fantastic example of quick dinner ideas that don't compromise on flavor or health. The combination of spinach and feta is a classic, and the chicken breasts cook quickly, making it a perfect healthy meal for a busy weeknight.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 (10 ounce) can spinach, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped sun-dried tomatoes (optional)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Butterfly each chicken breast by slicing it horizontally almost all the way through.
- In a bowl, combine spinach, feta cheese, sun-dried tomatoes (if using), and garlic. Season with salt and pepper.
- Spread the spinach mixture evenly over each chicken breast.
- Fold the chicken breasts in half and secure with toothpicks.
- Place the chicken breasts in a baking dish and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through.
Nutritional Information (Approximate per serving, Creamy Spinach and Artichoke Pasta):
- Calories: Approximately 450-500
- Protein: 20-25g
- Fat: 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: 50-60g
These are just two examples of the many delicious and easy recipes you can create with canned spinach. So, next time you're wondering what to make for dinner, remember the versatility of this humble ingredient. Happy cooking!