Easy Zucchini & Spinach Frittata: A Quick & Healthy Meal in 20 Minutes

Craving a meal that’s both incredibly delicious and remarkably fast to prepare? Look no further than this delightful Zucchini and Spinach Frittata. This savory Italian-inspired dish, baked to perfection right in your pan, is infused with aromatic herbs, the rich, salty notes of Parma ham, and creamy cheese. It’s a beautifully simple recipe that promises a satisfying lunch or dinner on the table in just 20 minutes, making it an absolute lifesaver for busy weeknights or a spontaneous weekend brunch.

The Inspiration Behind This Delightful Frittata

Every December, the food blog community I’m part of engages in a fun and exciting ‘food blog swap.’ This past year, I had the pleasure of exploring the culinary treasures on Peggyspastime’s blog. As I scrolled through her tempting recipes, this particular frittata with zucchini and spinach immediately caught my eye. Its promise of simplicity, combined with fresh, vibrant ingredients, resonated deeply. It felt like the perfect antidote to the heavier, more indulgent meals that often characterize the holiday season, offering a refreshing and light alternative.

Why This Zucchini & Spinach Frittata is Your New Go-To Meal

There are certain recipes that just call to you, and this Zucchini and Spinach Frittata was definitely one of them. After weeks of festive feasting, rich gravies, and decadent desserts, I was yearning for something that felt both comforting and incredibly fresh. This frittata ticks all the boxes: it’s effortlessly simple, surprisingly elegant, and wonderfully light. It offers a much-needed balance, allowing you to enjoy a flavorful meal without feeling weighed down. It’s truly a versatile dish that adapts to various dining occasions with ease.

Its versatility is truly remarkable. Serve it as a wholesome and satisfying lunch during your work week, perhaps alongside a crisp green salad or some crusty bread. For a more festive occasion, slice it into neat, bite-sized triangles and offer it as an elegant appetizer at your New Year’s Eve gathering or any party. It holds its shape beautifully and tastes fantastic at room temperature, making it ideal for entertaining without the stress of last-minute preparations. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting guests, this frittata is sure to impress.

📖 The Complete Zucchini & Spinach Frittata Recipe

RECIPE CARD

Frittata with Zucchini and Spinach

Andréa

This Zucchini and Spinach Frittata is a true kitchen hero – a simple yet elegant dish that brings together fresh vegetables, savory Parma ham, and rich Parmesan cheese, all bound with eggs and cream. Deliciously baked in a single pan, it’s infused with delightful herbs for a flavor that truly pops. Best of all, this easy recipe is ready to serve for lunch or dinner in a mere 20 minutes, making it perfect for any day of the week.

5 of 2 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Brunch, Appetizer

Cuisine Italian

Servings 4 persons

Calories 271 kcal

Equipment

• A conventional oven is used. When using a convection oven (with air fan) decrease the temperature with 30 °F / 20 °C. For this recipe, an oven-safe frying pan (ideally cast iron) is essential, as the frittata starts on the stovetop and finishes baking in the oven.
• A large mixing bowl.
• Whisk or fork for mixing the egg mixture.

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Ingredients

• ▢ 250 grams fresh spinach
• ▢ 1 clove garlic, minced or sliced finely
• ▢ 1 shallot, sliced finely for delicate flavor
• ▢ ½ medium zucchini, sliced into 1×1 cm cubes
• ▢ 3 large eggs, preferably at room temperature
• ▢ 100 ml heavy cream
• ▢ 75 grams Parmesan cheese, freshly grated for best flavor
• ▢ 1 teaspoon honey mustard
• ▢ 70 grams Parma ham, thinly sliced and roughly chopped
• ▢ Olive oil, for sautéing
• ▢ Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see for easier cooking.

Instructions

1. ▢
   Preheat your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit / 180 degrees Celsius. This ensures the frittata finishes cooking evenly and quickly once transferred from the stovetop.
2. ▢
   Wash the fresh spinach thoroughly. In an oven-safe frying pan (or a separate pan if yours isn’t oven-safe), heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and stir-fry for about 2-3 minutes until wilted.
3. ▢
   Carefully drain the excess liquid from the wilted spinach. This step is crucial to prevent your frittata from becoming watery. Once drained, slice the spinach very small or chop finely. Set aside.
4. ▢
   Using the same oven-safe frying pan (if you used a separate one for spinach, clean and use the main pan now), add a little more olive oil if needed. Sauté the finely sliced shallot and minced garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant and softened, being careful not to burn the garlic.
5. ▢
   Add the zucchini cubes to the pan with the shallot and garlic. Cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften slightly. Then, stir in the finely chopped spinach. Cook for another minute to combine flavors. Spread the vegetables evenly across the bottom of the pan.
6. ▢
   In a separate mixing bowl, whisk together the eggs and heavy cream until well combined and slightly frothy. Stir in the chopped Parma ham and the grated Parmesan cheese. This mixture forms the rich and flavorful base of your frittata.
7. ▢
   Add 1 teaspoon of honey mustard to the egg mixture. This secret ingredient adds a subtle tang and depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients beautifully without being overpowering.
8. ▢
   Season the egg mixture generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Remember that Parma ham and Parmesan are already salty, so taste and adjust as needed. Pour the egg mixture evenly over the vegetables in the pan.
9. ▢
   Immediately transfer the frying pan to the preheated oven. Bake for approximately 10 minutes, or until the frittata is set and golden brown around the edges, and a knife inserted into the center comes out clean. Be careful not to overcook, as this can make the frittata dry. Remove from the oven, let it cool for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Nutrition

Calories: 271kcalCarbohydrates: 6gProtein: 19gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 179mgSodium: 759mgFiber: 2gSugar: 2gVitamin A: 6602IUVitamin C: 23mgIron: 3mg

Keyword zucchini frittata, spinach frittata, easy frittata recipe, quick frittata, healthy frittata

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The Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

This Zucchini and Spinach Frittata isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with nutrients thanks to its star ingredients:

• Zucchini: This humble summer squash is incredibly hydrating due to its high water content, making it great for overall health. It’s also low in calories and a good source of various vitamins and minerals, including Vitamin C (an antioxidant), Vitamin B6, Vitamin K, and folate. Zucchini contributes to digestive health with its fiber content and supports healthy blood sugar levels.
• Spinach: A true superfood, spinach is an excellent source of iron, vital for energy and red blood cell production. It’s also rich in Vitamin K (crucial for bone health), Vitamin A (for vision and immune function), and Vitamin C (another powerful antioxidant). Furthermore, spinach provides a good amount of folate and magnesium, supporting heart health and muscle function.
• Eggs: The foundation of any frittata, eggs are a complete protein source, meaning they contain all nine essential amino acids our bodies need. They are rich in Vitamin D (important for bone health and immunity), Vitamin B12 (for nerve function), and choline (beneficial for brain health and metabolism). Eggs are also incredibly satiating, keeping you full longer.
• Parma Ham: While optional for a vegetarian version, Parma ham adds a wonderful savory depth and umami flavor to the frittata. It’s a lean source of protein and brings a touch of Italian authenticity. For those avoiding meat, its flavor can be replicated with sun-dried tomatoes or smoked paprika.
• Parmesan Cheese: Beyond its irresistible salty and nutty flavor, Parmesan cheese provides calcium for strong bones and additional protein. A little goes a long way in adding a rich, creamy texture and intense savoriness to the frittata.

Expert Tips for a Perfectly Cooked Frittata

Achieving a restaurant-quality frittata at home is easier than you think with these simple tips:

• Preheat Your Oven AND Your Pan: Ensure your oven is fully preheated before putting the frittata in. Starting the frittata on the stovetop and then transferring it to a preheated oven ensures an even crust on the bottom and a perfectly cooked top. A hot pan also helps create that lovely golden-brown exterior.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: While it’s tempting to load up on vegetables, ensure there’s enough room for them to sauté properly. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of browning, affecting flavor and texture.
• Drain Cooked Vegetables Thoroughly: This is especially critical for high-water content vegetables like spinach and zucchini. Excess moisture can make your frittata watery and prevent it from setting properly. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the spinach after wilting.
• Room Temperature Eggs: Eggs at room temperature mix more easily and cook more evenly than cold eggs directly from the fridge. If you forget, a quick trick is to place them in a bowl of warm water for a few minutes.
• Don’t Overcook: A perfect frittata should be set but still slightly tender and moist in the center. Overcooked eggs become rubbery and lose their delicate texture. Watch it closely in the oven; a slight jiggle in the middle is often a good sign it’s done, as it will continue to cook slightly from residual heat.
• Season Generously: Eggs need a good amount of salt and pepper to truly shine. Taste your vegetable mixture before adding the eggs and adjust seasoning as needed, keeping in mind the saltiness of the Parma ham and Parmesan.

Creative Variations and Customizations for Your Frittata

This Zucchini and Spinach Frittata recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Feel free to experiment with different ingredients to suit your taste or what you have on hand:

• Vegetarian Delight: To make this frittata vegetarian, simply omit the Parma ham. You can replace its savory depth with sun-dried tomatoes (chopped), roasted red peppers, or a pinch of smoked paprika. Crumbled feta cheese or creamy goat cheese also make excellent additions.
• Add More Vegetables: Enhance the nutritional value and flavor by adding other vegetables. Consider sautéed mushrooms, diced bell peppers (any color), asparagus tips, cherry tomatoes, or even thinly sliced leeks. Ensure they are cooked until tender before adding the egg mixture.
• Herb Power: While simple herbs are used here, feel free to get creative. Fresh basil, chives, oregano, thyme, or a blend of Italian herbs will all complement the flavors beautifully. Add them to the egg mixture or sprinkle on top before baking.
• Cheese Variations: Parmesan adds a classic Italian touch, but other cheeses work wonderfully. Try Gruyère for a nutty flavor, shredded mozzarella for a gooey texture, or sharp cheddar for a bolder taste. A mix of cheeses can also be delightful.
• Protein Boost: If you’re looking for extra protein or a heartier meal, consider adding cooked and shredded chicken breast, crumbled bacon, smoked salmon, or even leftover cooked sausage. Just make sure any added protein is already cooked before mixing it into the frittata.
• Spice It Up: For a gentle kick, add a pinch of red chili flakes to the vegetable mixture. A tiny grating of nutmeg can also enhance the savory notes of the eggs and spinach.

Meal Prep and Storage Made Easy

One of the best things about frittatas is how well they store, making them perfect for meal prep throughout the week. Once cooled, slice the frittata into individual portions and store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For reheating, you can gently warm slices in the microwave for 30-60 seconds, or in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. Frittata slices are also delicious served cold or at room temperature, making them an excellent option for packed lunches, picnics, or a quick snack on the go. This convenience further adds to the appeal of this quick and easy recipe.

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Quick & Healthy Meal

This Zucchini and Spinach Frittata is more than just a recipe; it’s a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly spectacular. Its quick preparation time, combined with its nutritional benefits and incredible versatility, makes it an indispensable addition to any home cook’s repertoire. Whether you’re seeking a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or an elegant appetizer, this frittata rises to the occasion every time. We hope you enjoy making and sharing this delightful dish as much as we do. Don’t forget to experiment with your favorite additions and make it uniquely yours!