One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic

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

Quick-cooked shrimp tossed in a lemon-garlic sauce with fresh spinach for a light, flavorful dinner ready in 20 minutes. This international-inspired quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Serves 2 International cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb shrimp and cook for 2 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then remove and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 1/2 lemon zest and juice, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Add 5 oz fresh spinach to the skillet and cook for 1-2 minutes until wilted. Return shrimp to skillet and toss to coat. Sprinkle with 1/4 cup grated Parmesan and cook for 1 minute until cheese melts.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic?

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 shrimp from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic?

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 One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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.

What goes well with One-Pan Shrimp and Spinach with Lemon and Garlic?

International quick meals like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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