Print

Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe

Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta Recipe
Print Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 20 reviews

This elegant and flavorful dish features tender sea scallops sautéed with fresh garlic, basil, and parsley, served over delicate angel hair pasta. A hint of lemon juice brightens the dish, while optional additions of heavy cream and Parmesan cheese add a rich, creamy finish. Perfect for a quick yet impressive meal in under 30 minutes.

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 the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the 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 the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute, being careful not to burn.
  3. Cook scallops: Stir in the sea scallops, chopped basil, and parsley. Cook until scallops turn firm and opaque, about 4-5 minutes, flipping halfway through for even cooking.
  4. Add lemon and seasoning: Lower the heat and stir in the fresh lemon juice, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Optional cream sauce: If desired, stir in the heavy cream to slightly thicken the sauce and add richness.
  6. Toss pasta with scallops: Add the cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet with the scallops and gently toss to coat the pasta evenly with the sauce.
  7. Serve: Plate the pasta and scallops immediately, topping with grated Parmesan cheese if you like. Serve hot for best flavor.

Notes

  • Be careful not to overcook scallops; they cook quickly and become rubbery if overdone.
  • Using fresh herbs like basil and parsley enhances the dish’s freshness and aroma.
  • The heavy cream and Parmesan are optional but add a lovely richness to the pasta.
  • Angel hair pasta cooks very fast; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
  • For a lighter option, omit the cream and Parmesan cheese.
  • Fresh lemon juice brightens the flavor; adjust amount to taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: sea scallops, angel hair pasta, garlic, basil, parsley, lemon juice, seafood pasta, easy dinner, Italian cuisine, quick meal

Find it online: https://bakedbylisa.com/sea-scallops-with-angel-hair-pasta-recipe/