Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes
A quick and light sauté of shrimp and spinach flavored with garlic and a hint of heat from chili flakes, perfect for a healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired quick meals (low carb) ready in about 13 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, fresh spinach leaves, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 3, 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 6 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 4 cloves, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/2 tsp crushed red chili flakes, sautéing for 1-2 minutes until garlic is fragrant and lightly golden, but not burnt.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook undisturbed for 2 minutes until pink on one side, then flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fully opaque.
- Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet. Stir gently to combine and cook for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Remove skillet from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the shrimp and spinach. Toss gently to combine and serve immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes take to make?
Total time is about 13 minutes (5 min prep + 8 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes?
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 fresh spinach leaves from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes?
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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 3 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 3). 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 Sautéed Shrimp and Spinach with Garlic and Chili Flakes low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
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