Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Spinach

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

Quick sautéed shrimp in a rich garlic butter sauce served over a bed of wilted spinach, perfect for a light and easy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (low carb) ready in about 15 minutes pairs large shrimp, peeled and deveined, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 250 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: 5 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 250 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil and 2 tbsp unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium heat until butter is melted and foaming.
  2. Step 2: Add 5 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes per side until shrimp turn pink and opaque.
  4. Step 4: Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside. Add remaining 2 tbsp butter and 5 cups fresh baby spinach to the skillet, stirring until spinach wilts, about 2 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return shrimp to skillet, drizzle with 2 tbsp lemon juice, and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine flavors before serving immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Spinach 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 Butter and Spinach?

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 unsalted butter from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Butter and Spinach?

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 Butter and Spinach 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 Butter and Spinach 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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