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Creamy Seafood Delight

Featured in Saucy pasta that hits the spot.

A quick yet elegant seafood pasta dish. Shrimp and scallops shine in a creamy garlic sauce, wrapping the pasta in rich flavor.
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alicia in the kitchen
Updated on Sun, 23 Mar 2025 14:02:16 GMT
A plate of pasta topped with grilled shrimp, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. Pin it
A plate of pasta topped with grilled shrimp, fresh parsley, and lemon wedges. | tasteofsavor.com

Velvety garlic scallops with pasta make a dish that's both fancy and easy, matching any high-end restaurant meal. Perfectly seared scallops swimming in a garlicky cream sauce, paired with your go-to pasta, create a tasty dinner ready in under 20 minutes. It's a wonderful creation for seafood lovers that adds a touch of luxury to your dinner table.

Why you'll love this dish

This dish highlights the gentle flavor of scallops, perfectly balanced by the richness of garlic and cream. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy a gourmet meal at home, while staying versatile and quick to make. Whether it's for a date night or a tasty weeknight dinner, you won't be disappointed.

What you'll need

  • Fresh scallops: Cleaned and patted dry for perfect searing.
  • Olive oil: For a light cooking base.
  • Butter: Salted or unsalted, for flavor.
  • Chopped fresh parsley: For brightness and garnish.
  • Garlic: Minced or crushed, the star ingredient.
  • Wild garlic (Optional): To enrich the sauce.
  • Salt and black pepper: Season to your liking.
  • Heavy cream: For a smooth, rich sauce.
  • Spaghetti: Or any pasta you like.

How to make it

Get the scallops ready
Wash the scallops in cold water and dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel. Getting them dry is key for a nice golden crust.
Cook the scallops
Heat the olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Place the scallops in and let them brown for 3-4 minutes on each side without moving them. Set aside when done.
Make the sauce
In the same pan, add butter and a bit more oil if needed. Cook the garlic and parsley until they smell amazing, about 30 seconds. For extra flavor, pour in a splash of white wine and let it bubble away.
Add the cream
Pour in the heavy cream and put the scallops back in. Let everything simmer for 2-3 minutes, stirring gently until the sauce thickens a bit.
Season and serve
Taste and add salt, pepper, and maybe a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Serve hot over pasta.
A plate of pasta topped with grilled scallops, coated in creamy sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley. Pin it
A plate of pasta topped with grilled scallops, coated in creamy sauce and sprinkled with fresh parsley. | tasteofsavor.com

Serving ideas

Enjoy these creamy garlic scallops with pasta for a light but comforting meal. The sauce works great with mashed potatoes or any pasta shape you like. You can also serve the scallops as a starter, sprinkled with parsley and paired with a crisp green salad for a fresh touch.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you pick fresh scallops?
Look for firm, slightly see-through scallops. Avoid ones that are overly white or have a strong smell, as they might not be fresh.
→ What type of pasta works best?
Spaghetti is great, but you can go with linguine or fettuccine. The key is pasta that holds creamy sauces well.
→ Can you substitute light cream?
Heavy cream gives the best texture, but light cream works too. The sauce may take longer to thicken and be less rich.
→ How to avoid overcooking scallops?
Cook them just until golden outside and slightly translucent in the center. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
→ Can you reheat this meal?
Best eaten fresh, but if needed, reheat it gently on low heat. Add a splash of cream to revive the sauce texture.

Shrimp Scallops Garlic Pasta

A hearty seafood pasta dish with shrimp, scallops, and a flavorful garlic cream sauce sprinkled with fresh parsley.

Prep Time
15 Minutes
Cook Time
20 Minutes
Total Time
35 Minutes
By: Alicia

Category: Pasta

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: French

Yield: 4 Servings (4 servings)

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

01 400 g of uncooked spaghetti.
02 450 g of fresh scallops.
03 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
04 2 tablespoons of butter.
05 4 minced garlic cloves.
06 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
07 2 wild garlic leaves (optional).
08 Salt and ground black pepper.
09 1 cup of heavy cream.
10 1/4 cup of white wine (optional).
11 Lemon juice to taste.

Instructions

Step 01

Give the scallops a rinse in cold water, then pat them dry with some paper towels.

Step 02

Heat olive oil in a pan, cook the scallops for 3 to 4 minutes per side until golden brown, then set aside.

Step 03

Toss butter, garlic, and olive oil into the pan you used for the scallops. Cook for 30 seconds, add wine if you like, and let it reduce.

Step 04

Pour in the cream, then return the scallops to the pan. Let it simmer a couple more minutes until the sauce thickens. Add salt and pepper.

Step 05

Spoon the sauce over cooked pasta and sprinkle fresh parsley on top.

Notes

  1. A classy and flavorful seafood pasta dish.
  2. Be careful not to overcook the scallops—they'll stay tender that way.

Tools You'll Need

  • Large skillet.
  • Pot for pasta.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Shellfish (scallops).
  • Dairy (butter, cream).
  • Gluten (pasta).

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 450
  • Total Fat: 22 g
  • Total Carbohydrate: 48 g
  • Protein: 26 g