Name: Lentil & Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 small yellow onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes; 1 cup dry lentils, rinsed; 2 cups vegetable broth; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes; 4 cups fresh spinach; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley for garnish

Why You’ll Love Lentil & Spinach Skillet Recipe

This recipe is easy to make and comes together with simple pantry and freezer staples. It is a great choice for busy nights because most of the cooking happens in one skillet, which means less cleanup. The lentils make it filling and protein-rich, while the spinach and tomatoes add color, texture, and freshness. The creamy dairy-free Boursin and melty vegan mozzarella bring everything together into a rich, comforting dish that still feels wholesome.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

2 tablespoons oil

1 yellow onion, diced

4 to 5 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1/2 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1 can diced fire-roasted tomatoes, 15 ounces

1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce, or tamari for a gluten-free option

2 1/2 cups cooked lentils

8 ounces frozen spinach, thawed and drained

7 ounces dairy-free Boursin

7 ounces shredded vegan mozzarella, divided

Fresh parsley, for serving

Directions

Preheat your oven to 425°F.

Heat the oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, Italian seasoning, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 3 minutes, stirring often, until the onion begins to soften and the mixture smells fragrant.

Add the fire-roasted tomatoes and soy sauce. Stir everything together and cook for 2 more minutes so the flavors start to blend.

Add the cooked lentils, thawed spinach, dairy-free Boursin, and half of the vegan mozzarella. Stir until the cheese melts and the mixture becomes creamy and evenly combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Sprinkle the remaining mozzarella over the top. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and the lentils are bubbling around the edges.

Remove the skillet from the oven and finish with fresh parsley. Serve warm on its own or with crusty bread on the side.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 5 servings.

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cook time: 30 minutes

Total time: 40 minutes

Variations

You can swap the dairy-free Boursin with a creamy tofu ricotta if that is easier to find. For extra vegetables, stir in chopped mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers with the onions. If you want a little more heat, add red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne. To make it even heartier, serve it over rice, quinoa, or orzo. If you do not want to bake it, you can skip the mozzarella topping and simply heat everything through on the stovetop until hot and creamy.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. This recipe is great for meal prep since the flavors hold up well and reheat nicely.

To reheat on the stovetop, place the lentil mixture in a skillet over medium-low heat and stir occasionally until warmed through. Add a splash of water or broth if it seems too thick.

To reheat in the microwave, transfer a portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals until hot.

For freezing, let the skillet cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use canned lentils instead of cooked lentils?

Yes, canned lentils work well here. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the skillet.

Can I use fresh spinach instead of frozen spinach?

Yes. Fresh spinach can be used, but you will need a larger volume since it cooks down a lot. Add it in batches and cook until wilted.

Do I need an oven-safe skillet?

An oven-safe skillet is the easiest option, but you can also transfer the mixture to a baking dish before adding the mozzarella and baking.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes. Use tamari instead of soy sauce and double-check that your dairy-free cheeses are certified gluten-free.

What can I use instead of dairy-free Boursin?

A vegan cream cheese or a tofu ricotta-style spread can work well as a substitute.

Is this recipe freezer-friendly?

Yes, it freezes well. Store cooled portions in airtight freezer-safe containers and thaw before reheating.

What should I serve with lentil and spinach skillet?

Crusty bread is a great option. It also pairs nicely with a simple green salad, roasted vegetables, or cooked grains.

Can I make it ahead of time?

Yes. You can prepare the skillet mixture ahead, refrigerate it, and bake it with the mozzarella topping when you are ready to serve.

How do I keep the dish from getting watery?

Make sure the frozen spinach is fully thawed and well drained before adding it. This helps keep the skillet creamy instead of watery.

Can I add more protein to this dish?

Yes. You can add extra lentils, white beans, or a plant-based sausage crumble for an even heartier meal.

Conclusion

Lentil & Spinach Skillet is the kind of dinner that delivers comfort, convenience, and plenty of flavor all at once. With simple ingredients, one-pan ease, and a creamy, satisfying finish, it is a recipe that fits just as well into a busy weeknight as it does into a relaxed family dinner. Once you try it, there is a good chance it will earn a regular spot in your meal rotation.

Lentil & Spinach Skillet