Panseared Scallops with Lemongarlic Pasta Asparagus

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Ever crave something fancy but quick? This seared scallops and pasta is your answer! It's bursting with bright lemon and garlic goodness. Honestly, what's not to love about perfectly seared scallops?

Brief Overview

This elegant dish takes its cues from Italian cuisine. It marries sweet scallops with a vibrant lemon garlic sauce. Don't be intimidated! It’s a medium difficulty recipe.

It only takes around 35 minutes. This serves two lucky people.

Main Benefits

Seared scallops and asparagus pasta is packed with protein! It's perfect for a special occasion or a fancy weeknight dinner.

What makes it extra special? It's quick, delicious, and feels like you're dining in a posh restaurant. You know? It's not a complicated seafood pasta recipes.

It's an easy scallop pasta recipe.

Discovering the Delight of Seared Scallops and Pasta

Picture this: A weeknight, you’re tired, but want something special. That's where this recipe comes in. I first had something similar in a little trattoria in Rome.

Oh my gosh! It was amazing. It was a perfect blend of simple ingredients and bold flavours. I needed to recreate it.

And so, I came up with a seared scallops recipe with lemon garlic pasta.

The Beauty of Lemon Garlic Pasta

This lemon garlic pasta is the star. A little white wine, lemon zest, and a touch of cream makes all the difference.

Did you know lemon can help boost your mood? It also gives the pasta that zing . Trust me, every bite of this Italian scallop pasta is a burst of sunshine.

Perfectly Pan-Seared Scallops

It is really important to pat the scallops dry before searing. Remember: a dry scallop is a happy scallop. A searing hot pan, with equal parts butter and oil, is essential.

You will want to achieve that lovely golden crust. These pan-seared scallops are so delicate. This makes the dish incredibly satisfying.

If you're searching for dinner party pasta dishes , this is a winner. It looks fancy but needs no special skills.

This scallops linguine recipe never disappoints!

Ingredients & Equipment for the Perfect Seared Scallops and Pasta

Right, let's talk shopping! Getting the right ingredients is half the battle when you're aiming for those dinner party pasta dishes .

This easy scallop pasta recipe is all about fresh flavors, so quality counts.

Main Ingredients for This Italian Scallop Pasta

• Scallops: You'll need 8 large sea scallops (about 250g/9oz ).
• Linguine: Grab 200g/7oz dried linguine.
• Asparagus: One bunch of asparagus, around 200g/7oz , does the trick.

For perfect scallops, make sure they smell fresh and not fishy. "Dry-packed" scallops are best because they sear better. Trust me on this one .

If they are wet, pat them bone dry with paper towels.

Seasoning That'll Make You Sing

This lemon garlic pasta sings with simple seasonings. Don't overthink it.

• The Essentials: Salt, pepper, 2 cloves garlic (minced), lemon (zest and juice of 1 ).
• Flavor Boosters: A splash of dry white wine ( 1/4 cup/60ml , think Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio), and heavy cream ( 1/4 cup/60ml ). Also, Fresh parsley and Parmesan cheese ( 1/4 cup/25g each).
• Substitutions: No white wine? Chicken broth will do in a pinch. Need a dairy-free scallops and asparagus pasta ? Try coconut milk instead of cream. Honestly, don't be afraid to play around!

Essential spice combinations? Garlic and lemon are your stars. Don't skimp on them! .

What You'll Need to Cook (Equipment)

No fancy gadgets needed. Just your trusty basics.

• Pan: A large skillet (cast iron is the absolute best for pan-seared scallops )
• Pot: One big pot for the pasta.
• Tongs: For wrangling scallops.
• Bonus: A citrus zester because lemon zest makes everything better.

No cast iron? No worries! Any heavy bottomed skillet will work. Just make sure it gets nice and hot! Honestly, cooking seafood pasta recipes shouldn't require a kitchen full of fancy equipment.

We're going for delicious, not complicated!

Let's make magic with this scallops linguine recipe ! This quick scallop dinner is the perfect answer when you feel in the mood for a delicious meal but don't want to spend hours in the kitchen!

Cooking Method: Searing Scallops Like a Pro!

Alright, let's talk about searing! Specifically, how to get those gorgeous, golden brown pan-seared scallops you see in fancy restaurants. It's honestly easier than you think, and it's crucial for our seared scallops and pasta , which, by the way, is gonna be the star of your next dinner party pasta dishes .

I'm telling you, people will think you've gone all Michelin star chef on them! Don't worry, it's our little secret.

Prep Steps: Mise en Place is Key!

First things first: mise en place. Fancy, right? It just means getting everything ready before you start. I know, it sounds boring, but trust me, it's a game changer.

Pat those 8 scallops completely dry with paper towels. The drier they are, the better they'll sear. Salt and pepper them generously.

Get your 200g linguine cooked al dente. Chop 2 cloves of garlic , zest and juice that 1 lemon , and get your 1 bunch of asparagus ready to go.

This is essential for perfect seared scallops and pasta or easy scallop pasta recipe ! I speak from experience - nothing is worse than burning garlic while still chopping parsley!

step-by-step: Searing Perfection

Okay, here’s where the magic happens to make seared scallops recipe !

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium high heat. You want it shimmering, not smoking.
2. Add the scallops , being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Seriously, work in batches if you need to!
3. Sear for 2- 3 minutes per side , without moving them! That's key for that beautiful crust. We want a critical temperature of golden brown and delicious.
4. Remove the seared scallops from the pan. They should be opaque and firm.
5. Now you should have the lemon garlic pasta ready as well as the sauce. Serve together and enjoy

Pro Tips: Secrets to Success

Honestly, the biggest mistake people make with pan-seared scallops is overcrowding the pan. It causes steaming. Not searing. Sad face.

Don't do it! Also, don't be afraid of a little color! That golden brown crust is flavour! It is a must for the perfect seafood pasta recipes like this one

Another thing? Don't overcook them. They should be opaque and just firm to the touch. For a more Italian scallop pasta , think about adding some oregano.

If you want to prep ahead for your scallops and asparagus pasta , you can cook the pasta, chop the asparagus, and get your sauce ingredients measured out.

Just sear the scallops right before serving. It is better to be fresh, even in a quick scallop dinner . Now go get those scallops searing and make this scallops linguine recipe ! You've got this!

Recipe Notes for Epic Seared Scallops and Pasta

Right, so you’re about to tackle this incredible seared scallops and pasta . Before you dive in, let's chat about a few things that'll make your life easier.

Honestly, these are the bits that separate "good" from "OH MY GOSH this is amazing!" It's all about those little tips and tricks, you know? I swear, I learned some of these the hard way!

Serving Like a Pro

Okay, first things first, presentation! I'm not saying you need to be Michelangelo with the plating, but a few simple touches make a difference.

Twirl the lemon garlic pasta into a neat little nest on the plate. Then, artfully arrange the pan-seared scallops on top.

A sprinkle of fresh parsley just adds that extra freshness.

For sides? Keep it simple. A light green salad with a lemony vinaigrette is perfect. Some crusty bread for soaking up that gorgeous sauce? Yes, please! Oh, and a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio? chef's kiss .

Perfect dinner party pasta dishes . I also thought about a scallops and asparagus pasta .

Storing the Seafood Goodness

Leftovers? If you're lucky enough to have any, store the seared scallops recipe and pasta separately. The scallops can get a bit rubbery if they sit in the sauce for too long.

Keep 'em in the fridge for up to two days , max .

Reheat the pasta gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth. Gently re-sear the scallops for 30 seconds on each side, just to warm them through.

Freezing is not recommended because the scallops will become rubbery.

Remixing Your Seafood Pasta Recipes

Want to mix things up? Go wild! For a gluten-free version, just swap out the regular linguine for your favorite gluten-free pasta. Works a treat.

Feeling spicy? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce. Vegetarian? Swap those easy scallop pasta recipes for some pan-fried halloumi cheese.

It's salty, delicious, and works beautifully with the lemon and garlic. Thinking about trying Italian scallop pasta .

Nutrition Snippets

Alright, let's talk numbers. Each serving of this seared scallops and pasta is about 650 calories . You’re getting a whopping 40 grams of protein from those scallops, which is great for keeping you full and satisfied.

Plus, all that lovely omega-3s from the seafood are good for your heart and brain. Win-win, right?

I think you are ready to whip up this fancy scallops linguine recipe . Go on, give it a go! It might seem a bit cheffy, but honestly, it's way easier than you think.

Plus, it’s a sure fire way to impress your mates. So, grab those scallops and get cooking! You got this!