One-Pan Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet

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

A vibrant one-pan meal with tender shrimp, wilted spinach, and fluffy rice spiced with smoky paprika and garlic, ready in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs medium shrimp, peeled and deveined, long grain white rice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 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 heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes. Add 1 small diced yellow onion and sauté for 3-4 minutes until translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, and 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper; cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 cup long grain white rice and toast it, stirring constantly, for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden.
  4. Step 4: Pour in 2 cups low sodium chicken broth, season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and bring to a boil.
  5. Step 5: Reduce heat to low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and liquid absorbed.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp and 4 cups fresh baby spinach, cover again, and cook for 4-5 minutes until shrimp are opaque and spinach is wilted.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat and drizzle with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does One-Pan Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in One-Pan Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet?

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 Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet 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.

What goes well with One-Pan Spicy Shrimp and Spinach Rice Skillet?

Mediterranean seafood 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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