Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Tomato, and Spinach
Quick sauté of shrimp with fresh garlic, juicy tomatoes, and tender spinach, perfect for a light Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (low carb) ready in about 18 minutes pairs peeled and deveined large shrimp, olive oil, thinly sliced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 260 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.
Ingredients
- 1 lb, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 5, thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 5 thinly sliced garlic cloves and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sauté for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
- Step 2: Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Cook for 2 minutes without stirring until the shrimp start to turn pink on the bottom.
- Step 3: Flip the shrimp and add 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes until shrimp are opaque and tomatoes soften.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups baby spinach to the skillet and toss gently, cooking for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
- Step 5: Remove from heat, squeeze 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the dish, and toss lightly before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Tomato, and Spinach take to make?
Total time is about 18 minutes (10 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, Tomato, 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 olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with Garlic, Tomato, 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, Tomato, and Spinach 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, Tomato, 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.