Garlic Butter Shrimp and Spinach: A Quick & Healthy Weeknight Dinner

Are you looking for a delicious, healthy, and incredibly quick dinner option? Look no further than sautéed shrimp with spinach! This recipe is a winner because it’s packed with protein, vitamins, and flavor, all while being incredibly easy to make. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you don’t have a lot of time to spend in the kitchen. This dish is also incredibly versatile; you can easily adapt it to your liking by adding different spices, vegetables, or sauces.

This article will guide you through a simple yet flavorful recipe for sautéed shrimp with spinach, ensuring a perfect dish every time. We’ll cover everything from ingredient selection to step-by-step instructions, along with tips and tricks to elevate your culinary experience.

## Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Spinach Recipe

* **Quick and Easy:** Ready in under 20 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight meals.
* **Healthy and Nutritious:** Packed with protein, vitamins, and minerals.
* **Delicious Flavor:** The combination of garlic, butter, and lemon creates a mouthwatering taste.
* **Versatile:** Easily customizable with different spices, vegetables, or sauces.
* **One-Pan Meal:** Minimal cleanup required!

## Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you begin, gather these ingredients. The quality of your ingredients will directly impact the final taste, so choose fresh options whenever possible.

* **Shrimp:** 1 pound, peeled and deveined. Fresh or frozen (thawed) shrimp will work. Look for shrimp that are firm and have a good color. Size is a matter of preference; medium to large shrimp are usually best for sautéing.
* **Spinach:** 5 ounces, fresh spinach. Baby spinach is a great choice because it’s tender and cooks quickly. Make sure to wash the spinach thoroughly before using it.
* **Garlic:** 4 cloves, minced. Freshly minced garlic is essential for the best flavor. Don’t skimp on the garlic! It’s what gives the dish its signature aroma and taste.
* **Butter:** 4 tablespoons, unsalted butter. Butter adds richness and flavor to the dish. You can use salted butter if you prefer, but you may need to reduce the amount of salt you add later.
* **Olive Oil:** 2 tablespoons, extra virgin olive oil. Olive oil helps to prevent the butter from burning and adds a subtle fruity flavor.
* **Lemon Juice:** 2 tablespoons, fresh lemon juice. Lemon juice brightens the flavors and adds a touch of acidity. Freshly squeezed lemon juice is always preferred over bottled.
* **Red Pepper Flakes:** 1/4 teaspoon (or more, to taste). Red pepper flakes add a touch of heat. Adjust the amount to your liking, or omit it entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.
* **Salt and Pepper:** To taste. Season generously to enhance the flavors of the dish.
* **Optional Garnishes:** Fresh parsley, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon wedges.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these simple steps to create a delectable shrimp and spinach dish.

**Step 1: Prepare the Shrimp and Spinach**

* If using frozen shrimp, ensure it’s completely thawed. Pat the shrimp dry with paper towels. This helps them brown properly in the pan. Excess moisture will steam the shrimp instead of searing them.
* Wash the spinach thoroughly and remove any tough stems. If using larger spinach leaves, you may want to chop them roughly.

**Step 2: Sauté the Garlic**

* In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat the olive oil and butter over medium heat. Make sure the pan is large enough to accommodate all the shrimp and spinach without overcrowding.
* Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it will become bitter.

**Step 3: Cook the Shrimp**

* Add the shrimp to the skillet in a single layer. Avoid overcrowding the pan, as this will lower the temperature and steam the shrimp instead of searing them. If necessary, cook the shrimp in batches.
* Cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they turn pink and opaque. Overcooking the shrimp will make them tough and rubbery, so be sure to keep a close eye on them.
* Remove the shrimp from the skillet and set aside.

**Step 4: Wilt the Spinach**

* Add the spinach to the skillet. It will seem like a lot at first, but it will wilt down quickly. If you have a lot of spinach, you may need to add it in batches.
* Cook the spinach for 2-3 minutes, or until it’s wilted and tender. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

**Step 5: Combine and Finish**

* Return the shrimp to the skillet with the spinach.
* Add the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste.
* Stir everything together to combine and heat through. Cook for another minute or two, allowing the flavors to meld together.

**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy**

* Remove the skillet from the heat.
* Garnish with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, if desired.
* Serve immediately. This dish is delicious on its own, or you can serve it over rice, pasta, or quinoa.

## Tips and Tricks for the Best Shrimp and Spinach

* **Don’t Overcook the Shrimp:** Overcooked shrimp are tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they turn pink and opaque.
* **Use Fresh Garlic:** Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor.
* **Adjust the Heat:** Add more or less red pepper flakes to adjust the spiciness to your liking.
* **Deglaze the Pan:** After cooking the shrimp, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or chicken broth for extra flavor.
* **Add Other Vegetables:** Feel free to add other vegetables to the dish, such as sliced mushrooms, bell peppers, or cherry tomatoes.
* **Make it Creamy:** For a creamier dish, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half at the end.
* **Use Different Herbs:** Experiment with different herbs, such as oregano, thyme, or basil.

## Variations and Adaptations

The beauty of this recipe is its versatility. Here are a few ideas to customize it to your liking:

* **Spicy Shrimp and Spinach:** Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Creamy Garlic Shrimp and Spinach:** Stir in a few tablespoons of heavy cream or cream cheese at the end for a rich and creamy sauce.
* **Shrimp and Spinach Pasta:** Toss the sautéed shrimp and spinach with your favorite pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
* **Shrimp and Spinach Stir-Fry:** Add some soy sauce, ginger, and sesame oil for an Asian-inspired stir-fry.
* **Mediterranean Shrimp and Spinach:** Add some sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.
* **Shrimp and Spinach with White Wine:** Deglaze the pan with dry white wine after cooking the shrimp, allowing the alcohol to evaporate before adding the spinach.
* **Lemon Herb Shrimp and Spinach:** Increase the amount of lemon juice and add fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano.
* **Shrimp and Spinach Scampi:** Follow a traditional shrimp scampi recipe but add spinach towards the end for extra nutrients and flavor.

## Serving Suggestions

This sautéed shrimp and spinach dish is incredibly versatile and can be served in a variety of ways.

* **As a Main Course:** Serve it on its own for a light and healthy meal. A side of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the delicious sauce.
* **Over Rice:** Serve it over cooked rice (white, brown, or wild rice) for a more substantial meal. Quinoa or couscous are also great alternatives.
* **With Pasta:** Toss it with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti.
* **In Tacos or Wraps:** Use it as a filling for tacos or wraps. Add some shredded cheese, salsa, and sour cream for extra flavor.
* **As a Salad Topping:** Top a bed of greens with the sautéed shrimp and spinach for a healthy and satisfying salad.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Serve alongside roasted vegetables, such as asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts.
* **As an Appetizer:** Serve a smaller portion as an appetizer. Present it in small bowls or on crostini.

## Nutritional Information

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients. Here’s a general idea of the nutritional content per serving (approximate):

* **Calories:** 300-400
* **Protein:** 30-40 grams
* **Fat:** 15-25 grams
* **Carbohydrates:** 5-10 grams
* **Fiber:** 2-4 grams

Keep in mind that the exact nutritional information will vary depending on the specific ingredients you use and the portion sizes.

## Storage and Reheating

**Storage:**

* **Refrigerate:** Leftover sautéed shrimp and spinach can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

**Reheating:**

* **Stovetop:** Reheat the shrimp and spinach in a skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.
* **Microwave:** Reheat in the microwave on medium power, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp, as it can become tough.

## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

* **Can I use frozen spinach?** Yes, you can use frozen spinach. Thaw it completely and squeeze out any excess water before adding it to the skillet.
* **Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?** Yes, you can use pre-cooked shrimp, but be careful not to overcook it when reheating. Add it to the skillet at the very end, just to warm it through.
* **Can I make this recipe ahead of time?** While it’s best served fresh, you can prepare the ingredients ahead of time. Mince the garlic, wash the spinach, and peel and devein the shrimp. Store them separately in the refrigerator until you’re ready to cook.
* **Can I add cheese to this dish?** Yes, you can add cheese. Parmesan cheese is a classic choice, but you can also use feta, mozzarella, or goat cheese.
* **Can I make this recipe dairy-free?** Yes, you can make this recipe dairy-free by using olive oil instead of butter. You can also omit the Parmesan cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

## Conclusion

Sautéed shrimp with spinach is a quick, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights. With its simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you can have a flavorful and nutritious dinner on the table in under 20 minutes. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and adaptations to create your own signature dish. Enjoy!