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Garlic-infused creamy scallops with pasta make an uncomplicated yet fancy dish that could compete with top restaurants. Perfectly seared scallops swimming in a creamy garlic sauce, paired with your favorite pasta, create a delicious meal ready in under 20 minutes. It's a fantastic creation for seafood lovers that brings an elegant touch to your dinner table.
Why you'll love this dish
This dish showcases the gentle flavor of scallops, wonderfully balanced by rich garlic and cream. It's a budget-friendly way to enjoy gourmet food at home, while staying versatile and quick to make. Whether you're planning a romantic dinner or a tasty weeknight meal, you can't go wrong with this.
Key ingredients you'll need
- Fresh scallops: Thoroughly washed 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 enhance the sauce.
- Salt and black pepper: Add to your liking.
- Thick cream: For a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Spaghetti: Or any pasta you prefer.
Easy step-by-step instructions
- Get your scallops ready
- Wash the scallops in cold water and dry them completely with a clean kitchen towel. Good drying is key for beautiful browning.
- Cook the scallops
- Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Place scallops in and let them brown for 3-4 minutes on each side without moving them. Set aside when done.
- Make your sauce
- In the same pan, add butter and a splash more oil if needed. Cook garlic and parsley until fragrant, about 30 seconds. For extra flavor, pour in a small glass of white wine and let it bubble away.
- Add the cream
- Pour in the thick cream and return the scallops to the pan. Let everything simmer gently for 2-3 minutes, stirring carefully until the sauce thickens slightly.
- Season and plate up
- Adjust flavors with salt, pepper and maybe a squeeze of lemon for freshness. Serve hot over pasta.
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Delightful serving ideas
Enjoy these creamy garlic scallops with pasta for a light but comforting meal. The sauce goes perfectly with mashed potatoes or any shape of pasta you like. You can also serve the scallops as a starter, topped with parsley and alongside a crisp green salad for a fresh contrast.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do you pick fresh scallops?
- Choose scallops that feel firm and slightly see-through. Avoid strong-smelling or overly white ones, as they may not be fresh.
- → What type of pasta works best?
- Spaghetti is a great choice, but linguine or fettuccine work too. Go for pasta that holds sauces well.
- → Can I use light cream?
- Thick cream works best, but light cream is fine too. The sauce just won't be as rich and will take longer to thicken.
- → How to cook scallops without overcooking?
- Cook them until golden on the outside but still a little see-through inside. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
- → Can this dish be reheated?
- It's best when freshly served. If reheating, do it gently on low heat and stir in a splash of cream to loosen the sauce.