Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo

Elevate weeknight dinners with this elegant Pan Seared Scallops with Lemon Orzo recipe, a perfect fusion of simplicity and sophistication. Sweet, tender sea scallops are expertly seared to golden perfection, creating a crisp crust that locks in their natural brininess. Paired with a creamy and zesty lemon orzo, infused with garlic, Parmesan, and a hint of white wine, this dish is a symphony of bright, buttery flavors. The quick preparation—just 35 minutes from start to finish—makes it ideal for busy evenings, while its gourmet presentation is sure to impress guests. Garnished with fresh parsley and served with optional lemon wedges, this recipe is a delightful balance of freshness and comfort. Perfect for seafood lovers, "pan seared scallops with lemon orzo" is your go-to dish for a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:35 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 12 medium sea scallops
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons butter
• 1 cup orzo
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.25 cup Parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley
• 0.25 cup white wine (optional)

Directions

Step 1

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Step 2

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once the oil is shimmering, add the scallops in a single layer without crowding the pan.

Step 3

Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and opaque in the center. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil, and finely mince the garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.

Step 5

Add the orzo to the skillet and toast for 1-2 minutes until lightly golden, stirring frequently.

Step 6

Pour the chicken broth and optional white wine into the skillet, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 7

Bring the liquid to a boil, then reduce the heat to a simmer. Cover the skillet and cook the orzo for 10-12 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and most of the liquid is absorbed.

Step 8

Stir in the butter, lemon zest, lemon juice, and Parmesan cheese. Adjust seasoning with the remaining salt and pepper as needed.

Step 9

Return the scallops to the skillet and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.

Step 10

Serve the scallops over the lemon orzo immediately, with additional lemon wedges on the side if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1172.9g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1377.8

Total Fat 62.7g	0%
Saturated Fat 22.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 3.4g
Cholesterol 235.6mg	0%
Sodium 6194.4mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 92.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 3.9g	0%
Total Sugars 5.0g
Protein 100.7g	0%

Vitamin D 4.5IU	0%
Calcium 371.0mg	0%
Iron 6.6mg	0%
Potassium 1943.4mg	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: 42.2%

Protein: 30.1%

Carbs: 27.7%