Spicy Cajun Scallops Angel Hair Pasta

Indulge in the luxurious flavors of Spicy Cajun Scallops Angel Hair Pasta, a dish that perfectly combines succulent seared sea scallops and tender angel hair pasta with a rich, creamy Cajun-spiced sauce. Infused with the bold heat of Cajun seasoning, aromatic garlic, and a hint of red pepper flakes, this recipe strikes the perfect balance of spice and creaminess, further elevated by bursts of sweetness from cherry tomatoes and the zesty brightness of fresh lemon juice. Topped with freshly grated Parmesan cheese and garnished with parsley, this 30-minute dish is as elegant as it is easy to make, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you're looking for a seafood pasta recipe, a creamy Cajun dish, or a simple yet impressive dinner idea, this flavorful creation is guaranteed to delight your taste buds and leave you craving more.

Nutriscore Rating: 52/100

Prep Time:10 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 8 oz angel hair pasta
• 16 pieces large sea scallops
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice

Directions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.

Step 2

Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel and season both sides generously with 1 tablespoon of Cajun seasoning.

Step 3

In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and the pan is hot, sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

Step 4

In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium-low and add the remaining olive oil and butter. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 5

Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Sprinkle the remaining Cajun seasoning and red pepper flakes over the tomatoes. Stir well.

Step 6

Pour in the heavy cream and stir until combined. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and creamy.

Step 7

Season the sauce with salt, black pepper, and fresh lemon juice. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.

Step 8

Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it.

Step 9

Gently fold the seared scallops back into the skillet with the pasta and sauce. Heat for 1-2 minutes to ensure everything is warm.

Step 10

Serve the pasta immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan cheese if desired.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1365.6g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	3022.0

Total Fat 164.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 83.1g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 578.8mg	0%
Sodium 10991.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 218.1g	0%
Dietary Fiber 19.4g	0%
Total Sugars 14.5g
Protein 162.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 1023.4mg	0%
Iron 11.8mg	0%
Potassium 2253.8mg	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: 49.4%

Protein: 21.6%

Carbs: 29.0%