Creamy Scallop Pasta Recipe
User Reviews
4.8
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
15 mins
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Total Time
25 mins
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Servings
4
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Calories
846 kcal
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Course
Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Creamy Scallop Pasta Recipe
Description
Creamy Scallop Pasta Recipe showcases plump scallops seasoned and seared briefly to achieve a gentle golden crust and tender texture. The pasta is cooked nearly al dente and then combined with a sauce crafted from butter, garlic, white wine, and heavy cream for a luscious base. Fresh dill is stirred in to provide a herbal lift, complemented by a splash of lemon juice that brightens the flavors.
The sauce clings to the spaghetti strands, resulting in a smooth, rich coating that pairs well with the sweet scallops. Parsley finishes the dish with a fresh touch and visual appeal. Throughout, seasoning is balanced with salt and black pepper to enhance the natural seafood taste and aromatics.
This pasta is suitable for a seafood-centric dinner or special occasion where a creamy yet delicate seafood sauce is desired. Variations may include substituting bay scallops or other pasta types, with minor cooking adjustments. Wine may be replaced if preferred with broth or brandy, and cream can be swapped cautiously while maintaining sauce thickness.
Ingredients
- 1 ¼ lb scallops - see note 1
- 12 oz spaghetti see note 2, dried
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 garlic minced, large cloves
- salt to taste
- ¼ cup white wine see note 3, dry
- 1 ½ cup heavy cream - see note 4
- 1 teaspoon dill see note 5, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoon parsley chopped
- black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Ensure the scallops are dry by patting them with a paper towel to remove any moisture. Then leave them to sit on a sheet of paper towel.1¼lb/560g raw scallops
- Bring a large pan of water to a boil. Add the salt and cook the pasta for 1 minute less than the packet instructions.1lb/450g dried pasta1 tablespoon salt)
- Once cooked, reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
- As soon as the pasta is in the water, start the seafood.
- Heat the oil in a large skillet/frying pan over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon olive oil
- Season the scallops with salt. Then carefully and quickly add the scallops to the frying pan in a single layer.1¼lb/560g raw scallopssalt
- Cook the scallops for 90 seconds on one side, then flip the scallops and cook for 60 seconds. Remove from the pan and set to one side.
- Add the butter to the same pan, scraping up any bits left from the scallops.2 tablespoons butter
- Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.4 minced garlic cloves
- Pour in the wine and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2 minutes, then add in the cream. Simmer for 2 minutes.¼ cup white wine1½ cups heavy cream
- Stir in the dill and lemon juice. Add the pasta and stir to coat. Add in ¼ cup of the pasta cooking water if needed.1 teaspoon chopped dill1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Add the scallops and any juice to the pasta and stir gently for 1 minute. Add salt and pepper to taste.salt (to taste)black pepper (to taste)
- Serve garnished with parsley.2 tablespoon chopped parsley
Notes
- Large sea scallops are preferred for texture; bay scallops can be substituted but require shorter cooking.
- Any long pasta like linguine or fettuccine can be used; adjust cooking times accordingly.
- Dry white vermouth or brandy (2 tbsp) may replace white wine; non-alcoholic option is ¼ cup low sodium broth.
- Use heavy cream for a thick sauce; half and half may need thickening with cornstarch.
- Fresh dill enhances flavor but ½ teaspoon dried or alternative herbs like thyme or parsley can be used.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 846 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 846kcal | 42% |
| Carbohydrates | 72g | 24% |
| Protein | 31g | 62% |
| Fat | 47g | 72% |
| Saturated Fat | 26g | 130% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 15g | 75% |
| Trans Fat | 1g | 50% |
| Cholesterol | 150mg | 50% |
| Sodium | 2375mg | 99% |
| Potassium | 594mg | 13% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 5g | 10% |
| Vitamin A | 1492IU | 30% |
| Vitamin C | 3mg | 3% |
| Calcium | 95mg | 10% |
| Iron | 2mg | 11% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.8
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