Sautéed Shrimp with Spinach and Lemon Zest
Plump shrimp simmered in a garlic-lime sauce with fresh spinach and bright lemon, ready in 20 minutes with no extra dishes. This quick meals ready in about 20 minutes pairs shrimp, olive oil, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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 shrimp
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- 2 cups, fresh spinach
- 1/4 cup dry white wine
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add 12 oz shrimp and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque, then transfer to a plate.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups fresh spinach and cook for 1 minute until wilted and bright green.
- Step 4: Pour in 1/4 cup dry white wine and 1 tbsp lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits. Return shrimp to skillet and cook for 1 minute until sauce reduces slightly and coats the shrimp.
- Step 5: Season with salt and pepper to taste, then squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice over the top before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Shrimp with 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 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 shrimp from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Sautéed Shrimp with 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 Spinach and Lemon Zest 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.
What should I serve with Sautéed Shrimp with Spinach and Lemon Zest?
Serve it with a simple grain (rice, quinoa, or crusty bread), a quick green salad, and a steamed or roasted vegetable. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" above for dish-specific pairings based on what you have on hand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Perfect for a rushed weeknight! The lemon zest made it feel fancy without extra work.
- ★★★★☆
Loved the flavor combo, but the spinach turned mushy for me—next time I'll sauté it separately.
- ★★★★☆
My family devoured this in 15 minutes. Only thing: shrimp needed a pinch more garlic.
