Looking for a meal that’s both impressively elegant and incredibly quick to prepare? Dive into the world of Italian cuisine with our Super Quick Grilled Scallops with Pesto Pasta! In just 20 minutes, you can whip up a dish that dazzles the taste buds and elevates any weeknight dinner. Perfectly seared scallops paired with vibrant pesto pasta create a symphony of flavors that will have your guests begging for the recipe. Ready to become a culinary star in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 20 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 8 large scallops
- 2 cups cooked pasta
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set it aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
- While the pasta is cooking, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the olive oil and allow it to heat until shimmering but not smoking.
- Carefully place the seasoned scallops in the hot skillet, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Cook the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on one side until they develop a golden crust. Avoid moving them around to ensure a nice sear.
- Once the scallops are golden, gently flip them over and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set them aside on a plate.
- In the same skillet, add the cooked pasta and pesto. Toss the pasta in the skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of the reserved pasta water if needed to create a silky sauce. Stir until the pasta is well coated with the pesto.
- To serve, plate the pesto pasta and arrange the grilled scallops on top. Drizzle with a little extra olive oil if desired, and add more salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy your super quick grilled scallops with pesto pasta!
Tips
- Patience is Key: Ensure your scallops are thoroughly dried before cooking. This helps achieve that coveted golden crust!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the scallops in batches if necessary. Overcrowding will lower the skillet's temperature and prevent a proper sear.
- Reserve Pasta Water: Don’t forget to save a bit of the pasta water! It’s a great way to adjust the sauce’s consistency and helps the pesto cling to the pasta.
- Taste as You Go: Always taste your dish before serving. Adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper to make sure the flavors pop!
- Garnish for Flair: A drizzle of high-quality olive oil or a sprinkle of fresh herbs can elevate the presentation and flavor of your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 45mg
