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Creamy Scallop Pasta Recipe

This Creamy Scallop Pasta is an elegant dinner idea that is quick to cook and easy to make. The creamy sauce is rich with garlic and a touch of wine, while the scallops are seared to perfection - golden on the outside and meltingly tender within. Serve this on date night, or serve it when you have friends for dinner. This is one recipe that is sure to impress. Add a crispy green salad, some bread, and a bottle of wine, and enjoy your evening!

Prep Time
10 mins
Cook Time
10 mins
Total Time
25 mins
Servings: 4
Calories: 846 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

  • 1 ¼ lb scallops - see note 1
  • 12 oz dried spaghetti - see note 2
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 4 large garlic cloves minced
  • salt to taste
  • ¼ cup dry white wine - see note 3
  • 1 ½ cup heavy cream - see note 4
  • 1 teaspoon chopped dill - see note 5
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoon chopped parsley
  • black pepper to taste

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. 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
  2. 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)
  3. Once cooked, reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta cooking liquid and drain the pasta.
  4. As soon as the pasta is in the water, start the seafood.
  5. Heat the oil in a large skillet/frying pan over medium-high heat.1 tablespoon olive oil
  6. Season the scallops with salt. Then carefully and quickly add the scallops to the frying pan in a single layer.1¼lb/560g raw scallopssalt
  7. 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.
  8. Add the butter to the same pan, scraping up any bits left from the scallops.2 tablespoons butter
  9. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.4 minced garlic cloves
  10. 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
  11. 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
  12. 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)
  13. Serve garnished with parsley.2 tablespoon chopped parsley

Notes

  • I like large sea scallops for this recipe, but you can substitute with bay scallops if you prefer (they will need less cooking)
  • Any long pasta will work here, so feel free to use linguine or fettuccine. (if using something quick cooking like angel hair pasta, you will need to start the sauce before you the pasta onto cook.
  • You can substitute with dry white vermouth or brandy if you don't have wine. Use 2 tablespoons of brandy. If you don't consume alcohol, then substitute it for ¼ cup of low sodium broth (vegetable/chicken/fish)
  • Use heavy cream for a thick, rich sauce. (thickened cream/double cream for those not in the US) Half and half will not thicken up, so you might need to thicken the sauce with cornstarch if you substitute.
  • Fresh dill works so well with the garlic and lemon in this dish, but you can use ½ teaspoon of dried instead. Or substitute in thyme or parsley.

Nutrition Information

Calories 846kcal (42%) Carbohydrates 72g (24%) Protein 31g (62%) Fat 47g (72%) Saturated Fat 26g (130%) Polyunsaturated Fat 3g Monounsaturated Fat 15g Trans Fat 1g Cholesterol 150mg (50%) Sodium 2375mg (99%) Potassium 594mg (17%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 5g (10%) Vitamin A 1492IU (30%) Vitamin C 3mg (3%) Calcium 95mg (10%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 4Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 846

% 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.