Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet

Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, diced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 3 cups fresh spinach; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for topping

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I absolutely love creating deliciously healthy meals, and this Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet perfectly captures that spirit. With its vibrant colors and rich flavors, it's a dish that excites my taste buds. The creamy texture of the sweet potatoes combined with sautéed spinach makes for a satisfying meal that feels indulgent yet nutritious. I often prepare it for lunch or a light dinner, and it comes together in under 40 minutes, making it a go-to in my kitchen.

Created by

Sybil Hawkes

Last updated on 2026-01-20T00:03:34.729Z

When I first made this skillet dish, I was looking for something that combined simplicity with vibrant flavors. Roasting the sweet potatoes brings out their natural sweetness, and the bright green spinach adds a lovely freshness. I quickly realized that this could easily become a staple in my meals, and I loved how it could be customized with different seasonings.

One key tip I discovered is that letting the sweet potatoes slightly cool before adding them to the skillet allows them to hold their shape better. It creates a delightful contrast between the creamy and tender sweet potatoes and the slight crunch of the spinach. This dish never fails to impress!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Colorful and nutritious ingredients make it a feast for the eyes.
Quick preparation and cooking time for busy weeknights.
Versatile recipe that can accommodate various dietary preferences.

Preparation Tips for Perfect Sweet Potatoes

When preparing sweet potatoes, uniformity is key to even cooking. Aim for diced pieces of about 1-inch in size to ensure they roast evenly. If you're short on time, you can microwave the sweet potatoes for 5-7 minutes before cubing—this helps reduce the overall roasting time while still achieving that lovely caramelization. Just remember to let them cool slightly before handling.

Choosing the right spice combination can elevate your dish. In this recipe, paprika adds a subtle smokiness that perfectly complements the sweetness of the potatoes. If you prefer a little heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or substituting smoked paprika to enhance the flavor profile without overwhelming the dish.

Versatility of Spinach

Fresh spinach is a nutritional powerhouse packed with vitamins A, C, and K, but it's also versatile in both taste and texture. If fresh spinach isn't on hand, you can use frozen spinach instead—just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess moisture to avoid a watery skillet. This dish can also accommodate other greens like kale or Swiss chard, which offer a heartier texture and additional nutrients.

For those looking to add more protein to their meal, consider incorporating cooked chickpeas or black beans. These ingredients can not only enhance the meal's nutritional value but also add a different texture and flavor that complements the creamy sweet potatoes and vibrant spinach.

Serving Suggestions and Storage

This Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet makes for an excellent base meal. Feel free to serve it alongside grilled chicken or tofu for a heartier dinner. You can also pair it with a drizzle of tahini or a dollop of your favorite yogurt for a creamy finish. When it comes to garnishing, a sprinkle of sesame seeds or sunflower seeds can add an appealing crunch and additional nutrition.

If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes until heated through. If you're looking to make ahead, you can prepare the sweet potatoes and spinach separately, combining them just before serving to maintain their optimal texture.

Ingredients

Gather your ingredients before starting for a seamless cooking experience.

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, diced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste
3 cups fresh spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon paprika
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for topping

Once you have everything ready, you're just moments away from a delicious meal.

Instructions

Follow these steps for a quick and easy method to prepare the skillet.

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and paprika in a baking dish. Roast for 25-30 minutes or until tender and slightly caramelized.

Sauté the Spinach and Garlic

In a large skillet over medium heat, add a little olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.

Combine and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are done roasting, add them to the skillet with the spinach. Drizzle with lemon juice and toss gently. If desired, top with crumbled feta cheese before serving.

Enjoy your wholesome and tasty Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet!

Pro Tips

For extra flavor, consider adding spices like cumin or chili flakes during the sautéing process.

Health Benefits of Sweet Potatoes

Sweet potatoes are not only delicious but also rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall health. They're an excellent source of beta-carotene, which gets converted to vitamin A in the body—important for vision and immune function. Incorporating these nutrient-dense root vegetables into your diet can help keep your energy levels stable throughout the day.

Additionally, their natural sweetness can help satisfy cravings for sugary foods without the added sugars. This makes them a great option for anyone looking to manage their sugar intake or maintain a balanced diet while enjoying a flavorful dish.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

If you find that your sweet potatoes aren't browning as expected, it may be due to overcrowding in the baking dish or a lack of oil. Ensure that your sweet potatoes are spread out in a single layer, allowing room for them to caramelize. If they appear soggy, consider increasing the oven temperature by 25°F (about 15°C) or roasting them longer until they achieve that desirable golden edges.

When sautéing spinach, if it appears to be rubbery or not wilting correctly, it may be due to cooking at too high a heat or not enough olive oil. Always sauté spinach gently. If it looks wilted but is not darkening in color, it may need a few more moments—aim for a vibrant green to ensure it’s perfectly cooked.

Scaling and Variations

This recipe can easily be scaled up or down depending on your needs. For larger gatherings, simply double the amount of sweet potatoes and spinach. Adjust the seasoning and cooking times accordingly to ensure that the excess ingredients roast evenly. You might want to roast them in batches if your baking dish is on the smaller side.

For a twist, consider experimenting with flavors by adding in spices like cumin or coriander instead of paprika. Alternatively, you could go for an Italian flair by mixing in Italian seasoning or even serving it over a bed of quinoa for a hearty grain option that pairs beautifully with the roasted vegetables.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?

Yes, but be sure to thaw and drain it well to remove excess moisture.

→ What can I substitute for feta cheese?

You can use goat cheese, ricotta, or omit it for a dairy-free option.

→ How can I make this dish vegan?

Simply leave out the cheese and ensure your olive oil is also vegan-friendly.

→ Can I add protein to this skillet?

Absolutely! Grilled chicken, chickpeas, or even quinoa would work well.