Intro
Scallop Spaghetti in Creamy Sauce is a luxurious yet simple dish that brings restaurant-quality flavors to your home kitchen. Tender, seared scallops are paired with perfectly cooked spaghetti and coated in a rich garlic cream sauce. This recipe balances the sweetness of the scallops with the silkiness of the sauce, making it a perfect choice for a romantic dinner or a special family meal.
Ingredients
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12 large sea scallops, patted dry
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10 oz (280g) spaghetti
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 small shallot, finely chopped
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1 cup heavy cream
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½ cup dry white wine (optional, can use chicken broth)
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½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
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½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
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2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
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Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
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Cook the spaghetti
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Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Cook spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water, then drain.
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Prepare the scallops
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Season scallops lightly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
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Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just opaque. Remove and keep warm.
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Make the creamy sauce
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter, garlic, and shallot. Sauté until fragrant, about 1–2 minutes.
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Pour in white wine (or broth), scraping up any browned bits. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
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Stir in heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer gently until thickened, about 4–5 minutes. Season with salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
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Combine pasta and sauce
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Add the drained spaghetti to the skillet, tossing well to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water.
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Serve with scallops
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Plate the pasta, top with seared scallops, and garnish with parsley. Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh squeeze over the top.
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✨ Tip: For extra depth, add a pinch of nutmeg to the cream sauce or sauté a few mushrooms before adding the cream.
Would you like me to also give you a lighter version without cream (using olive oil, garlic, and lemon) for a healthier take?