The beauty of this Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta dish lies in its simplicity and elegance. Golden-browned scallops, delicately crisp on the outside and tender on the inside, sit atop a bed of silky angel hair pasta tossed in a zesty garlic-lemon butter sauce. This combination strikes a perfect balance between luxurious seafood flavors and the comfort of a home-cooked meal. Whether you’re preparing a romantic dinner, entertaining guests, or simply treating yourself to something special, this dish is sure to impress. The ingredients are fresh and minimal, allowing each flavor to shine. Pair it with a chilled glass of white wine and a crisp side salad for a restaurant-quality experience right in your own kitchen.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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12 large sea scallops
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8 oz angel hair pasta
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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3 tablespoons unsalted butter
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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Zest and juice of 1 lemon
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1/2 cup dry white wine (optional)
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1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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Grated Parmesan cheese for garnish (optional)
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente according to package directions. Drain and set aside.
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Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Once hot, sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden and opaque in the center. Remove and set aside.
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In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium. Add butter and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant, about 1 minute.
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Add lemon zest, lemon juice, and white wine (if using), then simmer for 2 minutes to slightly reduce.
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Toss the cooked pasta into the sauce until well-coated.
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Plate pasta, top with seared scallops, and sprinkle with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan. Serve immediately.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 480 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Where Coastal Flavor Meets Italian Grace
Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta is the kind of dish that feels like a five-star meal, yet it’s incredibly simple and quick to prepare in the comfort of your own kitchen. This elegant seafood pasta recipe draws its charm from the natural sweetness and tenderness of sea scallops, paired with the delicate texture of angel hair pasta and the bold, bright notes of a garlic-lemon butter sauce. The result is a luxurious yet accessible plate of food that bridges coastal cuisine with Italian culinary traditions.
Whether served on a special date night, a festive family gathering, or a casual evening when you want something just a bit more refined, this dish has the versatility to elevate any occasion. Light, refreshing, and balanced, it showcases how a few thoughtfully selected ingredients can yield a restaurant-quality result at home.
Why Sea Scallops Shine in Home Cooking
Scallops, particularly sea scallops, are prized for their delicate flavor and firm texture. Their natural sweetness pairs beautifully with light sauces and pasta dishes. When properly seared, scallops develop a caramelized crust on the outside while remaining buttery soft inside a contrast in texture that seafood lovers cherish.
One of the key reasons home cooks shy away from scallops is a fear of overcooking or undercooking them. But with the right technique, scallops can be one of the quickest and most rewarding proteins to prepare. Their cooking time is brief, which makes them perfect for weeknight meals that don’t compromise on flavor or flair.
Moreover, sea scallops are nutrient-dense. They’re an excellent source of high-quality protein, low in fat, and rich in important nutrients like vitamin B12, phosphorus, and omega-3 fatty acids. So, while this dish feels indulgent, it also supports a healthy and balanced diet.
The Delicacy of Angel Hair Pasta
Angel hair pasta, or capellini, is a fine, delicate pasta that pairs especially well with light sauces and tender proteins like scallops. Its thin texture means it cooks rapidly usually within two to four minutes making it a convenient choice for time-conscious cooks.
The choice of angel hair pasta for this recipe is no coincidence. Its lightness complements the fragile nature of scallops without overwhelming them. Unlike heavier pasta shapes that might dominate the dish, angel hair subtly cradles the sauce and scallops, allowing their flavors to shine through. This harmony is the key to the recipe’s success it’s not about complexity, but about letting each element shine.
Building Layers of Flavor: Garlic, Lemon, and Butter
What truly binds this dish together is the aromatic and flavorful garlic-lemon butter sauce. Each component serves a purpose:
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Garlic infuses the butter with a warm, earthy depth that balances the sweetness of the scallops.
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Lemon zest and juice bring a bright, citrusy contrast that lifts the overall dish, making it taste lighter and more vibrant.
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Butter, meanwhile, enriches the sauce, giving it a velvety mouthfeel and a subtle, savory depth.
Together, these ingredients create a sauce that clings gently to the angel hair, enveloping it in a light coating that enhances rather than overshadows. The acidity of the lemon also acts as a natural flavor enhancer for the scallops, allowing their maritime essence to pop with every bite.
A splash of dry white wine (optional) can elevate the sauce even further, adding a hint of complexity and refinement. A final touch of chopped parsley not only adds color but freshness and a mild, peppery bite.
Tips for Perfect Execution
While the recipe itself is straightforward, a few key tips can ensure optimal results:
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Dry the scallops thoroughly before searing to achieve that coveted golden crust. Moisture on the surface of the scallops will steam them instead of searing them.
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Use high heat when searing the scallops, but avoid overcrowding the pan, which can drop the temperature and hinder browning.
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Cook the angel hair pasta just to al dente, since it can become mushy quickly due to its fine texture. Toss it immediately into the sauce so it can absorb the flavor while still hot.
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Use fresh lemon juice and zest rather than bottled juice for the brightest, freshest flavor.
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Don’t skip the garnish: Fresh parsley and grated Parmesan are simple additions that add complexity and depth to the final dish.
Pairing Suggestions
This elegant seafood pasta pairs wonderfully with a range of side dishes and drinks. For a complete dining experience, consider the following:
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Appetizer: A light salad with arugula, shaved fennel, and citrus vinaigrette.
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Side dish: Garlic bread or toasted baguette slices to mop up the buttery sauce.
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Wine pairing: A crisp white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay complements the lemon butter and scallops beautifully.
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Dessert: Something light and citrusy like lemon sorbet or panna cotta to round off the meal.
A Perfect Dish for Any Occasion
One of the best features of this recipe is its adaptability. While it feels like a luxurious restaurant dish, it’s also incredibly practical for home cooks. You can easily scale the ingredients up or down depending on your needs. It’s also relatively quick to prepare making it ideal for impromptu dinners or last-minute entertaining.
Don’t be fooled by the simplicity of the recipe; the combination of well-prepared scallops, al dente pasta, and bright, buttery sauce is an exquisite culinary experience. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t need embellishment or complicated preparation it just works, beautifully and deliciously.
Conclusion:
Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta is a shining example of how refined flavors can come from the most accessible and humble ingredients. By focusing on quality scallops, properly prepared pasta, and a sauce that balances brightness and richness, this dish achieves a level of sophistication rarely found in a 25-minute recipe.
It’s a perfect addition to any home cook’s repertoire whether you’re impressing guests, creating a romantic dinner for two, or simply treating yourself to something elegant on a quiet night in. With its coastal charm and Italian influence, this dish is sure to become a cherished favorite.
If you’re looking to bring a bit of gourmet into your home kitchen without spending hours at the stove, look no further than this dish. It’s proof that elegance and simplicity aren’t mutually exclusive in fact, they might just be the perfect match.
