Delicious Penne with Scallops

Elevate your weeknight dinner game with this irresistible Penne with Scallops recipe, a luxurious yet approachable dish that's ready in just 35 minutes. Featuring tender, golden-seared scallops nestled in a velvety garlic-Parmesan cream sauce, this pasta dish is bursting with rich, indulgent flavors and a zesty hint of lemon. The al dente penne soaks up the luscious sauce, while a sprinkle of fresh parsley adds the perfect pop of color and freshness. With a touch of optional red pepper flakes for subtle heat, this seafood pasta recipe strikes the ideal balance of comfort and sophistication. Perfect for date nights or impressing guests, this recipe is sure to become your go-to for elegant dining at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 58/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 ounces penne pasta
• 1 pound scallops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 0.75 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
• 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set aside.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the scallops. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season both sides with a pinch of salt and black pepper.

Step 3

Heat the olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops, making sure they are not crowded in the pan. Sear for 2–3 minutes on one side without moving them, then flip and cook for another 2 minutes. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium and add the remaining butter. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine with the garlic and butter. Let it simmer gently for 2–3 minutes.

Step 6

Add the grated Parmesan cheese, whisking it into the cream sauce until smooth. Stir in the lemon juice and red pepper flakes (if using). If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 7

Add the drained pasta to the skillet and toss to coat it evenly in the sauce. Let it cook for 1–2 minutes to heat through.

Step 8

Return the scallops to the skillet, nestling them into the pasta. Cook for another minute to warm the scallops.

Step 9

Garnish with chopped parsley and serve immediately. For an extra touch, sprinkle additional Parmesan on top before serving.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1217.7g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3234.0

Total Fat 171.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 86.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 529.1mg	0%
Sodium 4837.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 273.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.3g	0%
Total Sugars 0.9g
Protein 136.8g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 745.0mg	0%
Iron 15.5mg	0%
Potassium 2017.3mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 48.4%

Protein: 17.2%

Carbs: 34.4%