Creamy Scallop Fettuccine Delight
Indulge in a luxurious, rich, and creamy pasta dish that brings the taste of gourmet cooking right to your kitchen. This easy and quick recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. Featuring tender scallops paired with a luscious mascarpone and parmesan sauce, this dish will captivate your senses and satisfy your palate. Using frozen scallops means you can enjoy this delicious meal any time; they work perfectly when thawed, rinsed, and dried. Consider substituting with crab meat for a different twist!
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
fettuccine pasta
1 lb (cooked according to package directions)
scallops
1 lb (quartered)
butter
1/4 cup (melted)
mascarpone cheese
1 cup (melted)
parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (grated)
nutmeg
1 dash (added to taste)
salt
to taste (added to pasta)
black pepper
to taste (added as garnish)
heavy cream
optional (for thinning sauce, if necessary)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the fettuccine pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt the butter. Add the quartered scallops and sauté for about 4 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.
3
Using a slotted spoon, carefully remove the scallops from the saucepan, leaving the residual liquid and butter.
4
Reduce the heat to medium-low and add the mascarpone cheese to the saucepan. Stir continuously until the cheese has melted and formed a smooth sauce.
5
Return the scallops to the saucepan and remove from heat.
6
Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and a dash of nutmeg until the sauce is well combined and smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
7
Toss the cooked fettuccine with the creamy scallop sauce, ensuring every strand is coated. Add salt and pepper to taste.
8
Serve immediately, garnished with freshly ground black pepper or additional grated parmesan cheese, if desired. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Scallop Fettuccine Delight?
It is a luxurious and rich pasta dish featuring tender scallops and a creamy sauce made from mascarpone and parmesan cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What type of pasta should I use for this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of fettuccine pasta.
Can I use frozen scallops for this dish?
Yes, frozen scallops work perfectly for this meal as long as they are thawed, rinsed, and dried before cooking.
How should I prepare the scallops before sautéing?
The scallops should be quartered before they are added to the saucepan.
How long do the scallops need to cook?
Sauté the scallops in butter for approximately 4 minutes until they are opaque and cooked through.
What are the primary cheeses used in the sauce?
The sauce is made using 1 cup of mascarpone cheese and 1/2 cup of grated parmesan cheese.
Is there a recommended seafood substitute for scallops?
Yes, you can substitute the scallops with crab meat for a different twist on the dish.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick, you can add a splash of heavy cream to thin it out to your desired consistency.
When do I add the nutmeg?
Stir in a dash of nutmeg after adding the parmesan cheese once the sauce is removed from the heat.
How do I cook the fettuccine?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
What do I do with the liquid left in the pan after cooking the scallops?
Leave the residual liquid and butter in the pan as it will serve as the base for the mascarpone sauce.
At what heat should I melt the mascarpone cheese?
The mascarpone should be melted over medium-low heat while stirring continuously.
Is this recipe considered difficult to make?
No, it is described as an easy and quick recipe that is suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
How should the final dish be garnished?
Garnish with freshly ground black pepper or additional grated parmesan cheese if desired.
Should I keep the scallops in the pan while making the cheese sauce?
No, remove the scallops with a slotted spoon while you melt the mascarpone, then return them to the pan once the sauce is smooth.
Is salt added to the recipe?
Yes, salt is added to taste after the pasta has been tossed with the sauce.
What is the texture of the scallops when they are done?
The scallops should be opaque and tender.
Can I use this recipe for a special occasion?
Absolutely, its gourmet taste and luxurious ingredients make it perfect for special events.
How much butter is required?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of butter.
What cuisine does this dish belong to?
This dish is categorized under Italian cuisine.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 9 ingredients in total, including optional items like heavy cream.
Should the pasta be rinsed after draining?
The recipe does not specify rinsing; simply drain it and set it aside to be tossed with the sauce.
Does the recipe require heavy cream?
Heavy cream is listed as an optional ingredient to be used only if the sauce needs thinning.
How much nutmeg is used?
The recipe calls for one dash of nutmeg.
What tool should I use to remove the scallops?
A slotted spoon is recommended to remove the scallops while leaving the fats and juices behind.
When should the dish be served?
The dish should be served immediately after tossing the pasta with the sauce.
Can I use fresh scallops?
Yes, fresh scallops can be used; just ensure they are cleaned and dried properly before cooking.
Is the parmesan cheese added while the pan is on the heat?
The recipe suggests removing the saucepan from the heat before stirring in the grated parmesan cheese.
How do I ensure the sauce coats the pasta evenly?
Toss the fettuccine thoroughly with the sauce until every strand is well-coated.