Best 2 Seared Scallops Over Basil Pasta Recipes

Seared scallops are a luxurious and delicious seafood dish that can be easily prepared at home. The tender, sweet scallops are seared until golden brown and served over a bed of fragrant basil pasta. This dish is packed with flavor and is sure to impress your guests. Whether you are looking for a special occasion meal or a simple weeknight dinner, seared scallops over basil pasta is a perfect choice.

Here are our top 2 tried and tested recipes!

BASIL PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS OVER PASTA

Basil Pan-Seared Scallops over Pasta image

This dish is so easy to make, but tastes like you slaved away in the kitchen. When purchasing the scallops, be sure to look for a subtle pink or creme color. Stark white scallops have been soaked in water to add extra weight. Other pastas such as rotini, shells, or penne can be substituted for the farfalle. Makes an excellent main course, or add spinach or asparagus to turn it into a meal in itself. My pookie likes to have this dish served with antipasto of buffalo mozzarella, artichoke hearts, and fire roasted tomatoes.

Provided by Grace

Categories Seafood Shellfish Scallops

Time 35m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 9

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package farfalle (bow tie) pasta
24 scallops, rinsed and drained
¾ cup olive oil
¼ cup lemon juice
1 ½ teaspoons dried minced garlic
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon ground black pepper
2 tablespoons dried basil
9 tablespoons whipped butter

Steps:

Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large serving bowl.
Meanwhile, place scallops in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Pour mixture over scallops. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a large baking dish or plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried basil over scallops so that only one side is sparsely coated with basil.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place 12 scallops basil-side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden brown. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. Cook the remaining 12 scallops the same way.
In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
Toss pasta with butter and olive oil mixture. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 521.6 calories, Carbohydrate 45.8 g, Cholesterol 38 mg, Fat 30.5 g, Fiber 2.9 g, Protein 16.1 g, SaturatedFat 8.4 g, Sodium 453 mg, Sugar 1 g

SEARED SCALLOPS OVER BASIL PASTA RECIPE - (4.4/5)

Seared Scallops over Basil Pasta Recipe - (4.4/5) image

Provided by TFerg

Number Of Ingredients 11

Ingredients

1 package thin spaghetti pasta
12 scallops, rinsed and drained, patted dry (must be dry when placing into the pan)
1 Tbs olive oil
2 Tbs vegetable oil
1 Tsp Kosher salt
1 Tbs ground white pepper
2 Tbs dried basil
1/2 Cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese
1/2 Cup white wine
2 Tbs pasta water
1/2 Cup minced shallots or white onion (very thin, small pieces)

Steps:

This all happens very fast so prepare all ingredients in advance. 1. Mix Olive oil and basil in a large bowl. 2. Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water according to package directions. 3. Mix salt and pepper in a small bowl. 4. Sprinkle salt and pepper mixture onto one side of the dry scallops. 5. Heat a large cast iron or heavy frying pan. 6. Add vegetable oil. Heat to very hot. 7. Remove 2 Tbs of pasta water and mix pasta water in with oil and basil 8. Drain, rinse, and transfer pasta to the bowl with the basil mixture. 9. Sprinkle cheese into pasta mixture (1/2 at a time) and mix well. 10. When the pan is very hot, place scallops (salt/pepper side down) in a single layer around the pan. Do not crowd the scallops or they will steam instead of sear. Sprinkle additional salt/pepper mixture onto the top of the scallops. 11. Sear the scallops for 3 minutes until you see a golden brown color on the bottom. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. 12. When the scallops are golden remove them to a heated plate and cover them. 13. Reduce the heat for the pan to medium and add scallops/onions and brown them. 14. Once the onions are brown (about 4 minutes) add the white wine, scraping the pan with a wooden spoon to remove anything stuck to the pan. Slowly increase the heat. 15. Continue to scrape and mix ingredients in the pan as the mixture reduces. (about 3 minutes) 15. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops. Spoon wine reduction on top of the scallops. 16. Serve with a green vegetable like asparagus.

Tips:

Choose high-quality scallops. Look for scallops that are plump and opaque. Avoid any scallops that are discolored or have a slimy texture.
Sear the scallops correctly. Sear the scallops in a hot skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side, or until they are golden brown and cooked through.
Do not overcrowd the skillet. If you overcrowd the skillet, the scallops will not cook evenly.
Use a good quality pasta. The type of pasta you use will make a big difference in the final dish. Choose a pasta that is made with high-quality ingredients and that has a good texture.
Cook the pasta al dente. Al dente pasta is cooked through but still has a slight bite to it. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
Use fresh herbs. Fresh herbs will add a lot of flavor to the dish. If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can use dried herbs, but use half the amount.
Don't overcook the scallops. Overcooked scallops will become tough and rubbery. Cook them just until they are cooked through, about 2-3 minutes per side.

Conclusion:

This recipe for seared scallops over basil pasta is a delicious and elegant dish that is perfect for a special occasion. The scallops are cooked to perfection and the basil pasta is light and flavorful. This dish is sure to impress your guests.