Go Back
Print
scallop recipe pasta

Pan-Seared Scallops with Pasta Recipe

Skill Level: Beginner
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 people

Ingredients

  • 1 lb Cameron’s Sea Scallops
  • 1 large lemon zested and juiced
  • 2-3 cloves of garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp of olive oil divided into 2 equal portions of 1each
  • tsp ¼salt
  • tsp ¼black pepper
  • pinch of chili pepper flakes
  • 8 oz of thin pasta we used angel hair pasta
  • 2 tbsp shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

  1. In a 4-quart pot, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, reduce the heat to keep the water at a simmer until you are ready to cook your pasta.
  2. While the water is heating up, combine your lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, 1 tbsp of the olive oil, and the chili flakes in a small pot. Set the pot over low heat and let it hang out there while you are cooking the pasta and scallops. The low heat will allow the flavors to combine well without bringing the olive oil past its smoking point.
  3. Heat a large, non-stick pan or grill pan over high heat until it's very hot. Carefully toss your scallops in the salt, pepper, and 1 tbsp of olive oil. Place the scallops in the hot pan and cook them for about 4 minutes on each side; you want the scallops to be firm and well browned on the outside with a milky white center.
  4. As soon as you've flipped the scallops, pop your pasta into the water and cook to al dente according to package directions. (Did you know? The longer the cook time for pasta, the higher the gluten content! Gluten forms in the presence of water, so longer cooking = more water for gluten to form in.)
  5. When the pasta is done cooking, reserve ½ cup of the cooking water and drain the liquid. The reserved cooking water will help the sauce stick to the pasta.

  6. Return the pasta to the pot and toss with the oil mixture you had warming over low heat and the reserved pasta water. Divide the pasta among four plates and top with the seared sea scallops. Garnish each plate with a sprinkling of parmesan cheese and you are ready to eat your pan-seared scallop with pasta recipe! A piece of crusty sourdough bread or a light salad would be the perfect accompaniment to this meal.