Quick Sauteed Shrimp with Spinach Recipe: A Zesty Dinner Win

Crispy, golden sauteed shrimp with spinach dance across your plate, promising a flavor explosion that’ll make taste buds sing.

Succulent seafood meets leafy greens in this quick Mediterranean-inspired meal.

Delicate shellfish absorb garlic and herb notes while maintaining a tender bite.

Weeknight dinners need serious excitement, and this recipe delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

Fresh ingredients create magic in mere minutes, turning ordinary ingredients into something spectacular.

Grab your skillet and dive into a culinary adventure that’ll leave you craving more.

Why Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach Is So Satisfying

  • Boost Nutrition Fast: Pack a powerful protein punch with succulent shrimp and nutrient-dense spinach in just one skillet, creating a balanced meal that supports muscle health and energy levels.
  • Master One-Pan Magic: Eliminate multiple dish cleanup with this single-skillet recipe that transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-quality dish without complicated cooking techniques.
  • Customize Your Flavor Profile: Adjust spice levels with red pepper flakes, experiment with cheese options, or swap protein types to match personal taste preferences and dietary needs.
  • Quick Weeknight Winner: Prepare a delicious meal in less than 15 minutes, perfect for busy professionals, parents, or anyone craving a fast, sophisticated dinner without extensive kitchen time.

Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach Ingredient List

Main Protein:
  • Shrimp: Fresh seafood that forms the primary protein of this light and flavorful dish.
Aromatics and Seasonings:
  • Garlic, Red Pepper Flakes: Adds a warm, spicy depth and aromatic flavor to the dish.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural taste of the shrimp.
  • Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, citrusy acidity that complements the seafood.
Cooking and Finishing Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Used for sautéing and creating a smooth cooking base.
  • Fresh Spinach: A nutrient-rich green that wilts quickly and adds vibrant color.
  • Butter: Creates a rich, smooth sauce that coats the shrimp.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Optional topping that adds a salty, nutty finish to the dish.

How To Make Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach

Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Pan

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, creating a smooth surface for cooking the shrimp.

Step 2: Cook the Shrimp

Place shrimp in the skillet and season with:
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Cook for 2-3 minutes until shrimp turn pink and become opaque.

Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate.

Step 3: Infuse Aromatic Flavors

In the same skillet, add:
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes

Sauté for 30 seconds to release their fragrant essence.

Step 4: Wilt the Spinach

Toss fresh spinach into the skillet and sauté for 2-3 minutes until leaves become tender and reduced in volume.

Step 5: Combine and Finish the Dish

Return shrimp to the skillet and add:
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Butter

Cook for 1-2 minutes, ensuring shrimp are heated through and coated with the zesty sauce.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

Optional: Sprinkle Parmesan cheese over the dish. Serve hot and enjoy immediately.

Tips For Perfect Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach

  • Select fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and flavor, ensuring they are deveined and peeled before cooking.
  • Avoid overcooking shrimp by watching for the pink and opaque color, which typically takes 2-3 minutes to prevent rubbery consistency.
  • Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic to enhance the overall taste of the dish.
  • For a low-carb option, serve the sautéed shrimp and spinach over cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
  • Pair the dish with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the lemon and garlic flavors.

Ways To Switch Up Shrimp With Spinach

  • Cajun Spice Shrimp: Replace salt and pepper with Cajun seasoning for a bold, zesty flavor profile that adds extra kick to the dish.
  • Mediterranean Style: Incorporate cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese to transform the recipe into a Mediterranean-inspired seafood meal.
  • Coconut Curry Fusion: Swap butter for coconut milk and add mild curry powder to create a creamy, aromatic version with subtle Indian-inspired notes.
  • Garlic Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh chopped herbs like basil, parsley, and thyme to enhance the shrimp's flavor and add a fresh, green complexity to the recipe.

Best Pairings For Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach

  • Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the shrimp's delicate flavor and cut through the buttery sauce.
  • Boost Bread Companion: Serve with toasted garlic crostini or a crusty French baguette to soak up the zesty lemon-butter sauce and add a delightful crunch to the meal.
  • Create Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light Mediterranean-style salad with mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette to balance the rich, savory shrimp dish and add freshness.

How To Keep Shrimp With Spinach Tasty

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover shrimp with spinach in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and keep flavors intact.
  • Microwave Reheating: Warm the dish in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval to distribute heat evenly. Stop heating once the shrimp is warm to prevent overcooking and becoming rubbery.
  • Skillet Reheating: Gently reheat in a skillet over low-medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture. Stir frequently and cook for 2-3 minutes until thoroughly warmed.
  • Avoid Freezing: Do not freeze this dish, as the spinach will become soggy and the shrimp's texture will deteriorate when thawed.

FAQs On Sauteed Shrimp With Spinach

  • Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Yes, just thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to ensure they sear properly and don’t release excess water.

  • How do I know when shrimp are fully cooked?

Shrimp are done when they turn pink and opaque, and curl into a C-shape. Overcooking makes them tough and rubbery.

  • Is it okay to substitute spinach with another green?

Kale or Swiss chard work well as alternatives, but they might require slightly longer cooking time to become tender.

  • What type of skillet works best for this recipe?

A non-stick or cast-iron skillet will give you the best results, helping prevent sticking and ensuring even cooking.

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Sauteed Shrimp with Spinach Recipe


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4.6 from 9 reviews

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sautéed Shrimp with Spinach brings coastal Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table, offering a light and elegant seafood experience. Succulent shrimp nestled among tender spinach leaves create a quick, nutritious meal that delivers pure culinary satisfaction.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined

Vegetables and Aromatics:

  • 5 cups fresh spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Fats, Seasonings, and Extras:

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Warm olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers slightly.
  2. Arrange shrimp in a single layer, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook for 2-3 minutes, flipping once, until they transform into a vibrant pink and become translucent.
  3. Transfer cooked shrimp to a separate plate, keeping them warm.
  4. In the same skillet, quickly sauté minced garlic and red pepper flakes for 30-45 seconds, releasing their aromatic essence without burning.
  5. Introduce fresh spinach leaves to the skillet, gently tossing and allowing them to wilt and reduce in volume for 2-3 minutes.
  6. Reintroduce the seared shrimp to the skillet, drizzling with fresh lemon juice and adding a pat of butter.
  7. Gently toss all ingredients together, ensuring shrimp are evenly heated and coated with the silky sauce for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  8. Optional: Sprinkle with freshly grated Parmesan cheese for an extra layer of richness.
  9. Serve immediately while the dish remains hot and the flavors are at their peak.

Notes

  • Ensure shrimp are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to prevent excess moisture and achieve perfect searing.
  • Select fresh, large shrimp for the best texture and quick cooking time, preferably wild-caught for richer flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes quantity based on personal spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing.
  • Transform this dish into a low-carb option by serving over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles instead of traditional pasta.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 250
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 16g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 10g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 24g
  • Cholesterol: 200mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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