Indulge your taste buds with a luxurious dish that brings the flavors of Italy right to your dining table! Our Scallops Pasta in Cream Sauce is a culinary masterpiece that combines tender pasta with perfectly seared scallops, all enveloped in a rich and velvety cream sauce. This recipe not only promises to impress your guests but also offers a delightful experience that’s surprisingly easy to make. In just 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your dinner game? Let’s dive into the recipe!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 200g pasta
- 12 scallops
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing. Season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 tablespoon of butter and allow it to melt and become slightly foamy.
- Place scallops in the skillet, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove scallops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn.
- Pour heavy cream into the skillet, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Add remaining butter to the cream sauce, stirring until fully incorporated and sauce is smooth.
- Drain the cooked pasta and add directly to the cream sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
- Gently place seared scallops on top of the pasta. Sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley.
- Serve immediately, ensuring each plate has an equal number of scallops and is generously coated with the creamy sauce.
Tips
- Perfectly Pat Dry: To achieve a beautiful sear on your scallops, make sure to pat them dry with paper towels before seasoning. This removes excess moisture and helps them caramelize beautifully.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing the scallops, give them enough space in the skillet. Overcrowding can lead to steaming instead of searing, preventing that delicious golden crust.
- Timing is Key: Keep an eye on your pasta! Cook it until al dente, as it will continue to cook slightly when tossed in the hot cream sauce.
- Scrape the Pan: When adding the cream to the skillet, be sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom. These bits add incredible flavor to your sauce.
- Finishing Touch: For an extra touch of freshness, use freshly chopped parsley as a garnish. Not only does it add color, but it also enhances the dish's aroma and flavor.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best enjoyed fresh. Serve it right after combining the pasta with the sauce to ensure the scallops remain tender and the pasta is perfectly coated.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 717kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 60mg
