Easy Savory Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Craving a Delicious, Elegant Meal That’s Surprisingly Easy?

Look no further! This Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta recipe is a weeknight wonder that will impress your taste buds and your guests. Imagine perfectly seared, sweet sea scallops nestled atop a bed of delicate angel hair pasta, all bathed in a light, flavorful sauce. It’s a dish that tastes like it took hours to prepare, but can be on your table in under 30 minutes. Ready to dive in?

Why You’ll Love It

• The combination of sweet sea scallops and light, delicate angel hair pasta is simply divine.
• It’s incredibly quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights when you want something special but don’t have a lot of time.
• The recipe is very customizable, allowing you to easily adapt it to your taste preferences.
• It’s elegant enough to serve at a dinner party, but simple enough for a casual weeknight dinner.
• The light, flavorful sauce complements the scallops and pasta beautifully without being too heavy.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this Savory Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta apart is the careful balance of simplicity and flavor. Instead of relying on heavy creams, we create a bright and aromatic sauce with white wine, garlic, lemon, and a touch of butter. The scallops are quickly seared to perfection, resulting in a sweet, caramelized crust while staying incredibly tender and juicy inside. This quick sear method is crucial for maintaining the scallop’s delicate texture and flavor, ensuring each bite is a delight.

Ingredient List

• 1 pound sea scallops, patted dry
• 1 pound angel hair pasta
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc) – Adds acidity and depth to the sauce
• 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Red pepper flakes (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta, reserving about 1/2 cup of the pasta water.
2. While the pasta cooks, pat the sea scallops thoroughly dry with paper towels. Season them generously with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
5. Pour in the white wine and lemon juice, and bring to a simmer. Cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
6. Remove the skillet from the heat and whisk in 3 tablespoons of butter until melted and the sauce is emulsified. If the sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon or two of the reserved pasta water.
7. Add the drained pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat.
8. Gently return the seared scallops to the skillet. Add the chopped parsley and the remaining 1 tablespoon of butter. Toss lightly to combine.
9. Season the pasta and scallops with salt, pepper and red pepper flakes (optional). Serve immediately.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to take this dish to the next level? Consider adding these toppings for extra flavor and texture:

• Parmesan Cheese: Grate fresh Parmesan over the pasta just before serving.
• Toasted Bread Crumbs: Add some crunch with toasted bread crumbs. Toss them with olive oil and seasonings for extra flavor.
• Fresh Basil: Substitute some of the parsley with fresh basil for a different herb flavor.
• Sun-dried Tomatoes: Add some sun-dried tomatoes (oil packed or rehydrated) for a touch of sweetness.

Expert Tips

• Make sure to pat the scallops completely dry before searing to get a good caramelization.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the scallops – work in batches if necessary to ensure they get a good sear.
• Do not overcook the scallops; they’re done when opaque and firm. Overcooked scallops can be rubbery.
• Keep the white wine in the fridge until you are ready to use it to avoid any oxidation
• Don’t skip the lemon juice – it adds brightness and cuts through the richness of the butter.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use frozen scallops? Yes, but make sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before searing. Excess water will prevent them from browning properly.
• Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Linguine, spaghetti, or even fettuccine would work well. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Can I make this ahead of time? It’s best to serve this dish immediately for the best flavor and texture, as the pasta can become sticky if it sits for too long. However, you can sear the scallops ahead of time and store them in the fridge up to a few hours before combining with the pasta.
• Can I substitute the white wine? If you don’t have white wine, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. However, the wine adds a unique flavor that is worth trying.
• How can I make this recipe dairy-free? Replace the butter with olive oil or a vegan butter substitute. The dish will still be delicious.

Variations and Customization Options

Feel free to experiment with the following modifications to make this recipe your own:

• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a spicy kick.
• Use a different type of seafood, like shrimp or prawns, instead of scallops.
• Add some chopped fresh herbs, like dill or chives, for an extra layer of flavor.
• Include a handful of spinach or arugula for some added greens.
• Sauté some diced shallots or onions with the garlic for extra flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this elegant dish immediately as a main course. It pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad and a slice of crusty bread. For a special occasion, try serving with a glass of chilled white wine, such as a Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, to complement the dish’s flavors.

Conclusion

This Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta recipe is proof that you can create a restaurant-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s a crowd-pleaser that is both easy to make and incredibly delicious. Go ahead, give it a try and experience the magic for yourself! We’d love to see your creations! Share your photos on social media and don’t forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more amazing recipes.

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