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5.0 from 6 votes

Seared Scallops Over Spinach Pesto and Pasta

You'll love this delicious seared scallop recipe because it comes together very quickly and the spinach basil pesto dresses al dente pasta with fresh flavors. It's a perfect dish for spring and summer and is perfect for date night.

Prep Time
5 mins
Cook Time
5 mins
Total Time
20 mins
Servings: 6
Calories: 529 kcal
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

  • 1 pound linguine or other long, thin pasta
  • 1½ pounds large "Dry" Sea Scallops (a.k.a Diver Scallops)
  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Flaky sea salt
  • ½ cup Spinach Basil Pesto

Instructions

    Cup of Yum
  1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 teaspoons salt. When the water is boiling, add the linguine and cook to al dente according to the package instructions.
  2. While the pasta is cooking, Dry the scallops completely with a paper towel and set aside.
  3. Heat a large skillet over medium high heat. When the pan is hot add the butter and olive oil, swirling it around in the pan until the butter has melted. Working in batches, place the scallops in the pan (allowing room between them, so they're not crowded in the pan.
  4. Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes per side (do not agitate or move them, just let them cook). Use a pair of tongs to flip the scallops and continue cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes until caramelized on the other side. Remove the scallops to another dish to keep warm while you continue to cook the remaining scallops.
  5. Drain the linguine (reserving about ¼ cup of pasta water). Transfer the linguine to a bowl and add about ½ to ¾ cup of pesto. Toss the pasta with a pair of tongs until the pesto is well combined, adding the pasta water to loosen up the sauce.
  6. Plate the pesto pasta and top with seared sea scallops.Sprinkle the scallops with flaky sea salt. Add fresh basil or parsley for garnish if desired.

Nutrition Information

Calories 529kcal (26%) Carbohydrates 63g (21%) Protein 25g (50%) Fat 19g (29%) Saturated Fat 5g (25%) Cholesterol 42mg (14%) Sodium 644mg (27%) Potassium 473mg (14%) Fiber 3g (12%) Sugar 3g (6%) Vitamin A 669IU (13%) Vitamin C 4mg (4%) Calcium 59mg (6%) Iron 2mg (11%)

Nutrition Facts

Serving: 6Serving

Amount Per Serving

Calories 529

% Daily Value*

Calories 529kcal 26%
Carbohydrates 63g 21%
Protein 25g 50%
Fat 19g 29%
Saturated Fat 5g 25%
Cholesterol 42mg 14%
Sodium 644mg 27%
Potassium 473mg 10%
Fiber 3g 12%
Sugar 3g 6%
Vitamin A 669IU 13%
Vitamin C 4mg 4%
Calcium 59mg 6%
Iron 2mg 11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.