Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes
Quick and vibrant sautéed shrimp tossed with fresh spinach and burst cherry tomatoes for a colorful, Whole30-compliant seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, olive oil, minced 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 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 5 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1.5 cups, halved cherry tomatoes
- 5 cups, washed and roughly chopped fresh spinach
- 3/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp in a single layer and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink edges appear.
- Step 2: Flip the shrimp and add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté together for 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and garlic is fragrant but not browned.
- Step 3: Add 1.5 cups halved cherry tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, for 3 minutes until tomatoes soften and release juices.
- Step 4: Add 5 cups roughly chopped fresh spinach, 1/4 tsp sea salt, 1/8 tsp black pepper, and remaining 1 tbsp olive oil. Stir and cook for 2 minutes until spinach wilts and everything is heated through.
- Step 5: Remove from heat and drizzle 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice over the dish before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes take to make?
Total time is about 15 minutes (5 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes?
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 with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes 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 Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Tomatoes gluten free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free, 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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