Creamy Spicy Penne with Bay Scallops
This delightful Creamy Spicy Penne with Bay Scallops is a culinary masterpiece that will quickly become a family favorite. Inspired by a recipe from Dianna's Kitchen, this dish is rich, creamy, and bursting with flavor, making it a perfect comforting meal for any night of the week. The combination of perfectly sautéed scallops, tender pasta, and a luscious sauce infused with a hint of spice and nutmeg make this dish truly irresistible. I found it easy to prepare with ingredients I already had at home and even doubled the sauce for extra creaminess. Enjoy a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen with this straightforward yet impressive recipe.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Lemon pepper
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Garlic powder
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Onion powder
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Chili powder
1 teaspoon (None)
Ground cayenne pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Bay scallops
1 lb (Rinse and pat dry)
Penne or spiral-shaped pasta
12 ounces (Cook according to package directions)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Butter
1 tablespoon (None)
Chicken broth
1 cup (None)
Cornstarch
1 1/2 tablespoons (Mix with water)
Water
1/4 cup (Use for mixing with cornstarch)
Fat free sour cream or low-fat sour cream
1/2 cup (None)
Instructions
1
In a mixing bowl, thoroughly combine the salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, chili powder, and cayenne pepper to create a flavorful spice blend.
2
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water until smooth, and set aside for later use.
3
Place the bay scallops in a large bowl. Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the scallops and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
4
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne (or spiral-shaped pasta) according to the package instructions until it becomes al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta.
5
While the pasta is cooking, heat olive oil and butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the scallops and sauté them, turning occasionally, until they are cooked through and have a lovely golden color, approximately 3-4 minutes. Once done, transfer the scallops to a serving bowl and set aside.
6
In the same skillet, pour in the chicken broth and bring it to a boil, scraping up any bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Gradually stir in the cornstarch and water mixture to thicken the sauce, then allow it to simmer for about 2-3 minutes.
7
Reduce the heat to low and add the cooked scallops and sour cream to the skillet, gently stirring until well combined and heated through.
8
Add the drained pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together until the pasta is thoroughly coated in the creamy sauce. If the mixture seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water to achieve the desired consistency.
9
Serve immediately, garnished with extra lemon pepper or parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Spicy Penne with Bay Scallops?
It is a rich and comforting pasta dish featuring sautéed bay scallops and a creamy sauce infused with a blend of spices like nutmeg and cayenne.
What type of scallops are used in this recipe?
The recipe specifically calls for one pound of bay scallops, which should be rinsed and patted dry before preparation.
What kind of pasta is best for this dish?
Penne is the primary recommendation, but spiral-shaped pasta also works well to hold the creamy sauce.
How do I prepare the spice blend?
Thoroughly combine salt, lemon pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, nutmeg, chili powder, and cayenne pepper in a mixing bowl.
What ingredients make the sauce creamy?
The creaminess comes from a combination of chicken broth, a cornstarch slurry for thickening, and fat-free or low-fat sour cream.
How long should I sauté the scallops?
Sauté the scallops in olive oil and butter for approximately 3 to 4 minutes until they are cooked through and golden.
Is this dish very spicy?
The dish features a hint of spice from 1 teaspoon of chili powder and 1/8 teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
Can I make the sauce even creamier?
Yes, the description suggests doubling the sauce ingredients if you prefer an extra creamy consistency.
How do I thicken the pasta sauce?
Mix 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup of water and gradually stir it into the boiling chicken broth.
Should I save the pasta water?
Yes, reserve 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water to adjust the thickness of the sauce at the end if needed.
What type of sour cream should I use?
The recipe recommends using 1/2 cup of either fat-free or low-fat sour cream.
What is the role of nutmeg in this recipe?
Nutmeg is part of the spice blend and adds a warm, aromatic depth to the creamy sauce.
What fats are used for sautéing?
The recipe uses a combination of one tablespoon of olive oil and one tablespoon of butter.
How do I know when the pasta is ready?
Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente, which means it is firm to the bite.
When do I add the scallops back into the pan?
Add the cooked scallops back into the skillet after the sauce has thickened and the heat has been reduced to low, just before adding the pasta.
What should I do if the sauce is too thick?
If the sauce is too thick once the pasta is added, stir in a splash of the reserved pasta cooking water.
What can I use as a garnish?
Garnish the finished dish with extra lemon pepper or fresh parsley for added flavor and presentation.
What inspired this recipe?
This recipe was inspired by a dish from Dianna's Kitchen.
Is this a difficult recipe to make?
No, it is described as a straightforward recipe that is easy to prepare with common household ingredients.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 15 ingredients in total, including spices, scallops, pasta, and sauce components.
Can I use chicken broth substitutes?
While 1 cup of chicken broth is called for, vegetable broth could be used as a substitute if necessary.
How do I prepare the scallops for cooking?
Sprinkle the prepared spice mixture over the scallops in a large bowl and gently toss until they are evenly coated.
Do I need to scrape the bottom of the skillet?
Yes, when adding the chicken broth, scrape up the bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate extra flavor into the sauce.
Can I use frozen bay scallops?
Yes, as long as they are fully thawed, rinsed, and patted dry before you apply the spice coating.
What is the texture of the scallops supposed to be?
When properly sautéed for 3-4 minutes, they should be tender, fully cooked, and golden on the outside.
How much lemon pepper is required?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of lemon pepper in the spice blend.
Is this a one-dish meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a one-dish meal because the pasta, protein, and sauce are combined in a single skillet.
Can this be served for a family dinner?
Absolutely, it is designed to be a family favorite and is described as restaurant-quality yet easy for home cooking.
What is the role of garlic and onion powder?
They provide savory base notes to the spice blend used to coat the scallops.
When should the sour cream be added?
Add the sour cream after the chicken broth has thickened and the heat is reduced to low, stirring until it is heated through.