There’s a special kind of joy that comes from preparing a dish that transforms an ordinary weeknight into a gourmet experience. That’s exactly what you’ll find with my Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta. Imagine the enticing aroma of plump, golden scallops sizzling away in your kitchen, mingling with the bright, herbal notes of pesto—a sensory delight that excites both the palate and the spirit. This recipe not only dazzles with its flavor but also dazzles with ease; it’s quick to whip up and offers some delicious customization options that are sure to please anyone at the table.
Whether you’re having a quiet dinner for two or hosting a lively gathering, this dish promises to impress without the stress. Plus, those willing to explore can mix and match toppings, ensuring everyone leaves with a smile. Let’s dive into this effortless yet elegant meal that redefines comfort food with a touch of sophistication!
Why Will You Love Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta?
Simplicity at its Best: This recipe is quick and straightforward, making it an ideal choice for busy weeknights.
Gourmet Flavors: The combination of succulent scallops and vibrant pesto creates a dish that feels special.
Customizable Toppings: Whether you prefer added heat or extra veggies, you can easily tailor it to your taste.
Crowd-Pleasing Appeal: Perfect for intimate dinners or entertaining guests, everyone will adore this delightful dish!
Health-Conscious Options: With gluten-free and vegetarian substitutions, there’s something for every dietary need.
Explore more delicious creations like Monster Eyeball Pasta that impress with flair and flavor!
Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta Ingredients
• There’s nothing like the magic of fresh ingredients to create a delightful culinary experience!
For the Pasta
- Pasta – 12 ounces – Base of the dish; use any favorite pasta shape for delightful texture.
For the Pesto Sauce
- Pesto – 1/2 cup – Provides vibrant flavor; can be fresh or store-bought.
For the Scallops
- Jumbo Sea Scallops – 1 1/2 pounds – Adds luxury to the dish; rinsed and prepped for cooking.
- Avocado Oil – 1 1/2 tablespoons – High smoke point oil ideal for searing scallops.
- Kosher Salt – To season scallops; enhances the natural flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper – Enhances the dish’s flavor with subtle heat.
Optional Flavor Boosters
- Pine Nuts – 1/4 cup – Toasted for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- Roasted Red Peppers – 14 ounces – For sweetness and vibrant color.
- Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes – For juicy, tangy contrast.
- Lemon Zest – Adds freshness and brightness to the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes – For those who enjoy a touch of heat.
- Fresh Basil – Enhances color and complements the pesto beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan – A classic finishing touch, adding rich, savory flavor.
Feel free to customize your Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta with any of these options for a meal that’s uniquely yours!
How to Make Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta
- Cook Pasta: Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, letting its warmth linger.
- Heat Oil: In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering, perfect for searing those gorgeous scallops.
- Toast Nuts: Add 1/4 cup of pine nuts to the pan. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Sear Scallops: Season 1 1/2 pounds of jumbo sea scallops with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and delicately golden.
- Combine Ingredients: Lower the heat and gently stir in 1/2 cup of pesto, mixing well with the scallops and toasted pine nuts, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Toss Pasta: Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the scallop and pesto mixture until every strand is evenly coated and embraces that vibrant flavor.
- Garnish & Serve: Serve your creation warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as roasted red peppers, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, or freshly grated Parmesan.
Optional: Add a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick!
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips for Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta
- Pan Preheating: Ensure your skillet is hot enough before adding scallops to prevent sticking. A well-heated pan creates a beautiful sear.
- Perfectly Cooked Scallops: Sear scallops for about 2-3 minutes on each side. Overcooking them can make them tough, so watch closely.
- Al Dente Pasta: Cook the pasta just to al dente, as it will continue cooking slightly after mixing. This ensures a perfect texture in your Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta.
- Storage Savvy: Store any leftovers in an airtight container and use them within 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture.
- Customization Friendly: Don’t hesitate to mix and match toppings based on what you enjoy. Incorporate seasonal veggies or herbs to create your own spin!
How to Store and Freeze Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta
Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezer: For longer storage, freeze the pasta without toppings for up to 2 months. Ensure it’s in a tightly sealed freezer bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating: When ready to enjoy, reheat gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep the pasta moist and enhance the flavors of your Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta.
Toppings: If using toppings, add them fresh after reheating for the best taste and texture.
What to Serve with Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta?
Elevate your dining experience by complementing this luxurious dish with a variety of delightful side options.
- Garlic Bread: This classic pairing offers a crunchy texture and buttery, garlicky flavor that is perfect for soaking up leftover pesto sauce.
- Arugula Salad: A fresh arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette adds a zesty contrast, balancing the richness of the pasta beautifully.
- Roasted Asparagus: The tender, slightly charred asparagus provides a delightful crunch and earthy flavor that enhances the dish’s gourmet feel.
- Chilled Chardonnay: A crisp glass of Chardonnay brightens each bite, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm, savory pasta.
Enjoy the harmonious combination of flavors and textures as you dive into your elevated dining experience!
Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta Variations
Feel free to get creative and tailor your dish to suit your taste with these delightful twists!
- Gluten-Free: Substitute regular pasta with gluten-free options like rice or quinoa pasta for a similar texture without the gluten.
- Veggie Boost: Add sautéed spinach or kale for a burst of color and nutrients, making each bite even more satisfying.
- Creamy Twist: To enhance richness, stir in heavy cream or coconut cream, giving your pasta a luxurious, silky sauce.
- Nut-Free: If allergies are a concern, swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds, maintaining the crunch without the nuts.
- Spicy Kick: For those who crave heat, include diced jalapeños or a splash of your favorite hot sauce to elevate the flavors.
- Seafood Medley: Elevate your dish by adding shrimp or lump crab meat for a delightful seafood variation that’s truly indulgent.
- Sundried Tomatoes: Replace roasted tomatoes with sundried for a tangy punch, enhancing the depth of flavor in your dish.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill or parsley to brighten the whole pasta, adding a refreshing aromatic layer to every forkful.
Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta Recipe FAQs
What type of pasta is best for Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta?
Absolutely! Any pasta shape you adore works wonderfully, but I recommend using a shape that can hold the sauce well, like fettuccine or penne. For a gluten-free option, you might consider rice or quinoa pasta.
How do I select perfect jumbo sea scallops?
Look for scallops that are firm and somewhat translucent, avoiding any that appear dull or have dark spots all over, as this indicates they may be past their prime. Fresh scallops should smell like the ocean—light and briny, not overly fishy.
How should I store leftovers of Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta?
To keep your dish fresh, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth in your pan to maintain moisture, then gently heat it on the stovetop until warmed through.
Can I freeze Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your pasta! It’s best to freeze it without any toppings. Just transfer cooled pasta into a tightly sealed freezer bag, ensuring to squeeze out as much air as possible. It will stay fresh for up to 2 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it, reheat gently on the stovetop with added moisture to keep it flavorful.
Are there dietary considerations or potential allergens in this dish?
Definitely keep in mind that scallops can be an allergen for some people. If you’re serving guests, be sure to ask about allergies. For those looking to make it nut-free, replace the pine nuts with sunflower seeds, which are a fantastic alternative!
What toppings can I use for additional flavor and texture?
Very! You can customize your dish with various toppings like roasted red peppers, slow roasted cherry tomatoes, or even freshly grated Parmesan. For added spice, crushed red pepper flakes are a delightful touch! Feel free to mix and match to elevate your Scallop Pesto Pasta to new heights!
Irresistibly Easy Seared Scallop Pesto Pasta for Gourmet Nights
Equipment
- large pot
- Large skillet
Ingredients
For the Pasta
- 12 ounces Pasta Base of the dish; use any favorite pasta shape for delightful texture.
For the Pesto Sauce
- 1/2 cup Pesto Provides vibrant flavor; can be fresh or store-bought.
For the Scallops
- 1 1/2 pounds Jumbo Sea Scallops Adds luxury to the dish; rinsed and prepped for cooking.
- 1 1/2 tablespoons Avocado Oil High smoke point oil ideal for searing scallops.
- Kosher Salt To season scallops; enhances the natural flavors.
- Ground Black Pepper Enhances the dish's flavor with subtle heat.
Optional Flavor Boosters
- 1/4 cup Pine Nuts Toasted for a crunchy texture and nutty flavor.
- 14 ounces Roasted Red Peppers For sweetness and vibrant color.
- Slow Roasted Cherry Tomatoes For juicy, tangy contrast.
- Lemon Zest Adds freshness and brightness to the dish.
- Crushed Red Pepper Flakes For those who enjoy a touch of heat.
- Fresh Basil Enhances color and complements the pesto beautifully.
- Grated Parmesan A classic finishing touch, adding rich, savory flavor.
Instructions
Cooking Steps
- Begin by boiling the pasta in a large pot of salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside, letting its warmth linger.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 1/2 tablespoons of avocado oil over medium heat until shimmering, perfect for searing those gorgeous scallops.
- Add 1/4 cup of pine nuts to the pan. Toast them for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until they turn golden brown and fragrant.
- Season 1 1/2 pounds of jumbo sea scallops with kosher salt and ground black pepper. Place them in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until they are opaque and delicately golden.
- Lower the heat and gently stir in 1/2 cup of pesto, mixing well with the scallops and toasted pine nuts, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss it with the scallop and pesto mixture until every strand is evenly coated and embraces that vibrant flavor.
- Serve your creation warm, garnished with your favorite toppings such as roasted red peppers, slow-roasted cherry tomatoes, or freshly grated Parmesan.
Notes
Nutrition
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