Creamy Pesto-Infused Scallops
This elegant dish features succulent sea scallops perfectly seared to golden perfection, then draped in a luscious, creamy pesto sauce. Inspired by a Woman's Day classic, this recipe brings a gourmet touch to your weeknight dinner table while remaining quick and easy to prepare. Serve it alongside your favorite pasta or rice for a delightful meal, or present it as an impressive first course to wow your guests. Whether you choose homemade or store-bought pesto, the result is a dish that is sure to impress with its combination of vibrant flavors and rich textures.
4
Servings
180
Calories
4
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
sea scallops
1 1/2 lbs (patted dry)
pesto sauce
1/3 cup (none)
heavy cream
2 tablespoons (none)
Instructions
1
In a large nonstick skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat until shimmering.
2
Carefully add the patted dry sea scallops to the skillet in a single layer. Sear for about 2 minutes without moving them, until they develop a beautiful golden crust.
3
Flip the scallops and continue to cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are golden brown and barely opaque in the centers. Remove the scallops from the skillet and transfer them to a plate.
4
Take the skillet off the heat and quickly add the pesto sauce and heavy cream, stirring vigorously to blend the two ingredients into a creamy sauce.
5
To serve, spoon the creamy pesto sauce onto warm plates and elegantly arrange the seared scallops on top. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
9g
Fat
3g
Carbs
20g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Creamy Pesto-Infused Scallops?
Creamy Pesto-Infused Scallops is a gourmet seafood dish featuring sea scallops seared until golden and served with a rich sauce made from pesto and heavy cream.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
There are 180 calories per serving in this scallop dish.
How long does it take to prepare Creamy Pesto-Infused Scallops?
This recipe is very quick, taking less than 15 minutes to complete from start to finish.
What are the main ingredients needed for this dish?
The main ingredients include 1 1/2 lbs of sea scallops, 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil, 1/3 cup of pesto sauce, and 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
How much protein is in each serving of these scallops?
Each serving contains 20 grams of protein.
What is the fat content of this recipe?
The recipe contains 9 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this scallop dish?
There are 3 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What preparation is required for the sea scallops?
The sea scallops should be patted dry before cooking to ensure they develop a proper golden crust.
How long should I sear the scallops on each side?
You should sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on the first side and another 2 minutes on the second side.
What should the texture of the scallops be when finished?
The scallops should have a golden brown crust and be barely opaque in the centers.
Can I use store-bought pesto for this recipe?
Yes, you can use either store-bought or homemade pesto sauce for this recipe.
How do I make the creamy pesto sauce?
Take the skillet off the heat and quickly stir together the pesto sauce and heavy cream until they are blended into a creamy consistency.
What type of skillet is recommended for cooking the scallops?
A large nonstick skillet is recommended for heating the olive oil and searing the scallops.
What can I serve with these scallops?
These scallops are excellent served alongside your favorite pasta or rice, or as a standalone first course.
Is there any fiber in this dish?
Based on the nutritional information, there is no significant fiber content in this dish.
What inspired this recipe?
This dish was inspired by a Woman's Day classic recipe.
Can this dish be served as an appetizer?
Yes, it makes for an impressive first course or elegant appetizer.
How do I ensure a golden crust on the scallops?
Patting the scallops dry and leaving them undisturbed for the full 2 minutes of searing will help create a beautiful golden crust.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is classified as an easy recipe that brings a gourmet touch to weeknight dinner tables.
What heat level should I use for the skillet?
The olive oil should be heated over medium-high heat until it is shimmering.
How much heavy cream is used in the sauce?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of heavy cream.
Should the scallops be cooked in a single layer?
Yes, add the sea scallops to the skillet in a single layer to ensure even searing.
How much pesto sauce is required?
You will need 1/3 cup of pesto sauce.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, suitable for busy evenings.
What category does this recipe fall into?
It falls under the category of meals that take less than 15 minutes.
How should the dish be plated?
Spoon the creamy pesto sauce onto warm plates and arrange the seared scallops elegantly on top.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
No sugar is listed in the nutritional facts for this recipe.
How much olive oil is used for searing?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What is the primary protein source in this dish?
Sea scallops are the primary source of protein in this dish.