Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta: A Gourmet Weeknight Delight
Experience restaurant-quality elegance with these tender sea scallops served over a bed of buttery, lemon-infused angel hair pasta. A sophisticated meal ready in just 25 minutes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 25 mins
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American / Seafood
Ingredients
1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
1/4 cup butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (Optional)
1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese (Optional)
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until al dente; drain.
2. While pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant and softened, about 1 minute.
3. Slice any scallops over 3/4-inch thick in half so they will cook evenly.
4. Stir scallops, basil, and parsley into the skillet. Cook and gently stir just until scallops feel slightly firm when pressed with a finger, about 2 to 3 minutes.
5. Reduce heat to low; stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour in cream if you like a thicker sauce and cook just until the sauce begins to simmer.
6. Ladle scallops and sauce over hot pasta and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.
Notes
Always pat scallops bone-dry before cooking to ensure a proper texture.
Do not overcook the scallops or they will become rubbery.
Fresh herbs are essential for the brightest flavor profile.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 515
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 46g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 95mg