Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Spinach and Tomato
Quick sautéed shrimp infused with garlic served over a bed of tender spinach and fresh tomatoes for a light, nutrient-rich dish. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb, paleo) ready in about 20 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.
Ingredients
- 12 oz peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 5 cups fresh spinach
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 tsp optional red pepper flakes
- 1 for serving lemon wedge
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the skillet. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side until shrimp are opaque and curled. Remove shrimp and set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 5 cups fresh spinach. Season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 4: Add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes to the spinach and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Step 5: Return the cooked shrimp to the skillet and toss everything together for 1 minute to combine and reheat.
- Step 6: Serve immediately with a squeeze of fresh lemon wedge over the top for brightness.
Equipment for this recipe
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Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Spinach and Tomato 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 Tomato?
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 from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic Spinach and Tomato?
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 Tomato 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 Shrimp with Garlic Spinach and Tomato low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.