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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Scallops & Pasta

Creamy Garlic Parmesan Scallops & Pasta
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Creamy Garlic Parmesan Scallops & Pasta is a quick and elegant dish combining tender seared scallops with a rich garlic and Parmesan cream sauce tossed with perfectly cooked fettuccine or linguine. Ready in under 30 minutes, it offers restaurant-quality flavors that are comforting and indulgent, perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 12 oz fresh or thawed sea scallops

Pasta

  • 8 oz fettuccine or linguine pasta

Sauce & Flavorings

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 3/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta and set aside.
  2. Sear the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly to ensure a good sear. Lightly season them with salt and pepper. Heat the butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and cooked through. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
  3. Make the Garlic Parmesan Sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer. Stir in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese, allowing it to melt and form a creamy, velvety sauce. If the sauce becomes too thick, add the reserved pasta water a little at a time until you achieve your desired consistency.
  4. Combine Pasta and Scallops: Add the drained pasta to the skillet, gently tossing it in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Carefully add the seared scallops back into the skillet, warming them through without overcooking. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for color and freshness. Serve hot, optionally accompanied by crusty bread to soak up the luscious sauce.

Notes

  • Dry your scallops thoroughly before cooking to ensure a perfect golden sear without steaming.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for better melting and richer flavor compared to pre-grated versions.
  • Don’t overcook scallops; cook quickly until just opaque with a golden crust to avoid rubbery texture.
  • Reserve some pasta water to help the sauce cling to the pasta and maintain a silky texture.
  • Season gradually and taste as you go to balance the saltiness and creaminess perfectly.

Nutrition

Keywords: scallops, creamy garlic Parmesan sauce, pasta, fettuccine, linguine, seafood pasta, quick dinner, easy recipe, Italian, weeknight meal

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/creamy-garlic-parmesan-scallops-pasta/