– **Title**: Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
– **Ingredients**:
– 8 oz spaghetti or linguine
– 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
– 1 lb scallops, cleaned
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup heavy cream
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to preference)
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Lemon wedges, for serving
– Grated Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside. Reserve about 1/2 cup of pasta water.
2. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
3. Add the shrimp to the skillet, seasoning with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
4. Next, add the scallops and cook for another 2-3 minutes until they are cooked through and golden brown.
5. Pour in the white wine (if using) and let it simmer for about 1-2 minutes to reduce slightly.
6. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook until they soften, about 2-3 minutes.
7. Stir in the heavy cream and let it simmer for another 2 minutes. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until the desired consistency is reached.
8. Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet with the seafood mixture, making sure to coat the pasta well with the sauce.
9. Remove from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
10. Serve hot, garnished with lemon wedges and grated Parmesan cheese if desired. Enjoy your Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Pasta: Fettuccine and linguine work great here, but feel free to swap in spaghetti or even gluten-free pasta if needed. Choose a cook time that matches what you pick!
Shrimp: Look for large, fresh shrimp for the best flavor. If shrimp are not available, you could use chicken or even firm tofu for a different twist.
Scallops: These add a lovely sweetness, but you can skip them or replace them with another seafood like mussels or even small clams if you prefer. Just adjust your cooking time accordingly.
White Wine: This adds depth to the dish. If you want a non-alcoholic option, try using vegetable broth or simply increase the lemon juice a bit!
Fresh Parsley: For a bright touch, fresh parsley is perfect. If you don’t have it, basil or cilantro can also jazz things up a bit.
How Do I Cook Seafood Without Overdoing It?
Cooking shrimp and scallops just right is crucial to keep them juicy and tender. Here’s the best way to do it:
- Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat, then add garlic for flavor.
- Add shrimp and scallops. Cook shrimp until pink and scallops until golden brown. This usually takes about 3-4 minutes.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. It’s better to cook them in batches if the pan feels crowded.
- Make sure to remove them from the skillet as soon as they are cooked to avoid overcooking.
Following these steps will help prevent rubbery seafood, which is a common struggle. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!
How to Make Seafood Pasta with Shrimp and Scallops
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Pasta:
- 8 oz pasta (such as fettuccine or linguine)
For The Seafood:
- 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 1 lb scallops, cleaned
For The Sauce:
- 3 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine (optional)
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Garnishing:
- Lemon slices for garnish
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delightful seafood pasta takes about 20-25 minutes to make, including boiling the pasta and cooking the seafood. You’ll be ready to enjoy this elegant dish in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Cook the Pasta:
Start by boiling a pot of salted water and cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once it’s al dente, drain it but make sure to reserve a little bit of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the seafood.
2. sauté the garlic:
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute, or until it becomes fragrant but not browned. This will add a lovely flavor to the dish!
3. Cook the Seafood:
Next, add the peeled shrimp and cleaned scallops to the skillet. Sprinkle them with salt and pepper. Cook for about 3-4 minutes, until the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are golden brown. Once done, gently remove the seafood from the skillet and set it aside.
4. Deglaze the Skillet:
If you’re using white wine, pour it into the skillet now. Use a wooden spoon to scrape any flavorful bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let it simmer for about 2-3 minutes, allowing the wine to reduce slightly.
5. Combine Ingredients:
Add the reserved pasta to the skillet along with the lemon juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss everything together well to make sure the pasta is coated in the delightful sauce!
6. Return the Seafood:
Now, gently return the cooked shrimp and scallops to the skillet. If the pasta seems dry, add a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. This will keep the dish nice and saucy!
7. Finish and Serve:
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped parsley. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. To plate, serve garnished with lemon slices and sprinkle with extra parsley if desired. Enjoy your delicious seafood pasta!
Can I Use Different Types of Seafood?
Absolutely! You can swap out the shrimp and scallops for any seafood you prefer, such as mussels, clams, or even fish like salmon or tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different seafood cooks at different rates.
What If I Don’t Have White Wine? Can I Omit It?
Yes, you can skip the white wine if you don’t have any on hand. To add depth of flavor, consider using chicken or vegetable broth instead, or simply increase the lemon juice and a splash of water to keep the moisture level up without losing that tangy taste.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. You can also microwave it, but stir occasionally to heat evenly.
Can I Make This Pasta Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare the pasta and sauce ahead of time. Cook the pasta and seafood separately, then combine them just before serving. This helps keep everything fresh and prevents overcooking. You can store the pasta and seafood in the fridge separately for up to 2 days.
