Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

If you are looking for a dish that tastes like a special night out but is actually quick and easy to prepare at home, Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta will absolutely delight your taste buds. This recipe combines the delicate sweetness of perfectly seared sea scallops with the light, silky strands of angel hair pasta, all enhanced by fragrant herbs, garlic, and a splash of lemon. It’s a dish that feels luxurious without any fuss, making it an ideal choice when you want something impressive yet comforting. Whether it’s a weeknight treat or a weekend celebration, Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta is a seafood lover’s dream come true.

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are straightforward but each one plays a crucial role in balancing flavor, texture, and aroma to create a truly stunning dish. The scallops bring tender richness, while butter and garlic provide a luscious, savory base. Fresh herbs brighten things up, and lemon juice adds that perfect zing. Don’t skip the optional cream or Parmesan—they lend a creamy, indulgent finish.

• Angel hair pasta: Choose a high-quality brand for delicate, quick-cooking strands that soak up sauce perfectly.
• Butter: Six tablespoons melt to a silky base for sautéing garlic and scallops, adding richness and flavor.
• Garlic, minced: Provides an aromatic kick that complements the gentle sweetness of scallops.
• Sea scallops: Use fresh, dry-packed scallops for ideal texture and taste.
• Fresh basil: Adds a fragrant, slightly sweet herbal note to brighten the dish.
• Fresh parsley: For freshness and color contrast that makes the plate pop.
• Fresh lemon juice: Injects vibrant acidity that cuts through the buttery richness.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings to balance and bring out flavors.
• Heavy cream (optional): Adds creaminess and a gentle thickness to the sauce for extra decadence.
• Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): Sprinkle on top for a savory, salty finish that melts beautifully into the pasta.

How to Make Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

Step 1: Cook the Angel Hair Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. This creates a flavorful environment for the pasta, ensuring it tastes delicious even before any sauce touches it. Add the angel hair pasta and cook it just until al dente, about 4 minutes—overcooking will make it mushy and detract from the elegant texture you want. Once ready, drain the pasta and set it aside to be combined with the scallops in the finished sauce.

Step 2: Sauté the Garlic and Melt Butter

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter slowly. Butter is key for richness and a luxurious mouthfeel. Add the minced garlic and sauté it just until fragrant, about a minute; be careful not to let the garlic burn because that would introduce bitterness. The savory aroma will immediately fill your kitchen, setting the stage for the next step.

Step 3: Cook the Sea Scallops

Next, add the sea scallops along with the chopped basil and parsley to the butter and garlic mixture. The scallops should be patted dry before cooking to achieve a nice sear. Cook the scallops for about 4 to 5 minutes until they turn firm and opaque, signaling they’re perfectly done. The fresh herbs release their aroma, intensifying the dish’s flavor profile with their bright, herbal notes.

Step 4: Add Lemon Juice and Seasonings

Reduce the heat slightly and pour in fresh lemon juice, along with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. This combination enhances the natural sweetness of the scallops and balances the richness of the butter. Stir gently to integrate the flavors harmoniously, creating a fresh, zesty sauce that clings gently to both scallops and pasta.

Step 5: Optional Cream and Final Toss

If you decide to introduce the heavy cream, add it now and stir carefully to thicken the sauce just a bit, creating a luscious coating for the pasta. Finally, toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet, mixing gently to ensure every strand is infused with the buttery, herbaceous scallop sauce. The result is a dish that looks as stunning as it tastes.

How to Serve Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

Garnishes

To make your plate pop with color and a fresh bite, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or basil over the top just before serving. A few extra grates of Parmesan cheese add a salty depth and a lovely textural contrast. A thin lemon wedge on the side invites guests to add an extra squeeze of bright acidity if they wish.

Side Dishes

Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta pairs beautifully with crisp, green vegetables like sautéed asparagus or a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. A crusty baguette is perfect for mopping up any remaining buttery sauce, making the whole dining experience wonderfully satisfying.

Creative Ways to Present

For an elegant touch, try serving the pasta twirled into neat nests on warmed plates with scallops carefully arranged on top. Drizzle a little extra lemon butter sauce around the edge of the plate and garnish with edible flowers or microgreens to impress any crowd or special guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place any leftover Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta in an airtight container and refrigerate promptly. It will keep well for up to two days. The flavors may deepen overnight, but be mindful that the pasta might absorb some sauce and become softer.

Freezing

Freezing is generally not recommended for this dish because the texture of the scallops and pasta can suffer during thawing. If you must freeze, separate the pasta from the scallops, flash freeze them individually, and store in airtight containers to minimize texture loss.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce if it has thickened. Avoid microwave reheating if possible, as high heat can toughen scallops and mush the pasta.

FAQs

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

While fresh sea scallops yield the best flavor and texture, frozen scallops can work if fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. Just be aware that they may release more liquid, affecting the searing process slightly.

Is it necessary to use heavy cream in the recipe?

No, the cream is optional. It adds a richer, silkier sauce but the dish is perfectly delicious without it, relying on butter, herbs, and lemon juice for brightness and depth.

Can I substitute another type of pasta?

You can use other delicate pastas like capellini or thin spaghetti if you don’t have angel hair pasta on hand, but the very light texture of angel hair is ideal for this dish’s sauce balance.

How do I know when scallops are cooked perfectly?

Perfectly cooked scallops turn opaque with a slight golden sear and feel firm but still tender to the touch. Overcooking causes toughness and dryness, so watch them closely during cooking.

What wine pairs well with Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta?

Crisp white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complement the delicate sweetness of scallops and the fresh lemon flavors wonderfully, making your meal even more memorable.

Final Thoughts

If you want to impress yourself or your loved ones with a dish that feels like a luxurious restaurant experience but comes together in just 20 minutes, you absolutely must try Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta. It’s one of those magical recipes where simple, quality ingredients shine brilliantly and make every bite a celebration. Give it a go—you’re going to love how effortlessly delicious dinner can be!

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