Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender shrimp quickly sautéed with garlic, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach for a vibrant Whole30-compliant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 22 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 180 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb large shrimp, 1 tsp sea salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet. Cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 2 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
  4. Step 4: Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach and toss gently for 1-2 minutes until wilted.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish. Toss once more and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

Is Garlic Sautéed Shrimp with Cherry Tomatoes and Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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