Description
Indulge in a delicious Angel Hair Pasta with Seared Scallops, featuring tender pasta, succulent scallops, and a zesty garlic-wine sauce. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight treat.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces angel hair pasta
- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (such as Sauvignon Blanc)
- 1 lemon, juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a rolling boil.
- Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions (about 3-4 minutes) until al dente. Drain and toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking. Set aside.
- Pat the scallops dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Add the scallops in a single layer and sear for 2-3 minutes without moving them. Flip and add 2 tablespoons of butter, cooking for another 2-3 minutes until opaque. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes, and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Toss in halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Pour in white wine, scraping up browned bits, and let simmer for 3-4 minutes until reduced.
- Stir in lemon juice and zest.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add a splash of pasta water or more olive oil if needed.
- Gently fold in the scallops and heat through for 1-2 minutes.
- Sprinkle chopped parsley over the dish and mix.
- Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Twirl pasta onto plates, ensuring scallops are included.
- Optionally, sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese and extra parsley.
- Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry before searing for the best crust.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your spice preference.
- This dish pairs well with a crisp green salad or garlic bread.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes