It's scallop hunting season in Florida, so that means it's time to be on the lookout for some great recipes to make with the haul. This Bay Scallops with Pasta and Lemon Garlic Sauce recipe is one of our favorites because it combines creamy garlic linguine, buttery pan-seared scallops, and a touch of lemon and basil for freshness.
What to serve with scallops and pasta? A delicious side salad and some crusty bread, of course!
Bay scallops are a species of scallop that are smaller in size and a bit sweeter than your average sea scallop. They are found in salty, shallow water estuaries along the Gulf Coast. They are full of flavor, take very little time to cook, and make for an effortless weeknight meal.
Why we love this recipe:
- It's nostalgic - It's a tradition in our family to take the boat out during scallop season and catch dinner. We have many memories of scalloping that we will cherish for years to come. This pasta dish is a recipe we come back to again and again.
- It's tasty - We crave the combination of flavors. Bay scallops are a delicacy and have a sweet flavor. They go very well with the linguine and homemade lemon garlic sauce.
- It's romantic - Serve it up with a glass of white wine and you have a beautiful dinner for two. No need to dine out.
If you want more awesome seafood recipes, try our Spaghetti Nero di Seppia with Clams, our family Creole Seafood Gumbo recipe, or this fun Poke Bowl with Seared Ahi Tuna.
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Ingredients
- Scallops - We used bay scallops for this recipe because they were fresh out of the boat. Yum!
- Linguine - We like to pair our bay scallops with linguine noodles since they're a little thicker than traditional spaghetti.
- Parmesan cheese - Fresh Parmigiano-Reggiano is recommended.
- Garlic - Use fresh minced garlic cloves if possible.
- White wine - We used chardonnay, but feel free to use what you like to drink.
- Butter - The unsalted variety.
- Olive Oil - Use a good quality olive oil.
- Lemon - The juice of half a lemon and a little zest for tang and brightness.
- Basil - Adds fresh flavor. Parsley would also work well.
- Salt - Just a little will do!
- Pepper - Fresh cracked pepper is best.
Note: Refer to the recipe card below for exact quantities.
Instructions
How to Make Bay Scallops with Pasta and Lemon Garlic Sauce
STEP ONE: Prepare the Scallops and Other Ingredients
Begin by cleaning the scallops (if caught fresh) and drying them off with a paper towel. Heat a few tablespoon of olive oil in a cast iron skillet on medium heat. When sizzling, add scallops and pan-sear them for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove promptly and set aside.
All other ingredients should be measured, minced, chopped, etc. so that they are ready to add in quickly.
STEP TWO: Prepare the Pasta
Bring water to a boil and add salt. Boil pasta according to package directions, for approximately 10 minutes, and drain in a colander. Begin preparing the sauce while the pasta is cooking.
STEP THREE: Prepare the Sauce
In the same skillet on low heat, add 4 tablespoon of butter. When butter is almost melted, add garlic, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Cook until fragrant and then add white wine and a little pasta water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat, or remove all the way from the burner. When the wine has been reduced by half, add the juice of half a lemon.
STEP FOUR: Assemble and Serve
Combine cooked pasta with sauce and add freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until the cheese has melted. Taste and add more salt or parmesan cheese if desired. Transfer pasta to a serving bowl, then add the pan-seared scallops on top. Add additional parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately.
Substitutions
- Seafood - This recipe would also work well with shrimp.
- Pasta - Spaghetti or angel hair pasta would make a great substitute for linguine.
- Wine - No white wine? Use a little chicken broth instead.
- Herbs - Fresh parsley would be fine in place of basil.
Variations
- Flavor - Blackened sea scallops would make for a nice variation if you're in the mood for a bit of spice. I wouldn't recommend this seasoning on bay scallops because of their sweet delicate flavor.
Equipment
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Storage
Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 1-2 days.
This dish is not freezer friendly.
Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.
Top Tips
Add generous amounts of salt to your pasta water before boiling. This will add flavor and help bring it to a boil faster.
Save a little salty pasta water to add to your sauce to help loosen it up and season.
Reheat leftover pasta by tossing it with a little oil in a frying pan until heated through.
More Recipes
Have leftover ingredients?
- Leftover scallops? Fry them up and make a delicious Fried Bay Scallop Po Boy Sandwich or toss them in a Caesar Salad.
- Use your excess linguine to make Linguine alla Carbonara with Prosciutto and Peas.
In the mood for a similar dish?
Need something to pair this with?
- Try this quick and easy Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette
- You may also like this Simple Arugula Side Salad
More dinner recipes you will love:
FAQ
Bay scallops are much smaller in size and many people consider them to be sweeter in flavor. They do not take as long to cook and are common in ceviche or served au gratin.
Most people use a snorkel, mask, and fins to go after this swimming mollusk. They have 30-40 bright blue eyes that can detect movement, so you have to be quick. It's best to carry a small mesh bag to collect them. Once captured, put them over ice immediately.
📖 Recipe
Bay Scallops with Pasta and Lemon Garlic Sauce
Ingredients
- ¼ lb Scallops
- ½ lb Linguine
- 1 cup Freshly grated parmesan
- 6-8 cloves Garlic
- ½ cup White wine
- 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
- 4 tablespoon Butter
- ½ qty Lemon (Juice of)
- ¼ teaspoon Red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Pepper
Garnish
- 2-3 leaves Basil
- Lemon zest
Instructions
- Clean and pat scallops dry, then season them with a very small amount of black pepper. Prepare remaining ingredients.
- In a cast iron skillet on medium heat, pan sear scallops for 1-2 minutes on each side. Remove immediately after cooked and set aside for later.
- Add salt to boiling water. Boil pasta according to package directions. While pasta is boiling, prepare the sauce.
- Add butter to the skillet. When butter is almost melted, add garlic, red pepper flakes, and pepper. Cook until fragrant, about one minute.
- Add white wine and a little pasta water. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat. Remove pan from the burner if necessary.
- When wine has reduced by half, add the juice of half a lemon.
- After pasta has cooked and drained, add it to the sauce with freshly grated parmesan cheese. Stir well until cheese has melted. Taste and add more salt or parmesan cheese if desired.
- Transfer prepared pasta to a serving bowl, then add the pan seared scallops on top. Add additional parmesan, lemon zest, and fresh chopped basil. Serve immediately.
Notes
Food Safety
Cook shellfish and fish to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F (62.8 °C)
- Create a clean work area.
- Wash hands after touching raw meat or seafood.
- Rinse fresh produce thoroughly.
- Do not use the same cutting board or utensils on cooked food or produce, that previously touched raw meat or seafood.
- Do not leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods.
- Never leave cooking food unattended.
- Use oils with a high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds.
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove.
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