Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Lemon Zest

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-14 · Updated 2026-06-14

Quick sautéed shrimp infused with garlic and bright lemon zest, served over wilted spinach for a fresh Whole30-friendly seafood entrée. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 20 minutes pairs pound 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 230 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 3 Mediterranean cuisine 230 cal/serving

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Ingredients

1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
6 cups fresh spinach leaves
5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (optional) red pepper flakes

Equipment for this recipe

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Instructions

Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes, sautéing for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
Step 2: Add 1 pound peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Cook shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque.
Step 3: Push the shrimp to one side of the skillet and add 6 cups fresh spinach leaves to the cleared space. Sauté spinach for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until wilted and tender.
Step 4: Stir the shrimp and spinach together, then sprinkle 1 teaspoon fresh lemon zest over the mixture. Toss everything gently to combine and heat through for 1 minute before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Lemon Zest?

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 with Garlic, Spinach, and Lemon Zest?

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 Lemon Zest 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 with Garlic, Spinach, and Lemon Zest 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.