Seared Scallop Pasta with Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Spinach

Introduction:

Indulge in this luxurious and flavorful pasta dish featuring perfectly seared scallops atop a bed of spaghetti tossed with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a creamy garlic sauce. This recipe brings the elegance of a fine dining meal straight to your table, and it’s surprisingly easy to prepare. Perfect for a romantic dinner or a special occasion.

Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Scallops:

• 1 pound (450g) large scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Pasta:

• 12 ounces (340g) spaghetti or linguine
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/2 cup (75g) sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups (60g) fresh spinach
• 1 cup (240ml) heavy cream
• 1/2 cup (50g) grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 teaspoon dried Italian seasoning
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

Prepare the Scallops:

1. Dry the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
2. Sear: Heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.

Cook the Pasta:

1. Boil Pasta: Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente. Reserve 1 cup of pasta water, then drain.

Make the Sauce:

1. Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet used for the scallops, add olive oil and garlic. Sauté until fragrant (about 1 minute).
2. Add Tomatoes and Spinach: Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. Cook until the spinach wilts.
3. Add Cream and Cheese: Pour in the heavy cream and stir in Parmesan cheese and Italian seasoning. Simmer for 2-3 minutes, adjusting consistency with reserved pasta water if needed.
4. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.

Combine and Serve:

1. Toss Pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the sauce and toss to coat evenly.
2. Top with Scallops: Arrange the seared scallops on top of the pasta.
3. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley and serve immediately.

Tips:

• For extra flavor, deglaze the pan with white wine before adding the cream.
• Serve with crusty garlic bread and a glass of white wine for the ultimate experience.

Enjoy your elegant scallop pasta masterpiece! 🥂