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- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese - 1 teaspoon lemon zest - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice - 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes - Salt and pepper to taste - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The main ingredients for this creamy scallop pasta are simple yet fresh. First, you need fettuccine pasta, which gives a nice bite. For the star of the dish, use sea scallops. They are sweet and tender. You want to clean and dry them well to sear perfectly. You will also need olive oil, which adds flavor and helps sear the scallops. Garlic brings a warm aroma to the dish. Heavy cream makes the sauce rich and smooth. For optional ingredients, consider adding Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese for a cheesy twist. Lemon zest and juice add brightness. If you like a little heat, red pepper flakes are great. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper. Lastly, fresh parsley makes a lovely garnish. This is the base for a delightful meal. For the full recipe, check out the full instructions. - Boil salted water in a large pot. - Cook the fettuccine according to package instructions. - Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta. - Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. - Season the scallops with salt and pepper. - Add the scallops to the pan in a single layer. - Sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. - Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside. - Lower the heat to medium in the same skillet. - Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 30 seconds. - Stir in 1 cup of heavy cream and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. - Add 1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, 1 teaspoon lemon zest, and 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice. - Mix until the cheese melts and the sauce is smooth. - If the sauce is thick, gradually add reserved pasta water until desired consistency. - Toss the fettuccine in the creamy sauce until well coated. - Gently fold in the seared scallops. - Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. - Plate the creamy scallop pasta in shallow bowls. - Garnish with freshly chopped parsley before serving. For the full recipe, check the detailed instructions above. To get a great sear on your scallops, use dry scallops. They have less moisture and create a nice crust. If your scallops are wet, pat them dry with a paper towel. This helps them brown better. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. If your skillet is too full, the scallops will steam instead of sear. Cook them in batches if needed. This will give you that golden look and taste. If your sauce is too thick, use reserved pasta water to adjust it. Start with a little and stir it in. Keep adding until you reach the right creaminess. Be careful not to overcook the sauce. Let it simmer gently. This keeps the flavors fresh and bright. Stir often to prevent sticking or burning. You can try different seasonings to boost flavor. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme work great. You can also add a pinch of nutmeg for warmth. Adding vegetables like spinach or sun-dried tomatoes gives your dish more texture. They add color and taste, making your meal even better. For more ideas, check the Full Recipe for flavor tips. {{image_2}} You can switch out heavy cream for half-and-half or coconut cream. These options can make the dish lighter or add a unique flavor. If you're looking for different pasta types, try penne or linguine. Each shape holds the sauce differently, adding a fun twist to your meal. Want to boost the taste? Add fresh herbs like basil or dill. They bring a fresh pop to the dish. You can also mix in proteins like shrimp or chicken. This way, you create a heartier meal that still tastes great. For gluten-free options, use gluten-free pasta made from rice or corn. This swap keeps the dish just as tasty. If you're looking for vegan adaptations, replace cream with cashew cream or a rich plant-based milk. You can also skip the cheese or use a vegan cheese alternative. These changes keep the flavor while meeting dietary needs. Store your creamy scallop pasta in an airtight container. This keeps it fresh longer. You can use glass or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids. For best taste, eat leftovers within 3 days. To reheat, use a low heat on the stove. Add a splash of cream or reserved pasta water. This helps keep the sauce creamy. Stir gently to avoid clumping. You can also use the microwave. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This method warms it evenly without drying the pasta out. You can use sea or bay scallops. Sea scallops are larger and meatier. They have a sweet taste and firm texture. Bay scallops are smaller and more tender. They work well in lighter dishes. For creamy scallop pasta, I prefer sea scallops. Their size and flavor shine in this dish. Yes, you can prepare parts of this dish ahead. Cook the pasta and scallops, then store them separately. Keep them in airtight containers in the fridge. When ready to eat, reheat each part. Use medium heat to avoid overcooking. I recommend eating the dish fresh for the best taste. To lighten up this creamy scallop pasta, try using half-and-half instead of heavy cream. You can also reduce the cheese amount. Adding more veggies can help too. Fresh spinach or zucchini give great taste and texture. These changes keep the dish tasty but cut some calories. Freezing creamy scallop pasta is not the best choice. The cream can separate and change texture. If you must freeze it, do so without the scallops. Store the pasta and sauce in separate containers. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating. Gently warm it up and add scallops fresh. This keeps the dish creamy and delicious. For the full recipe, check the earlier sections. You now have a simple guide to make creamy scallop pasta. We covered key ingredients, step-by-step cooking, and tips for the best flavor. You can mix it up with different ingredients or store leftovers easily. This dish is not just tasty; it’s also flexible. Enjoy cooking your creamy scallop pasta, and feel free to get creative with flavors or swaps. Your kitchen is now a place for delicious meals!

Creamy Scallop Pasta

Indulge in a delightful Creamy Scallop Pasta that will wow your taste buds! This easy recipe combines perfectly seared scallops with fettuccine in a rich, creamy sauce seasoned with garlic, lemon, and Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese. Perfect for a cozy dinner or special occasion, it's ready in just 30 minutes. Ready to impress your guests? Click through to explore the full recipe and create a gourmet meal at home!
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Ingredients
  

8 oz fettuccine pasta

1 lb sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry

2 tablespoons olive oil

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese

1 teaspoon lemon zest

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Salt and pepper to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

Cook the fettuccine: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the fettuccine according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside.

    Sear the scallops: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Once the oil is hot, carefully add the scallops to the pan in a single layer. Sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and are cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

      Make the creamy sauce: In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, pour in the heavy cream, stirring well to combine. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes.

        Add cheese and flavor: Stir in the grated Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix until the cheese has melted and the sauce is smooth. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach the desired consistency.

          Combine the fettuccine and scallops: Add the cooked fettuccine to the sauce, tossing well to coat the pasta with the creamy mixture. Gently fold in the seared scallops until well combined. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.

            Serve: Plate the creamy scallop pasta in shallow bowls. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and an extra burst of freshness.

              Prep Time: 10 min | Total Time: 30 min | Servings: 4