Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Tonight’s dinner has me feeling like a coastal Italian chef! This dreamy scallop and shrimp pasta is pure comfort in a bowl. 

Tender seafood is nestled in perfectly al dente pasta with a light lemon wine sauce.

I love how the scallops get this gorgeous golden sear while staying buttery-soft inside, and the shrimp adds such a lovely sweetness. Plus, this dish is so easy. You can have it ready in about 30 minutes. 

I like serving it with a crisp white wine and crusty bread for dipping!

Why You’ll Love This Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Quick Elegance: Transform an ordinary weeknight into a restaurant-worthy experience with this sophisticated seafood pasta. It comes together in just 30 minutes.

Wonderful Flavor: Combining garlic-butter sauce, bright citrus notes, and perfectly seared seafood creates a tasty blend of rich and light flavors.

Zesty and Aromatic: Including lemon zest and juice adds brightness and elevates the aroma.

Gourmet Experience: This recipe brings a touch of restaurant-quality dining to your home kitchen.

Ingredients

• Large Shrimp: They’re best when peeled and deveined before cooking to ensure clean flavor and proper texture.
  
• Sea Scallops: They bring a tender, buttery texture when properly seared.
  
• Pasta: Long, sturdy noodles like spaghetti, linguine, or fettuccine work best to hold the sauce and complement the seafood.
  
• Unsalted Butter: It creates a rich base for the sauce and helps achieve the perfect sear on seafood. Unsalted allows better control of the dish’s overall saltiness.
  
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides essential aromatic flavor and pairs perfectly with seafood and butter.
  
• Red Pepper Flakes: They add a gentle heat to complement the sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it.
  
• Dry White Wine: It deglazes the pan and adds depth to the sauce while cutting through the richness of the butter. Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio work well.
  
• Lemon Juice and Zest: They brighten the dish with citrus acidity.
  
• Fresh Parsley: It adds fresh, herbaceous notes and bright color to the finished dish.
  
• Salt and Black Pepper: Essential seasonings enhance all the flavors in the dish. 

How to Make Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Don’t be intimidated by this dish! It’s so easy to put together.

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

2. Season the seafood. Heat 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the shrimp and scallops with salt and pepper.

3. Cook the seafood. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and opaque. Remove and set aside. Add another tablespoon of butter to the skillet. Cook the shrimp for 1-2 minutes per side until pink and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.

4. Sauté the garlic. Lower the heat to medium and melt the remaining butter in the skillet. Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes, sautéing for about 30 seconds until fragrant.

5. Make the sauce. Deglaze the pan with the white wine, scraping up any browned bits. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly. Stir in the lemon juice and zest, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Combine. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time if the mixture seems dry. Return the shrimp, scallops, and parsley to the skillet, gently tossing to combine and warm through.

7. Serve. Plate the pasta, seafood, and sauce. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon wedges for squeezing. Serve and enjoy!

Tips for the Best Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

For a perfect pasta dish every time, follow these simple tips.

• Get the seafood nice and dry. Pat scallops and shrimp dry before cooking to achieve a perfect sear and prevent steaming.
  
• Don’t overcook! Cook the shrimp and scallops just until they turn opaque or pink to keep them tender and juicy.
  
• Fresh is best. Opt for fresh garlic, lemon juice, and parsley to enhance the flavors of the dish.
  
• Pick a wine winner. Choose a dry white wine you would drink, as it significantly impacts the sauce flavor. Or, use chicken broth or seafood stock.
  
• Try fun add-ins. Consider adding vegetables like spinach, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition. You can also include other seafood like squid rings or clams.
  
• Make it a meal. Pair with crusty bread for sauce-soaking, roasted asparagus, or Brussels sprouts. A simple green salad makes an excellent accompaniment.

How to Store

Here’s how to keep your leftover pasta nice and fresh.

To Store: Place the leftover pasta in an air-tight container and refrigerate it for up to three days. Avoid freezing the pasta, as cooked seafood does not reheat well from frozen.

To Reheat: Reheat the pasta gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent it from drying out. You can also warm in the oven at a low temperature, around 275°F, covering the dish with foil to keep it moist.

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