Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Peppers

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick Whole30 sauté of tender shrimp with vibrant spinach and spicy cherry peppers, perfect for a light and flavorful dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 16 minutes pairs pound, peeled and deveined large shrimp, washed and dried fresh spinach, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 280 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: 8 min Cook: 8 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden but not burnt.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are pink and opaque.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 5 cups fresh spinach, 1/4 cup chopped pickled cherry peppers, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and peppers are heated through.
  4. Step 4: Remove from heat and finish with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 1 tsp lemon zest, tossing gently to combine before serving immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Peppers take to make?

Total time is about 16 minutes (8 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 with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Peppers?

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 thinly sliced garlic cloves from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Cherry Peppers?

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 Peppers 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 Peppers whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten 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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