Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce

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 Easy Bay Scallop Pasta Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce is one of our favorites because it combines creamy garlic linguine, buttery tender bay 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 scallops 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.

This bay scallops recipe combines tender bay scallops with al dente pasta, typically linguine, in a rich garlic butter sauce. Originating from Italian cuisine, this dish is popular for its simplicity and gourmet appeal. The addition of lemon juice and white wine enhances the flavors, making it a favorite for both casual dinners and special occasions.

Why we love this recipe:

• 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 linguine dish is one of our favorite bay scallop recipes.
• Taste: We crave the combination of flavors. These tender scallops are a delicacy and have a sweet flavor. They go very well with the linguine and homemade lemon garlic sauce for a delicious main course.
• Romantic: Cooking scallops and serving them with a side salad and your favorite glass of white wine will create a special dinner for date night. No need to dine out.

If you love this seafood recipe, try our Panko Crusted Scallops for Two, our family Creole Seafood Gumbo recipe, or this fun Poke Bowl with Seared Ahi Tuna.

Jump to:

• What Ingredients Will You Need?
• What Are Some Good Substitutions?
• How Can You Change This Recipe Up?
• Instructions
• What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?
• How Should You Store This?
• What Are Some Expert Tips?
• How to Select the Best Scallops for Bay Scallop Recipes
• More Recipes You'll Love ♥️
• Frequently Asked Questions
• 📖 Recipe
• Important Food Safety Tips
• 💬 Share Your Thoughts

What Ingredients Will You Need?

• 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 Sauvignon Blanc or any dry white wine that you enjoy. We do not recommend cheap cooking wines.
• Butter: The unsalted variety.
• Olive Oil: Use good quality olive oil.
• Lemon: The juice of half a lemon and a little zest for tang and brightness.
• Basil: Fresh basil adds a 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.

What Are Some Good Substitutions?

• Scallops: If bay scallops are not available in your area, large sea scallops can be used if you adjust the cooking time. You could also create a shrimp recipe by substituting simple shrimp.
• Pasta: Spaghetti or angel hair pasta would make a great substitute for linguine.
• Wine: No white wine? Use a little chicken broth or chicken stock instead.
• Herbs: Fresh parsley would be fine in place of basil.

How Can You Change This Recipe Up?

• Flavor: Add some chili flakes for a little extra heat. Blackened sea scallops would make for a nice variation if you're in the mood for a lot of spice. I wouldn't recommend this seasoning on bay scallops because of their sweet delicate flavor.
• Texture: Add some bread crumbs for a little crunch or some heavy cream for a thicker, richer, sauce.

Instructions

How to Make Easy Bay Scallop Pasta with Lemon Garlic Sauce

STEP ONE: Prepare the Linguine

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

STEP TWO: Prepare the Scallops

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides with salt and pepper.

In a large skillet over medium heat, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the scallops and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.

STEP THREE: Make the Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium, add 2 tablespoons of butter, and let it melt. Add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Pour in the white wine and bring to a simmer. Let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the alcohol to evaporate.

Add the lemon juice, red pepper flakes, 2 more tablespoons of butter, and the freshly grated Parmesan. Stir until the butter is melted and the sauce is well combined.

STEP FOUR: Combine and Serve

Add the cooked linguine to the skillet and toss to coat with the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of pasta water to reach the desired consistency. Gently place the seared scallops back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce.

Toss everything together over low heat for 1-2 minutes until warmed through. Garnish with fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, and lemon wedges. Serve immediately.

What Kitchen Equipment Is Best?

_{This post shows some of our kitchen essentials. Please visit our shop if you would like to see more of our favorites. These are Amazon affiliate links and we earn commission from qualifying purchases.}

• Cast iron or any large skillet
• Pasta pot
• Colander
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Citrus squeezer

How Should You Store This?

Store leftover bay scallop pasta in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

This dish is not freezer-friendly.

Note: Refer to Top Tips below for more storage and reheating tips.

What Are Some Expert Tips?

Purchase fresh scallops if available.

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.

To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium heat until heated through, adding a splash of butter or olive oil to loosen the sauce.

How to Select the Best Scallops for Bay Scallop Recipes

Look for fresh, dry-packed scallops without added chemicals. Fresh scallops should have a sweet, ocean-like smell.

Choose scallops that are firm and slightly translucent.

More Recipes You'll Love ♥️

Have Leftover Ingredients?

• Leftover scallops? Fry them up and make a delicious Fried Bay-Scallop Po' Boy Sandwich, toss them in a Blackened Scallops Caesar Salad, or enjoy Baked Bay Scallops or lemon butter sauteed scallops.
• Use your excess linguine to make Linguine alla Carbonara with Prosciutto and Peas.

In The Mood For a Similar Dish?

• Spaghetti Nero di Seppia with Clams
• The BEST Shrimp and Crab Gumbo (Family Recipe)
• Maple Bourbon Bacon Wrapped Salmon Bites

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 seafood recipes you will love:

Frequently Asked Questions

📖 Recipe

This Easy Bay Scallops Recipe with Lemon Garlic Sauce is a delicious and quick dinner that's perfect for busy weeknights and date night.

Give it a try and let us know how it turned out! Don't forget to explore our other seafood pasta recipes for more inspiration.

Important Food Safety Tips

Always store seafood in the refrigerator at 40°F or below. Cook scallops to an internal temperature of 145°F. Discard any scallops that have an off smell or slimy texture.

• 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.

See more guidelines at USDA.gov.