Savory Sea Scallops and Angel Hair Pasta

This scallop pasta dish is a very simple to prepare meal featuring an easy but elegant lemon-butter sauce flavored with fresh parsley and basil.

• Preparation Time: 15 mins
• Cooking Time: 10 mins
• Total Time: 25 mins
• Calories: 515 Calories

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 3 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
• 1 (16 ounce) package angel hair pasta
• 1 tablespoon grated Parmesan cheese to taste
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley
• 2 pounds sea scallops, rinsed and patted dry
• 0.25 cup butter
• 0.5 cup heavy cream

Recipe Instructions

Step 1

Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add angel hair pasta and cook, uncovered, for 4 to 5 minutes or until al dente; drain.

Step 2

Reduce heat to low; stir in lemon juice and season with salt and pepper. Pour in cream if you like a thicker sauce and cook just until the sauce begins to simmer.

Step 3

Ladle scallops and sauce over hot pasta and sprinkle Parmesan cheese over top.

Step 4

While the pasta is cooking, melt butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Stir in garlic and cook just until fragrant and softened, about 1 minute. Slice any scallops over 3/4-inch thick in half so they'll cook evenly; stir scallops, basil, and parsley into the skillet. Cook and gently stir just until scallops feel slightly firm when pressed with a finger, about 2 to 3 minutes. Scallops will become tough and chewy if overcooked.