Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

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

Tender shrimp are sautéed with garlic and spinach, then finished in a vibrant roasted red pepper sauce for a light and flavorful Whole30 meal. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb, dairy free) ready in about 20 minutes blends peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 290 calories and feeds 3, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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 290 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined shrimp and 2 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until the shrimp turn pink and opaque. Remove shrimp from skillet and set aside.
  2. Step 2: Add 3 cups fresh baby spinach to the same skillet with 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté for 2 minutes until wilted and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: In a blender, combine 1 cup chopped roasted red peppers, 1/4 cup water, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Blend until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Pour the red pepper sauce into the skillet with the spinach and cook over medium heat for 3 minutes until warmed through and slightly thickened.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and stir to coat evenly with the sauce. Cook for an additional 1 minute, then serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Spinach, and Roasted Red Pepper Sauce?

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 Roasted Red Pepper Sauce 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 Roasted Red Pepper Sauce low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, dairy 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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