Sautéed Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

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

Succulent shrimp sautéed with bright lemon juice, garlic, and fresh spinach, accented by juicy cherry tomatoes for a light, flavorful seafood dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb, gluten free) ready in about 18 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 280 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: 8 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 280 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-high heat until shimmering. Add 3 cloves minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  2. Step 2: Add 12 oz large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer, season with 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/8 tsp red pepper flakes if using. Cook for 2 minutes on one side until pink and slightly golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, stirring to coat. Cook for another 1-2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach leaves and 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet, stirring gently until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly, about 2 minutes. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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 Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with 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 Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes 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.

Is Sautéed Citrus-Garlic Shrimp with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes low carb?

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

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