Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta

4.7
(119)

This scallop pasta dish is a very simple, easy-to-prep meal that you will most likely be asked to make again! The taste, if carefully prepared and not overcooked, is incredible.

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overhead view of scallops over spaghetti in a large white bowl, with sauce spooned over pasta.
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Prep Time:
15 mins
Cook Time:
10 mins
Total Time:
25 mins
Servings:
6

Impress everyone at your table with this top-rated scallop pasta recipe.

Scallop Pasta Ingredients

These are the simple ingredients you'll need for this top-rated scallop pasta recipe:

· Pasta: This recipe starts with a package of angel hair pasta.
· Garlic and butter: Cook minced garlic in butter until soft and fragrant.
· Scallops: You'll need two pounds of (rinsed and dried) sea scallops.
· Herbs: Basil and parsley lend fresh color and flavor.
· Lemon juice: Fresh lemon juice adds subtle brightness.
· Seasonings: This scallop pasta recipe is simply seasoned with salt and pepper.
· Cream: Heavy cream is optional, but it's necessary if you like a thicker sauce.
· Parmesan: Parmesan cheese is also optional, but it's a great finishing touch.

Can You Use Frozen Scallops?

Sure! Just make sure the scallops are completely thawed before you start cooking. The best way to thaw frozen scallops is in the refrigerator overnight.

How to Make Scallop Pasta

You'll find the full, step-by-step recipe below — but here's a brief overview of what you can expect when you make scallop pasta at home:

1. Cook the pasta.
2. Cook the garlic in butter. Add the scallops and herbs, then cook until firm.
3. Reduce the heat and add the juice and seasonings. Thicken with cream, if desired.
4. Serve with Parmesan, if desired.

What to Serve With Scallop Pasta

You don't necessarily need to serve this scallop pasta with any side dishes. But, if you'd like to pair it with a side or two, here are a few tasty options:

· Caesar Salad Supreme
· Roasted Garlic Lemon Broccoli
· French Bread

Allrecipes Community Tips and Praise

"Love this recipe," says one Allrecipes community member. "So easy and quick for any night of the week … I didn't use cream and it was every bit as good!!"

"It was easy to make, but tasted as good if not better than what you would get in a fine dining restaurant," raves pattyguepgtx. "Paired with a Pinot Grigio and ended meal with a lemon raspberry cupcake!"

"This was easy to prepare and quite tasty," according to Lydia Crossman Parchment. "It could easily be converted to shrimp. I'll be making this one again."

Editorial contributions by Corey Williams

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Ingredients

Original recipe (1X) yields 6 servings

  • 1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta

  • ¼ 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

  • ½ cup heavy cream (Optional)

  • 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese to taste (Optional)

Directions

  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.

    Cooked pasta.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  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.

    Sauce in a skillet.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  3. Slice any scallops over 3/4-inch thick in half so they'll cook evenly.

    a top down view of scallops being sliced in half to reduce thickness.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  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. Scallops will become tough and chewy if overcooked.

    Scallops in a skillet.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  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.

    Cream and lemon juice poured into scallop mixture.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

    Cream stirred into thick scallop mixture.

    Dotdash Meredith Food Studios

  6. Ladle scallops and sauce over hot pasta and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.

    overhead view of scallops over spaghetti in a large white bowl, with sauce spooned over pasta.

    DOTDASH MEREDITH FOOD STUDIOS 

157 home cooks made it!

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

515 Calories
22g Fat
46g Carbs
33g Protein
Nutrition Facts
Servings Per Recipe 6
Calories 515
% Daily Value *
Total Fat 22g 28%
Saturated Fat 10g 52%
Cholesterol 96mg 32%
Sodium 528mg 23%
Total Carbohydrate 46g 17%
Dietary Fiber 3g 10%
Total Sugars 2g
Protein 33g 66%
Vitamin C 9mg 10%
Calcium 66mg 5%
Iron 3mg 14%
Potassium 649mg 14%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

** Nutrient information is not available for all ingredients. Amount is based on available nutrient data.

(-) Information is not currently available for this nutrient. If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.