Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

The combination of delicate angel hair pasta and buttery seared sea scallops, all brought together with fresh herbs and a splash of lemon, makes this dish a dinner dream come true. It’s simple, elegant, and brimming with light, vibrant flavor that complements the richness of the scallops perfectly.

This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights when you still want to treat yourself (or your guests!) to something special. With minimal prep and cook time, you’ll have a restaurant-worthy plate on the table in just 20 minutes. Bonus: it’s easily adjustable for a touch of creaminess or a dairy-free option. A true keeper for any seafood lover’s rotation.

Full Recipe

Ingredients:

1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
6 tablespoons butter
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
1/2 cup heavy cream (optional)
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)

Directions:

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook until al dente, about 4 minutes. Drain and set aside.
In a large skillet over medium heat, melt the butter. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Stir in scallops, basil, and parsley. Cook until scallops are firm and opaque, about 4-5 minutes.
Lower the heat and add lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
If using, stir in the cream to thicken the sauce slightly.
Toss the cooked angel hair pasta into the skillet with the scallops and gently mix to coat.
Serve hot with grated Parmesan cheese on top, if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 20 minutes

Kcal: 415 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

A Taste of Elegance in Every Forkful: Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta

Seafood has long held a prestigious place in the culinary world. Known for its light yet rich flavors and its reputation for transforming a simple meal into something special, seafood is often associated with celebrations, coastal dining, and refined taste. Among the treasures of the sea, scallops stand out as a delicacy and when paired with angel hair pasta in a delicate lemon-butter herb sauce, they create a dish that’s as luxurious as it is approachable.

The recipe for Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta combines simplicity with elegance, resulting in a restaurant-quality meal that can be made at home in under 30 minutes. This dish is not only a favorite among seafood lovers but also a go-to for anyone looking to impress dinner guests without spending hours in the kitchen.

The Art of Cooking Scallops

Scallops, especially sea scallops, are prized for their naturally sweet flavor and tender texture. When cooked properly, they have a slightly caramelized exterior with a soft, buttery interior that practically melts in your mouth. The key to a perfectly seared scallop lies in the preparation they must be dry before hitting the pan, and cooked over medium-high heat just until opaque and slightly golden.

In this dish, scallops are paired with a garlic butter base, which enhances their natural sweetness while introducing savory notes. Fresh parsley and basil add brightness and a touch of herbal complexity, while lemon juice cuts through the richness, bringing balance to every bite.

Why Angel Hair Pasta?

Angel hair pasta, also known as capellini, is one of the thinnest types of Italian pasta. It cooks quickly and has a soft, delicate texture that works wonderfully with light sauces. Its fine strands allow it to absorb subtle flavors effectively, making it the perfect partner for a lemon-butter sauce. Heavier pastas might overpower the scallops or disrupt the dish’s light profile, but angel hair enhances the elegance, keeping the focus on the scallops and herbs.

In this recipe, the pasta acts as a neutral base that carries the flavor of the sauce and supports the texture of the scallops. Tossing the pasta directly in the pan after the scallops are cooked allows the noodles to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce no drop wasted.

The Role of Herbs and Lemon

One of the defining features of this dish is its bright, herbaceous flavor profile. Basil and parsley are a classic Mediterranean combination that add freshness and depth. Parsley brings a clean, peppery flavor, while basil offers a sweet, aromatic quality that complements seafood beautifully.

Lemon juice is another crucial element. It adds acidity to balance the richness of the butter and scallops, while also enhancing the dish’s freshness. A small amount of lemon goes a long way, but its presence is felt in every bite. The overall result is a dish that feels light and uplifting, rather than heavy or overly creamy.

Optional Additions for Customization

One of the great things about this dish is how easily it can be customized without compromising its elegance. A touch of heavy cream can be added to the sauce for a richer, silkier texture. This turns the dish into more of a cream-based pasta, which pairs exceptionally well with a glass of white wine on a cooler evening.

Grated Parmesan cheese is another optional addition. Though not traditionally paired with seafood in Italian cuisine, a light dusting can add a salty, umami punch that some diners will appreciate. Just be sure to use high-quality Parmesan and apply it sparingly so as not to overwhelm the delicate scallop flavor.

For a bit of heat, red pepper flakes can be added to the butter-garlic base. This gives the sauce a little kick, perfect for those who enjoy a bit of spice.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Scallop Pasta

While this dish stands beautifully on its own, a few thoughtful pairings can round out the meal and elevate the experience even further.

Salads: A crisp, fresh salad makes a perfect appetizer or side dish. Try arugula with lemon vinaigrette or a classic Caesar salad to keep things light and cohesive.
Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or lemony broccoli are all excellent accompaniments. Their clean flavors complement the scallops without stealing the spotlight.
Bread: A warm baguette or a few slices of crusty sourdough are ideal for soaking up any remaining sauce.
Wine: For wine lovers, this dish pairs wonderfully with a dry white wine such as Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or even a lightly oaked Chardonnay. The wine’s acidity mirrors the lemon juice in the sauce and cuts through the richness of the butter and scallops.

When to Serve This Dish

Thanks to its elegance and simplicity, Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta is versatile enough for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. It’s the kind of recipe you might prepare for:

A romantic date night at home
Hosting a small dinner party
Celebrating an anniversary or birthday
A refined holiday meal starter or main course
Treating yourself after a long day with something light yet gourmet

Its speed and ease of preparation make it an especially good choice for busy home cooks who don’t want to compromise on quality or presentation.

A Few Pro Tips for Success

Dry the scallops thoroughly before searing. Moisture is the enemy of a good sear.
Cook pasta until just al dente it will continue to cook slightly when tossed with the warm sauce.
Use fresh herbs and fresh lemon juice. Dried herbs or bottled lemon juice won’t have the same vibrancy.
Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing scallops. Work in batches if needed to avoid steaming them.
Serve immediately. This dish is best enjoyed right after it’s made, when the scallops are still warm and the sauce is silky.

Conclusion:

Sea Scallops with Angel Hair Pasta is one of those rare recipes that manages to check all the boxes. It’s quick and easy to prepare, yet it delivers on every front flavor, texture, elegance, and satisfaction. Whether you’re an experienced home cook or just starting to experiment with seafood, this recipe is an excellent way to dip your toes into the world of fine home dining.

With a few fresh ingredients and thoughtful preparation, you can transform an ordinary evening into something memorable. It’s a testament to the beauty of simplicity and the power of quality ingredients. Once you try it, it might just earn a regular spot in your recipe rotation and maybe even your heart.

0 Shares