Seared Scallops with Lemongarlic Angel Hair Pasta
Recipe Introduction
Quick Hook
Ever craved something fancy but doable on a Tuesday? This scallops and pasta recipe is your answer. Imagine sweet, seared scallops meeting zesty lemon garlic goodness. Honestly, it's a flavour party.
Brief Overview
This dish, inspired by Italian seared scallop pasta recipe , brings a touch of coastal charm to your table. It's beginner friendly, clocking in at just 25 minutes from start to finish.
This recipe yields two generous servings, perfect for a romantic dinner or treating yourself after a long day.
Main Benefits
The nutritional benefit here is the lean protein from the scallops . This Italian scallop pasta is perfect for a quick weeknight meal. What makes this recipe special? The bright, fresh flavours!
Wanna get cooking? Here's that list of you requested, fit for a King (Neptune, perhaps?).
Why You'll Love This Lemon Garlic Scallop Pasta
- Seared scallop pasta recipe perfection: Achieving that golden sear on the scallops is easier than you think.
- Lemon garlic angel hair pasta magic: The light, tangy sauce clings beautifully to the pasta.
- Weeknight scallop dinner sorted: Ready in under 30 minutes.
- Italian scallop pasta , but make it easy: Authentic flavours without the fuss.
- Quick seafood pasta fix: Seafood cravings satisfied in a flash.
- Scallops pasta wine pairing : Crisp white wine is always recommended.
- Best pasta for scallops : Angel hair, linguine, or fettuccine work great.
- Pan seared scallops with pasta , is restaurant quality at home!
- Scallops and pasta alfredo you can customize: Add a splash of cream for extra richness.
- Creamy scallop pasta , the ultimate comfort food.
What Makes This Recipe Shine?
This recipe is more than just scallops and pasta . It's a quick ticket to a delicious and elegant meal. The key is to pat those scallops totally dry before searing! Trust me.
You want that beautiful, golden brown crust. Also, don't overcook the scallops and pasta ! Nobody likes rubbery seafood. Cook them until they are opaque and firm!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get This Show on the Road!
Okay, let's talk ingredients for our Seared scallop pasta recipe . Trust me, even King Neptune would be impressed by how simple but amazing this dish is.
Seriously. This weeknight scallop dinner is so quick, you'll wonder why you ever ordered takeout!
Main Ingredients for Scallops and Pasta
- Sea Scallops : 8 large (about 200g ). Look for dry-packed ones, they sear best. They shouldn't smell fishy, just slightly sweet and briny. If they're wet-packed, they won't brown properly. Honestly, that's the most important thing.
- Angel Hair Pasta : 8 ounces ( 225g ). I love angel hair because it's light and cooks super fast. Other pastas work too: like Best pasta for scallops but angel hair is a winner for the Lemon garlic angel hair pasta combination.
- Olive Oil : 1 tablespoon ( 15 ml ) for the scallops, 2 tablespoons ( 30 ml ) for the pasta sauce. Use good stuff, you know?
- Unsalted Butter : 1 tablespoon ( 15g ) for scallops, 2 tablespoons ( 30g ) for the sauce. Butter makes everything better. Fact.
- Garlic : 3 cloves , minced. Don't skimp on the garlic! It's what makes the dish pop.
- Dry White Wine : ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio works great. Makes a great Scallops pasta wine pairing .
- Chicken Broth : ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). Low sodium is best so you can control the salt.
- Fresh Lemon Juice : ¼ cup ( 60 ml ). Fresh is essential . Bottled stuff just doesn't cut it.
- Parmesan Cheese : ¼ cup ( 25g ) grated, plus more for serving. Get the good stuff, not the powdery kind in a green can.
- Fresh Parsley : 2 tablespoons , chopped. Adds a pop of freshness and colour.
Seasoning Notes: Secret Spice Combos!
The key to the Italian scallop pasta flavor is simple: lemon, garlic, and good olive oil . Red pepper flakes add a nice kick, if you're into that.
Salt and pepper, of course, are a must.
- Flavor enhancers : Don't be afraid of a pinch of red pepper flakes. Adds a nice warmth.
- Essential spice combinations : Lemon and garlic are the stars.
- Aromatics : Fresh parsley really brightens things up.
Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple
You don't need a fancy kitchen to make amazing Pan seared scallops with pasta . Just these essentials:
- Large skillet : Cast iron or stainless steel is best for searing. A non-stick pan works but won't give you that amazing crust.
- Large pot : For boiling the pasta.
- Tongs : Essential for flipping the scallops.
- Lemon juicer : Makes life easier.
- Microplane : Optional, for lemon zest.
That's it! Not too scary, right? With these ingredients and tools, you'll be whipping up a scallops and pasta alfredo masterpiece in no time! Get ready for that quick seafood pasta .
Cooking Method: The Secret to Perfect Seared Scallops with Lemon Garlic Angel Hair
Alright, let's talk scallops and pasta ! Honestly, is there anything more impressive and deceptively easy? This seared scallop pasta recipe is my go-to for a weeknight scallop dinner that feels fancy.
Forget slaving away for hours. We're talking gourmet in under 30 minutes. This is seriously amazing.
Prep Steps: Mise en Place, Mate!
First things first, let's get our ducks in a row, or should I say, our scallops in a dish? This is essential mise en place.
Pat those 8 large sea scallops dry. Like, really dry. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
Mince your 3 cloves of garlic , juice that 1/4 cup lemon juice, chop your fresh parsley. Grate 1/4 cup Parmesan and measure the wine.
It's like getting your band together before the big concert. Trust me, it makes all the difference.
step-by-step: Sear iously Easy
Here's how to transform those simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that is the scallops and pasta alfredo :
- Cook 8 ounces of angel hair pasta until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water.
- Sauté minced garlic in 2 tablespoons of olive oil until fragrant. About 30 seconds.
- Deglaze the pan with 1/4 cup of white wine and 1/4 cup of chicken broth . Reduce for 2- 3 minutes .
- Stir in 1/4 cup lemon juice and 2 tablespoons butter . Season.
- Sear scallops in hot pan with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter for 2- 3 minutes per side.
Pro Tips: Become a Scallop Superstar!
Dry scallops are key . Seriously. Don't crowd the pan. You need room for that gorgeous sear. Sear in small batches.
And don't overcook ! Overcooked scallops are rubbery. Aim for an internal temperature of 145° F . For a richer creamy scallop pasta , stir in a splash of heavy cream at the end.
Honestly, mastering this quick seafood pasta recipe will make you feel like a culinary rockstar. Oh my gosh! What about Scallops pasta wine pairing ? Why not sip on the best pasta for scallops with a chilled Sauvignon Blanc.
You know? It's just a little bit of heaven on a plate.
Recipe Notes
So you've got the Seared Scallop Pasta Recipe down. Now, let's chat about those little tweaks and tricks to make it your own. Honestly, cooking is all about experimenting, right?
Serving Lemon Garlic Angel Hair Pasta
Forget fancy plating if that ain't your style. A simple bowl works just fine. Oh my gosh, though, a sprinkle of extra parm and fresh parsley? Chef's kiss! Want to impress? Swirl the creamy scallop pasta around your fork just right before plating.
A crisp side salad cuts through the richness nicely. Thinking drinks? A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio for that perfect Scallops Pasta Wine Pairing .
Storage Like a Pro
Leftover Italian Scallop Pasta ? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat gently in a pan with a splash of water or broth. Avoid nuking it. Scallops get rubbery. Trust me.
Freezing? Not recommended. The texture will change.
Remixing your Best Pasta for Scallops Dish.
Feeling adventurous? Swap the scallops for shrimp instant Quick Seafood Pasta ! Want to keep it light? Use courgette noodles instead of pasta.
Seasonally, toss in some fresh peas in spring for a vibrant, Seasonal ingredient swaps . This is a great weeknight scallop dinner .
dairy-free? Skip the butter and use extra olive oil.
The Good Stuff: Nutrition Basics
Alright, let’s talk about this Pan Seared Scallops with Pasta . While decadent, it packs a protein punch from the scallops.
Loads of Vitamin B12 here. The pasta gives you carbs for energy. The lemon juice boosts your immune system with Vitamin C.
Simplified nutrition information is that it's a fairly balanced meal if you don't go overboard on the parmesan!
Don't be shy. Get in that kitchen and make some magic, folks. You have all you need now for your scallops and pasta . Now you have a better understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Help! My scallops are rubbery. What am I doing wrong when making scallops and pasta?
Ah, the dreaded rubbery scallop! The biggest culprit is overcooking. Scallops cook very quickly usually just 2-3 minutes per side in a screaming hot pan. Also, make sure you're patting them completely dry before searing; excess moisture will steam them instead of searing, leading to a less than-ideal texture.
Think of it like trying to get a good tan in the UK you need to get rid of the moisture and up the heat!
Can I use frozen scallops for this scallops and pasta recipe?
Absolutely! Frozen scallops are a perfectly acceptable option, especially if fresh ones aren't readily available. The key is to thaw them completely and pat them dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Nobody wants watery scallops messing with that lovely lemon garlic sauce!
What kind of wine should I use for the sauce in this scallops and pasta dish?
A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a crisp unoaked Chardonnay works beautifully. The wine adds acidity and complexity to the sauce. If you're not a wine drinker, you can substitute with additional chicken broth and a squeeze more lemon juice for a similar effect - think "mocktail" instead of cocktail but for sauces!
How can I store leftover scallops and pasta? Will it still taste good?
Store any leftover scallops and pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a pan with a little olive oil or butter, or in the microwave. Be aware that the scallops may not be quite as tender as when freshly cooked, but it should still be a tasty lunch!
Is scallops and pasta healthy? What's the nutritional lowdown?
This dish can be part of a balanced diet! Scallops are a great source of lean protein and omega-3 fatty acids. To make it even healthier, consider using whole wheat pasta, adding extra veggies like spinach or asparagus, and using olive oil sparingly.
It's all about balance, like juggling a full English breakfast and a gym membership!
Can I make this recipe gluten-free? What substitutes should I use?
Yes, absolutely! Simply substitute the regular angel hair pasta with your favorite gluten-free pasta. There are many excellent gluten-free pasta options available these days that hold their shape and texture well.
Be sure to check the labels of other ingredients, such as chicken broth, to ensure they are also gluten-free. Now, you can enjoy it guilt free and gluten-free!
Seared Scallops With Lemongarlic Angel Hair Past
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 650 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 25g |
| Fiber | 3g |
