Imagine twirling perfectly cooked spaghetti around your fork, topped with tender scallops and a luscious lemon cream sauce. This Spaghetti with Scallops and Lemon Cream Recipe is a delightful dish that brings a taste of the ocean directly to your table. It’s an impressive yet easy meal that will leave your guests raving about your culinary skills.
This recipe combines the richness of the cream with the bright acidity of lemon, creating a balanced flavor profile that dances on your palate. The scallops add a sweet, buttery element that pairs perfectly with the pasta, making it an ideal choice for both special occasions and casual dinners.
Captivating Presentation
The visual appeal of a dish can elevate the dining experience, and this plate of spaghetti with scallops and lemon cream is no exception. Each component is thoughtfully arranged to create a stunning presentation.
Picture perfectly twirled spaghetti, forming a nest that cradles tender seared scallops. The glossy lemon cream sauce cascades over the dish, enhancing its allure. A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds vibrant color, while grated Parmesan cheese provides a finishing touch, harmonizing with the overall aesthetic.
The Flavor Profile
The Spaghetti with Scallops and Lemon Cream Recipe beautifully combines flavors that dance on the palate. The creaminess of the sauce, infused with the zesty brightness of lemon, creates a delightful contrast.
Succulent scallops introduce a sweet, buttery element that complements the pasta perfectly. This marriage of ingredients results in a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated, ideal for impressing guests or enjoying a simple dinner at home.
Ingredients for Success
To achieve the perfect balance of flavors and textures, the choice of ingredients plays a pivotal role. Fresh sea scallops, vibrant lemon, and high-quality cream are key components of this delicious recipe.
Each ingredient contributes to the dish’s complexity, ensuring that every bite is bursting with flavor. Using the finest ingredients not only enhances taste but also elevates the overall dining experience.
A Rustic Setting
The setting in which a meal is enjoyed adds to its charm. Imagine this exquisite dish served on a rustic wooden table, with a fork elegantly placed beside the plate and a glass of white wine in the background.
This warm and inviting atmosphere enhances the flavors and makes the meal feel like a special occasion. Creating an appealing setting can transform a simple dinner into a memorable experience.
Cooking Techniques
Mastering cooking techniques is essential for achieving the best results. Searing scallops to a golden brown while maintaining their tenderness requires attention to detail.
Simultaneously, preparing the creamy lemon sauce allows for a perfect balance of acidity and richness. The process of combining these elements is straightforward, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels.
Serving Suggestions
When it comes to serving, presentation can elevate the dining experience further. A generous garnish of fresh parsley not only provides a pop of color but also an aromatic freshness that complements the dish.
Accompanying the spaghetti with a crisp glass of white wine enhances the flavors, making for a delightful pairing. This dish is sure to impress, whether for a casual meal or a celebratory occasion.
Elegant Spaghetti with Scallops and Lemon Cream
This spaghetti dish features al dente pasta coated in a creamy lemon sauce, enriched with succulent scallops. The dish is both comforting and sophisticated, with a taste that harmonizes creaminess and citrus zest.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces spaghetti
- 1 pound sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Cook the Spaghetti: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a cup of pasta water.
- Sear the Scallops: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil and butter. Once hot, add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove from the skillet and set aside.
- Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the heavy cream, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir and let simmer for 2-3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Combine: Add the cooked spaghetti to the sauce, tossing to coat. If needed, add reserved pasta water to achieve the desired creaminess. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Finish with Scallops: Gently fold the seared scallops into the pasta until warmed through. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4
- Calories: 620kcal
- Fat: 38g
- Protein: 25g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
