Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta: A Decadent Seafood Feast

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There are moments when only one dish will satisfy your craving for comfort and indulgence—one that combines the tenderness of fresh seafood with the richness of a buttery sauce. If you’ve ever found yourself yearning for a simple, yet luxurious meal that evokes the flavors of the coast, then Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta is exactly what you need.

This dish, a perfect balance of succulent shrimp, sweet scallops, and perfectly cooked pasta, offers an unforgettable dining experience right in the comfort of your home. Whether you’re looking to impress your guests, treat yourself to something special, or simply enjoy a decadent dinner after a long day, this recipe is sure to hit all the right notes.

By combining the natural sweetness of brined seafood with a velvety garlic butter sauce and al dente pasta, this meal transforms everyday ingredients into something extraordinary. Not only is it a showstopper for your taste buds, but it’s also incredibly easy to prepare. Let’s dive into why Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta is the dish you need to make today.

Why You’ll Love Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

The Perfect Blend of Seafood and Pasta

When you imagine a seafood pasta, there’s a good chance you envision sweet, perfectly cooked scallops and shrimp tossed with pasta in a silky, garlic-infused butter sauce. This recipe delivers just that, combining the two best elements of seafood: the sweet, tender texture of scallops with the juicy, briny shrimp. Here’s why this dish is a true standout:

• Brined scallops: Soaking scallops in a saltwater brine before cooking enhances their natural sweetness and tenderness. This quick step helps lock in moisture and flavors, making the scallops melt in your mouth.
• Shrimp cooked just right: Shrimp are one of the quickest seafood options to prepare, but they need to be cooked just long enough to remain tender. The garlic butter sauce helps infuse each shrimp with flavor without overcooking it.
• Perfectly cooked pasta: The pasta acts as the perfect base, absorbing the richness of the sauce while maintaining its bite. Opt for a short pasta shape, like busiati, for better sauce adhesion.

A Quick and Easy Meal for Any Occasion

What sets this dish apart is how effortlessly it can go from an ordinary dinner to something special. With just a few ingredients, you can create a meal that feels both indulgent and simple at the same time. Here’s why it’s a great choice for almost any occasion:

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 500

This Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something impressive without spending hours in the kitchen. At the same time, it’s also the kind of dish you’d serve at a dinner party or special celebration. It strikes that balance of quick preparation and gourmet flavor that every home cook dreams of.

Ingredients for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather the right ingredients to ensure the dish turns out perfectly. Here’s what you’ll need:

Ingredient	Amount
Fresh or thawed scallops	1 lb
High-quality pasta (short)	12 oz
Kosher salt	1 Tbsp + extra for brine
Large shrimp (peeled, deveined)	12
Garlic (minced)	3 cloves
Fresh Italian parsley	1 Tbsp
Freshly ground black pepper	¼ tsp
Salted butter	3 oz
Extra virgin olive oil	3 Tbsp
Lemon wedges	4
Water (for pasta and brine)	As needed

Each of these ingredients plays a key role in creating the flavors and textures that make this dish irresistible. From the richness of the butter to the freshness of the parsley, every detail contributes to a beautifully balanced meal.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Now that you have all your ingredients ready, let’s walk through the steps to create this mouthwatering seafood pasta. It’s a relatively simple process, but a few key tips will ensure you achieve perfect results every time.

Step 1 – Brining the Scallops

Brining the scallops before cooking is essential to ensure they’re tender and flavorful. The saltwater soak draws out any excess moisture, making the scallops more succulent and enhancing their natural sweetness.

How to Brine the Scallops:

1. In a medium-sized bowl, dissolve 3 tablespoons of kosher salt into 16 oz of water.
2. Place the scallops in the bowl and let them soak for 10 minutes.
3. After the brining time, remove the scallops and place them on a rack to dry. You can also use a paper towel to gently pat them dry.

Step 2 – Cooking the Pasta

The pasta is the foundation of this dish, and it’s important to cook it to perfection so it can absorb the sauce.

How to Cook the Pasta:

1. Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 1 tablespoon of kosher salt (this will help season the pasta).
2. Add the pasta to the boiling water and cook according to the package instructions, typically around 7 minutes, until al dente.
3. Once cooked, drain the pasta, reserving about 1 cup of the pasta water for later.

Step 3 – Searing the Scallops and Shrimp

The key to perfectly seared seafood is a hot pan. Use a large, heavy skillet (cast iron works best) and get it very hot before adding the scallops and shrimp. The goal is to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the interior tender and juicy.

How to Sear the Scallops and Shrimp:

1. Heat 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over high heat.
2. When the oil is shimmering, add the scallops. Sear them for 1 ½ minutes on each side until they’re golden brown and just cooked through.
3. Add the shrimp, minced garlic, and chopped parsley to the pan. Cook for another 2 minutes, turning the shrimp and scallops as needed, until the shrimp turns pink and opaque.
4. Reduce the heat to medium.

Step 4 – Finishing the Dish with Butter and Seasonings

Now comes the part where everything comes together. The garlic butter sauce will coat the seafood and pasta, creating a velvety texture that brings the entire dish to life.

How to Finish the Dish:

1. Add 3 ounces of salted butter to the skillet with the seafood and allow it to melt.
2. Season the sauce with ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with extra salt if needed.
3. Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing everything together. If the sauce feels too thick, add a little of the reserved pasta water to achieve the desired consistency.

Step 5 – Serving Your Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

Once everything is well combined, it’s time to serve this beautiful dish. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and serve alongside a slice of crusty bread to soak up any leftover sauce.

Why This Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta is a Must-Try

This recipe combines everything you love about seafood pasta: sweetness from the scallops, juiciness from the shrimp, and richness from the garlic butter sauce. It’s the perfect comfort food that feels gourmet at the same time. Here are a few reasons why this dish is so special:

Simple Yet Luxurious

The key to making this dish feel extravagant without all the fuss is in the technique and quality ingredients. The brining step ensures tender, sweet scallops, while the searing method creates a crispy, caramelized exterior. Combine that with the rich garlic butter sauce, and you’ve got a truly luxurious meal.

Versatility for Any Meal

Whether you’re preparing a dinner for yourself after a busy day or hosting a dinner party, this dish works for every occasion. The combination of seafood and pasta is universally loved, and it’s easy to customize to suit your guests’ preferences or dietary needs.

Perfect Pairings

To make this meal even more indulgent, pair it with a crisp white wine, like a Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay. A simple green salad with a lemon vinaigrette would also complement the dish perfectly, balancing out the richness of the garlic butter.

Tips and Variations for Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

While this recipe is delicious as written, there are plenty of ways to put your own twist on it. Here are some ideas to enhance or modify the dish:

Customize the Recipe to Suit Your Taste

• Add a touch of heat: If you like spice, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic for an extra kick.
• Try a different seafood: Substitute the shrimp with lobster or use a mix of shellfish for a more varied seafood experience.
• Make it creamy: Add a splash of heavy cream to the sauce for a richer, creamier texture.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Pasta: While busiati is the recommended pasta shape, you can substitute it with linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti depending on your preference.
• Shrimp: If fresh shrimp isn’t available, frozen shrimp will work just as well. Just make sure to thaw them properly before cooking.
• Butter: You can swap the salted butter for unsalted butter, just be sure to adjust the salt to taste.

FAQs About Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta

How Can I Make Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta Ahead of Time?

This dish is best served fresh, but you can prep the seafood and pasta ahead of time. Store the cooked pasta and seafood separately in the fridge, then reheat them together with the butter sauce just before serving.

Can I Use Frozen Scallops and Shrimp?

Yes! Frozen scallops and shrimp can be used, but be sure to thaw them fully before cooking for the best texture and flavor.  Indulge in gourmet dining at home with our https://miarecipes.com/baked-spinach-mushroom-quesadillas-3/

How Do I Know When the Scallops and Shrimp Are Done Cooking?

Scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch but still moist inside. Shrimp should turn pink and curl into a C-shape when cooked through.

Can I Make This Recipe Without Butter?

Yes, if you’re looking for a lighter version, you can substitute butter with olive oil. However, the flavor will be different, as the butter contributes richness and depth to the sauce.

Conclusion: A Seafood Feast Worth Savoring

Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. With tender scallops, juicy shrimp, and a silky garlic butter sauce, this dish will transport you to the coast with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or a special occasion, this recipe is bound to impress.

So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, follow these easy steps, and enjoy a delicious, restaurant-quality seafood dinner right at home.

Ready to dive into a world of flavor? Make Garlic Butter Scallop and Shrimp Pasta your next go-to dish!

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