Seared Scallops over Creamy Spinach Pasta
Indulge in the delightful flavors of seared sea scallops served atop a bed of creamy spinach pasta, infused with vibrant cherry tomatoes, and finished with a zest of lemon and fresh parsley. This elegant dish combines tender scallops, fresh ingredients, and a light white wine sauce, making it the perfect meal for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home. Share this exquisite recipe with friends and family to elevate your dining experience.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
sea scallops
1 lb (patted dry)
pepper
1/8 teaspoon
salt
1/4 teaspoon
large shallot
1 (minced)
white wine
1/4 cup
olive oil
7 teaspoons
chicken broth
1/2 cup
butter
3 tablespoons (softened)
fresh spinach
6 ounces (baby works best)
cherry tomatoes
1 pint (cut in half)
fresh parsley
1/4 cup (chopped)
lemons
1 1/4 teaspoons (zest of (grated))
spaghetti or linguine
8 ounces (cooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by seasoning the sea scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
2
In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, carefully add the scallops to the skillet and sear them for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown. Remove the scallops from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate.
3
In the same skillet, add the remaining 5 tablespoons of olive oil. Add the minced shallot and sauté for about 1 minute until softened. Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer, reducing by half for about 30 seconds.
4
Stir in the chicken broth and let the mixture simmer for a few minutes to meld the flavors.
5
Add the softened butter and cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing well until the pasta is heated through and well coated with the sauce.
6
Incorporate the fresh spinach, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped parsley, and grated lemon zest into the skillet. Toss the mixture until the spinach wilts down, about 1 minute.
7
Finally, gently fold in the seared scallops, allowing them to warm with the sauce. Serve immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this recipe?
The recipe is Seared Scallops over Creamy Spinach Pasta.
What are the primary proteins in this dish?
The primary protein used is one pound of sea scallops.
How should the sea scallops be prepared before searing?
The sea scallops should be patted dry and seasoned with salt and pepper on both sides.
What is the seasoning for the scallops?
The scallops are seasoned with 1/4 teaspoon of salt and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How much olive oil is used for searing the scallops?
2 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sear the scallops.
How long should I sear the sea scallops?
Sear the scallops for approximately 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
What should I do with the scallops after searing?
Remove them from the skillet and keep them warm on a plate while you prepare the sauce.
What aromatic vegetable is used for the sauce?
One large shallot, minced, is used to flavor the sauce.
How much white wine is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of white wine.
How long should the white wine simmer?
The white wine should simmer and reduce by half for about 30 seconds.
How much chicken broth is added to the sauce?
1/2 cup of chicken broth is added and allowed to simmer.
What ingredient provides the creaminess in the pasta sauce?
The creaminess comes from adding 3 tablespoons of softened butter.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
8 ounces of cooked spaghetti or linguine is recommended.
How much spinach is used?
The recipe uses 6 ounces of fresh spinach.
What type of spinach works best for this dish?
Baby spinach works best for this recipe.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
One pint of cherry tomatoes should be cut in half.
What fresh herb is included in the pasta?
1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley is incorporated into the dish.
How much lemon zest is needed?
The recipe requires 1 1/4 teaspoons of grated lemon zest.
When do you add the pasta to the skillet?
The cooked pasta is added to the skillet along with the softened butter after the broth has simmered.
How long does it take for the spinach to wilt?
The spinach takes about 1 minute to wilt down when tossed in the skillet.
When are the seared scallops returned to the pan?
The scallops are gently folded in at the final step to warm them with the sauce.
How should this dish be served?
It should be served immediately, garnished with additional parsley if desired.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and an elegant dinner.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 ingredients in this recipe.
How much olive oil is used in the sauce?
5 tablespoons of olive oil are used to sauté the shallots and build the sauce.
What is the total amount of olive oil needed for the whole recipe?
The recipe uses a total of 7 teaspoons of olive oil.
Does the recipe use lemon juice?
No, the recipe specifically lists lemon zest (grated) rather than juice.
How long is the shallot sautéed?
The minced shallot is sautéed for about 1 minute until softened.
Is this dish suitable for a special occasion?
Yes, it is described as an elegant dish perfect for a special occasion.
What are some of the key tags for this recipe?
Key tags include seafood, elegant dinner, white wine sauce, and lemon zest.