Description

30-Minute Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Lemon Zest is a luxurious yet easy-to-make dish that transforms fresh scallops into a gourmet experience. With tender scallops seared to perfection and tossed in a rich garlic butter sauce, this pasta is brightened by zesty lemon and fresh parsley. Ready in just half an hour, it’s perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests with minimal effort.

Ingredients

Scale

8 oz spaghetti
1 lb wild-caught scallops
3 tbsp unsalted butter
4 cloves fresh garlic (minced)
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cook the spaghetti according to package instructions in salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.
In a large skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Lower the heat and add the remaining tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Stir in minced garlic, cooking until fragrant (about 1 minute).
Return the scallops to the skillet along with cooked pasta. Incorporate lemon zest and juice, adding reserved pasta water as needed for desired consistency.
Season with salt and pepper, tossing gently to combine, then garnish with chopped parsley.
Serve warm, optionally drizzling with extra melted butter or olive oil.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main
Method: Searing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 plate (approximately 275g)
Calories: 500
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Unsaturated Fat: 8g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 3g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: Ensure scallops are dry before searing for best results. Substitute scallops with shrimp or chicken for variations. Enhance nutrition by adding seasonal vegetables like spinach or cherry tomatoes.