Creamy Scallop and Smoked Salmon Fettuccine
Indulge in a decadent yet light dish that combines the delicate flavors of tender bay scallops and rich smoked salmon, all tossed in a creamy sauce enriched with mozzarella and parmesan cheeses. This pasta dish, infused with fragrant garlic and a subtle hint of saffron, is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. It's ready in under 30 minutes, making it a convenient choice for gourmet lovers looking for healthy options.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Olive oil
2 (teaspoons)
Garlic cloves
3 (minced)
2% low-fat milk
1 1/2 (cups)
Cornstarch
2 (tablespoons)
Mozzarella cheese
1/4 (cup, shredded)
Parmesan cheese
1/4 (cup, grated)
Pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
Saffron thread
1 (pinch, crushed)
Bay scallops
4 (ounces)
Green onion
1/3 (cup, sliced)
Capers
1 (tablespoon, drained)
Lox
2 (ounces, cut into strips)
Spinach fettuccine
8 (ounces, cooked and drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
2
In a separate bowl, whisk together the 2% low-fat milk and cornstarch until smooth. Pour this mixture into the saucepan with the garlic.
3
Cook the milk mixture over medium-low heat, stirring continuously until it thickens and starts to bubble, about 5 minutes.
4
Reduce the heat to low, then add the shredded mozzarella, grated parmesan, freshly ground pepper, and crushed saffron threads. Stir well until the cheeses are fully melted and the sauce is smooth.
5
Add the bay scallops, sliced green onions, and drained capers to the sauce. Cook for 3 to 5 minutes, stirring gently, until the scallops are opaque and cooked through.
6
Fold in the strips of smoked salmon and let the mixture warm through for an additional minute.
7
Serve the creamy mixture over the hot cooked spinach fettuccine or your pasta of choice, garnishing with extra green onions if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Creamy Scallop and Smoked Salmon Fettuccine dish?
It is a decadent yet light pasta dish that combines tender bay scallops and rich smoked salmon in a creamy sauce made with mozzarella and parmesan.
How long does it take to prepare this recipe?
This recipe is very quick and can be prepared and served in under 30 minutes.
What type of scallops are used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 ounces of bay scallops.
What kind of salmon is required?
The dish uses 2 ounces of lox, which is smoked salmon, cut into strips.
What type of pasta is recommended for this dish?
Spinach fettuccine is recommended, but you can use any pasta of your choice.
How is the sauce thickened?
The sauce is thickened by whisking together 2% low-fat milk and cornstarch and cooking it until it bubbles.
What cheeses are included in the creamy sauce?
The sauce features 1/4 cup of shredded mozzarella and 1/4 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Are there any special spices used?
Yes, the recipe uses a pinch of crushed saffron threads for a subtle hint of flavor and fragrance.
How much garlic is needed?
You will need 3 minced garlic cloves for this recipe.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to heat olive oil in a saucepan and sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds.
How long should the scallops be cooked?
The bay scallops should be cooked for 3 to 5 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.
When should the smoked salmon be added?
The smoked salmon strips should be folded in at the very end and warmed through for about one minute.
What provides a salty, briny flavor to the dish?
One tablespoon of drained capers is added to the sauce to provide a briny accent.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a healthy option and is tagged as low fat.
How much milk is used in the sauce?
The recipe uses 1 1/2 cups of 2% low-fat milk.
What amount of cornstarch is required for thickening?
Two tablespoons of cornstarch are used to thicken the milk mixture.
How are the green onions prepared?
You should use 1/3 cup of sliced green onions, adding them to the sauce with the scallops.
Can I use a different type of milk?
While the recipe specifies 2% low-fat milk, you could likely use other varieties, though it may change the nutritional profile.
What is the correct way to add the milk and cornstarch?
Whisk the milk and cornstarch together in a separate bowl until smooth before pouring them into the saucepan with the garlic.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of olive oil.
What seasoning is used besides saffron?
The sauce is seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of freshly ground pepper.
How do I know when the sauce is ready for the cheese?
The milk mixture should be stirred continuously until it thickens and starts to bubble, which takes about 5 minutes.
What heat setting should be used for melting the cheese?
The heat should be reduced to low when adding the mozzarella and parmesan to ensure a smooth sauce.
How much pasta should be cooked for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 8 ounces of cooked and drained spinach fettuccine.
What is the recommended garnish?
You can garnish the final dish with extra sliced green onions if desired.
Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?
Yes, because it is ready in under 30 minutes, it is an excellent choice for a fast yet gourmet meal.
Can I use sea scallops instead of bay scallops?
Yes, but you may need to cut larger sea scallops into smaller pieces to ensure they cook within the 3 to 5 minute timeframe.
Does the recipe include any sugar?
No, based on the ingredients list, there is no added sugar in this recipe.
What is the primary flavor profile of the dish?
The dish is creamy and savory, featuring garlic, saffron, and the saltiness of smoked salmon and capers.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 13 total ingredients used in this Creamy Scallop and Smoked Salmon Fettuccine recipe.