Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Scallops with Pesto Pasta
This delightful dish combines the fresh flavors of the sea with a vibrant homemade basil pesto, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The fettuccine or spaghetti is coated in a creamy pesto sauce and tossed with perfectly sautéed jumbo shrimp and scallops, along with tender asparagus for added crunch. Infused with garlic and a hint of crushed red pepper flakes, this recipe provides a mouthwatering experience that will impress your family and guests alike. Finish it off with a sprinkle of fresh Parmesan cheese for an extra touch of indulgence.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
spaghetti or fettuccine pasta
8 ounces (uncooked)
asparagus
1 lb (trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces)
jumbo shrimp
3/4 lb (peeled and deveined)
jumbo scallops
1 lb (cleaned)
garlic cloves
5 (peeled and chopped)
olive oil
4 tablespoons (divided)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/8 teaspoon (for seasoning)
basil pesto
1/3 cup (homemade or store-bought)
Instructions
1
Cook the spaghetti or fettuccine according to package directions in a large pot of salted boiling water. Drain and return to the pot.
2
Add the basil pesto and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pasta. Toss until the pasta is evenly coated and set aside.
3
In a large skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Sauté the chopped garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4
Add the trimmed asparagus pieces to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they are bright green and crisp-tender.
5
Next, add the jumbo scallops to the pan and season with crushed red pepper flakes. Cook for about 2-3 minutes until the scallops are opaque and golden brown on one side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
6
Add the peeled and deveined jumbo shrimp and cook until they turn pink, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
7
Gently toss the pesto-coated pasta with the shrimp and scallop mixture. Adjust seasonings to taste.
8
Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main flavor profile of this pasta dish?
The dish features a vibrant combination of fresh basil pesto, garlic, and seafood, with a subtle kick from crushed red pepper flakes.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe recommends using 8 ounces of either spaghetti or fettuccine pasta.
How much shrimp is needed for this recipe?
You will need 3/4 lb of jumbo shrimp, which should be peeled and deveined.
What kind of scallops should I use?
The recipe specifically calls for 1 lb of jumbo scallops, cleaned and ready for searing.
How should the asparagus be prepared?
The asparagus should be trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces before cooking.
How much garlic is required?
The recipe uses 5 cloves of garlic, which should be peeled and chopped.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, you can use either 1/3 cup of homemade or store-bought basil pesto.
How much olive oil is used in the dish?
A total of 4 tablespoons of olive oil is used, divided between the pasta and the skillet for sautéing.
Is this dish spicy?
It contains 1/8 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes, providing a very mild hint of spice.
How do I ensure the pasta is well coated?
After draining the pasta, add the basil pesto and 2 tablespoons of olive oil to the pot and toss until evenly coated.
How long should I sauté the garlic?
Sauté the chopped garlic in olive oil for about 1 minute until it becomes fragrant.
How long does it take to cook the asparagus?
The asparagus takes about 3-4 minutes to cook until it is bright green and crisp-tender.
What is the visual indicator that scallops are done?
Scallops are done when they are opaque and have a golden brown sear on both sides.
How long do the scallops need to cook on each side?
Cook them for 2-3 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes.
How long do I cook the shrimp?
The shrimp should be cooked for approximately 2-3 minutes until they turn pink.
When should I add the red pepper flakes?
Add the red pepper flakes to the skillet when you add the scallops to season the seafood.
What is the final garnish for this dish?
The dish should be served immediately with a garnish of fresh grated Parmesan cheese.
Can I use frozen seafood?
Yes, but ensure the shrimp and scallops are completely thawed and patted dry before cooking to get a good sear.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, with short cooking times for seafood and vegetables, it is tagged as a quick meal suitable for weeknights.
Can I substitute the asparagus?
While asparagus provides a specific crunch, you could substitute it with broccoli florets or snap peas.
How many garlic cloves are in the recipe?
The recipe calls for 5 cloves of garlic.
Is this dish suitable for a dinner party?
Yes, the combination of jumbo scallops and shrimp makes it an elegant choice for special occasions.
What category of cuisine does this belong to?
This is an Italian-inspired seafood pasta dish.
Do I need to salt the pasta water?
Yes, the instructions recommend cooking the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water.
What order should I add the ingredients to the skillet?
Start with garlic, then asparagus, followed by scallops, and finally the shrimp.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap the traditional pasta for your favorite gluten-free spaghetti or fettuccine.
How much asparagus is needed?
You will need 1 lb of asparagus.
How do I finish the dish?
Gently toss the pesto pasta with the seafood and asparagus mixture and adjust seasonings to taste before serving.
What if I can't find jumbo scallops?
You can use smaller scallops, but you must reduce the cooking time significantly to prevent them from becoming rubbery.
Should the pasta be rinsed?
No, just drain the pasta and return it to the pot to toss with the pesto so the sauce adheres better.