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Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

4.7 from 15 reviews

A light and elegant dish featuring tender sea scallops sautéed with garlic, fresh herbs, and lemon, served over delicate angel hair pasta. This recipe combines simple ingredients to create a flavorful and satisfying seafood pasta perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta

Scallops and Sauce

  • 6 tablespoons butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
  2. Sauté Garlic: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
  3. Cook Scallops: Stir in sea scallops, chopped basil, and parsley. Cook until scallops are firm and opaque, about 4-5 minutes.
  4. Add Seasonings: Lower the heat and add fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Stir to combine evenly.
  5. Optional Cream Sauce: If desired, stir in the heavy cream to slightly thicken the sauce, cooking for an additional 1-2 minutes.
  6. Combine Pasta and Scallops: Toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet with the scallops and gently mix to coat the pasta with the sauce.
  7. Serve: Serve the dish hot, topped with grated Parmesan cheese if desired.

Notes

  • For best flavor, use dry-packed sea scallops rather than wet-packed ones.
  • If scallops are large, you can slice them in half to ensure even cooking.
  • Angel hair pasta cooks very quickly, so keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking.
  • The heavy cream is optional; omit for a lighter, dairy-free version.
  • Fresh herbs brighten the dish, but dried herbs can be used in a pinch (use 1 teaspoon dried basil and parsley instead).
  • Parmesan cheese adds richness but is optional depending on dietary preferences.

Nutrition

Keywords: sea scallops pasta, angel hair pasta, seafood pasta recipe, quick scallop dinner, garlic butter scallops