Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet

Name: Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced; 4 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; Juice of 1 lemon

Highlighted under: Warm Inspiration

I absolutely love this Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet! The combination of sweet potatoes and spinach creates a beautiful harmony of flavors. When I first tried this dish, I was amazed by the caramelized sweetness of the roasted potatoes paired with the earthy greens. It’s quick to whip up and can be served as a fulfilling side or a light main course. Plus, the vibrant colors make it a feast for the eyes. It's one of those recipes that always leaves me feeling satisfied yet healthy!

Created by

Tamsyn Calder

Last updated on 2026-01-21T20:29:34.123Z

When I first developed this Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet, I was trying to create a dish that was not only healthy but also packed with flavor. The trick with the sweet potatoes is to roast them until they are slightly caramelized, which elevates their sweetness and brings out their natural depth of flavor. Adding a sprinkle of garlic and a squeeze of lemon at the end really ties everything together.

Through experimenting, I found that sautéing the spinach quickly allows it to retain a vibrant color and a slightly crunchy texture. This dish has become a go-to for weeknight dinners when I want something nutritious without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s so versatile that sometimes I even toss in other veggies based on what I have on hand!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Nutritious and satisfying meal in one skillet
Easy to prepare with minimal cleanup
Perfect for meal prepping or a quick weeknight dinner

Cooking Techniques for Perfect Sweet Potatoes

To achieve perfectly roasted sweet potatoes, it's essential to cut them into even-sized pieces, about 1-inch cubes. This ensures they cook uniformly, allowing for that delicious caramelization on the edges. If you find that your sweet potatoes are browning too quickly, you can cover them with foil during the first 15 minutes of roasting and then uncover them for the remainder. The goal is tender potatoes with a golden exterior, which typically takes around 25 to 30 minutes at 425°F (220°C).

Patience is key when roasting. If you overcrowd the baking dish, the sweet potatoes will steam rather than roast, resulting in a mushy texture rather than the crisp, caramelized bites you’re aiming for. Using a rimmed baking sheet will facilitate airflow around the potatoes, enhancing browning. If you'd like to experiment with flavors, consider tossing the sweet potatoes with some smoked paprika or cumin for a smoky, spiced variant.

Elevating Your Sautéed Spinach

Sautéing spinach might seem straightforward, but there are a few tricks to get the most out of this leafy green. Heat the skillet over medium heat to avoid burning the spinach and to allow it to wilt evenly. Adding a pinch of salt while cooking can help draw out moisture and enhance the spinach's natural flavor. Cook just until the leaves are wilted and vibrant, typically taking only about 2-3 minutes. Overcooking can lead to a slimy texture, so keep an eye on it!

If fresh spinach is hard to come by, you can easily substitute with frozen spinach. Just remember to thaw and squeeze out excess liquid before adding it to the skillet. For added richness, consider stirring in a little butter or a pinch of red pepper flakes as the spinach wilts. These small adjustments can add depth to the dish while complementing the sweetness of the roasted potatoes.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

This Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet can be a fantastic base for various proteins. Grilled chicken, shrimp, or even fried eggs would pair excellently, transforming it into a hearty meal. I like to top it with a sprinkle of feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt for a creamy contrast to the sweet potatoes. Adding nuts like almonds or walnuts can also introduce a satisfying crunch.

For a different twist, consider adding other vegetables during the roasting phase, such as bell peppers, onions, or zucchini, to enhance the variety of textures and flavors. This dish also holds up well as leftovers; simply store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to maintain its integrity. This versatility makes it a great option for meal prepping too.

Ingredients

Gather these simple ingredients for the Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet:

Ingredients

2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
4 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
Juice of 1 lemon

These ingredients will come together to create a delicious and nutritious skillet meal.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to make your Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet:

Roast the Sweet Potatoes

Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Toss the diced sweet potatoes with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a baking dish. Spread them out evenly and roast for 25 minutes, or until golden and tender.

Sauté the Spinach

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the spinach and cook for about 2-3 minutes, just until wilted. Remove from heat.

Combine and Serve

Once the sweet potatoes are done, combine them with the sautéed spinach in the skillet. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top, toss gently, and serve warm.

Enjoy your delicious and nutritious meal!

Pro Tips

For added flavor, consider topping the skillet with crumbled feta cheese or a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving.

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

This dish is ideal for make-ahead meals, as the roasted sweet potatoes and sautéed spinach can both be prepped in advance. Simply follow the roasting instructions and store the sweet potatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to five days. When ready to serve, just reheat them in a skillet with a splash of olive oil to regain their crispy texture.

If you want to take it a step further, you can prepare a batch of lemon vinaigrette to drizzle over the dish just before serving. This bright addition can be made up to a week in advance and stored in the fridge, giving you a flavorful dressing ready at a moment's notice.

Ingredient Variations and Substitutions

Personalizing the ingredients in this recipe can lead to delicious variations. For instance, if sweet potatoes aren’t your preference, you could swap them for butternut squash or even regular potatoes. Just remember that cooking times may vary slightly based on the substituted vegetable's density and moisture content, so check for doneness by piercing them with a fork.

For those on a low-carb or paleo diet, replacing sweet potatoes with cauliflower works wonderfully. Simply roast the cauliflower florets until they're tender and golden, and follow the same instructions for the spinach. The flavors meld beautifully, and the creamy texture of the cauliflower is a delightful alternative to sweet potatoes.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

One common issue with roasting sweet potatoes is uneven cooking. To avoid this, ensure that the sweet potato cubes are cut uniformly to ensure they cook at the same rate. If you find they aren’t browning enough, try increasing the oven temperature slightly or checking your oven's accuracy with an oven thermometer.

If your sautéed spinach ends up overcooked, which can happen quickly, toss in some fresh spinach at the end to restore color and freshness. A quick stir-off heat will revive the dish's visual appeal. Remember, maintaining that vibrant green color is key to an attractive presentation!

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen sweet potatoes?

While fresh sweet potatoes provide the best texture, you can use frozen ones. Just ensure they are fully thawed before roasting.

→ What can I substitute for spinach?

You can use kale or Swiss chard as alternatives. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly because they may take longer to wilt.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Place any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat in the skillet or microwave before serving.

→ Is this dish vegan?

Yes, this Roasted Sweet Potato Spinach Skillet is entirely plant-based and vegan-friendly.