Discover a quick and easy shrimp scallop recipe perfect for weeknight dinners.

Imagine the smell of sautéed garlic and the sound of seared shrimp and scallops. They’re all mixed with tender pasta in a creamy, tangy sauce. This shrimp scallop recipe is a quick fix for weeknight dinners, ready in just 35 minutes. It’s perfect for impressing your family, whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting out.

The key to this recipe’s success is its simplicity and fresh ingredients. It combines juicy shrimp, tender bay scallops, and a rich garlic cream sauce. This mix of flavors takes you to a seaside bistro. And the best part? It’s ready in just 35 minutes, ideal for busy weeknights when you want a fancy meal without spending hours cooking.

Essential Ingredients for a Perfect Shrimp Scallop Recipe

Making a tasty shrimp and scallop pasta dish needs the right ingredients. You’ll need fresh seafood and pantry staples. Each part is crucial for a dish that tastes great and feels right.

Fresh Seafood Selection Tips

Choose large 51-60 count prawns and bay scallops for your dish. Bay scallops add luxury, and big shrimp give a nice chew. Get these from a trusted seafood store for the best taste and freshness.

Pantry Staples and Aromatics

• Linguine or fettuccine pasta
• Garlic cloves
• Shallot
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Fresh parsley

Sauce Components

The sauce is key to the dish. It’s made with:

1. Butter
2. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese
3. Sour cream
4. Cream cheese

These ingredients make a rich, tangy sauce. It’s perfect with the shrimp and scallops. For extra crunch, try panko breadcrumbs or toasted pine nuts on top.

With the best ingredients, you’re ready to make a dish that will wow everyone. Next, we’ll cover how to cook it just right.

Understanding Bay Scallops vs Sea Scallops

When making shrimp scampi and scallops, knowing the difference between bay and sea scallops is key. These scallops have unique traits that affect your dish’s taste and texture.

Bay scallops are smaller, sweeter, and softer than sea scallops. They live in bays and harbors along the East Coast. Sea scallops, on the other hand, are bigger, often farmed, and taste more robust.

For this shrimp scampi and scallops recipe, bay scallops are the best choice. Their small size and soft texture complement the pasta well. They are also more budget-friendly than sea scallops.

“Bay scallops are the official state shell of New York, highlighting their regional significance and culinary importance.”

Preparing Your Seafood and Pasta Base

Creating a delicious scallop shrimp pasta recipe starts with preparation. First, boil a large pot of salted water. Cook your pasta until it’s al dente, as the package says. Don’t forget to save about 1 cup of the cooking water. This water will help make your sauce smooth.

Seafood Cleaning and Preparation

Now, focus on the seafood. Dry the scallops with paper towels to get a nice sear. For the shrimp, peel, devein, and rinse them under cold water. This makes sure your seafood is clean and ready for cooking.

Temperature Control Tips

When cooking scallops, keeping the temperature right is important. Use a meat thermometer to check the scallops’ internal temperature. It should be 115°F. This ensures they stay tender and juicy, not tough.

By following these steps, you’ll make a scallop shrimp pasta dish that’s restaurant-quality.

Creating the Perfect Garlic Cream Sauce

Take your shrimp scallop or seafood pasta linguine to the next level with a garlic cream sauce. It’s made with sour cream, cream cheese, and pasta water. Add minced garlic, chopped shallots, and lemon juice for a burst of flavor.

To make the sauce, melt the sour cream and cream cheese in a skillet. Then, slowly add pasta water until it’s the right consistency. Fresh garlic is key for the best taste.

After preparing the base, mix in the garlic and shallots. Let it simmer for a few minutes. Finally, add lemon juice to brighten the sauce. This sauce is creamy and rich, perfect for seafood.

This garlic cream sauce is different because it uses pasta water to avoid heaviness. The sour cream and cream cheese make it luxurious. The garlic, shallots, and lemon juice add depth. Toss it with shrimp, scallops, and linguine for a dish that’s sure to wow.

“The garlic cream sauce is the star of this shrimp scallop recipe – it’s the perfect balance of richness and freshness to complement the seafood.”

Step-by-Step Shrimp Scallop Recipe Instructions

Make your weeknight dinner special with this quick shrimp and scallop pasta. It’s all about the right cooking techniques and ingredients. Follow these steps to make the perfect shrimp and scallop pasta.

Initial Cooking Phase

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil and sauté minced shallots and garlic until they smell great, about 2-3 minutes. Then, add a splash of fresh lemon juice to the pan. This helps loosen any browned bits from the bottom.

Sauce Integration Steps

Now, add the creamy sauce parts. Mix in heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and a bit of seafood seasoning. Let the sauce simmer and thicken. Then, add the jumbo shrimp and large sea scallops. Cook them in the sauce for 3-5 minutes, until the shrimp are pink and the scallops are golden.

Final Assembly Process

Finally, mix the cooked scallop shrimp pasta with the tasty sauce. Fold in the al dente pasta gently, so it soaks up the garlic-infused cream well. Top with chopped parsley and season with salt and pepper. Serve this shrimp and scallop pasta right away for a delicious meal.

“This scallop shrimp pasta recipe is a game-changer. The combination of tender seafood and creamy garlic sauce is simply divine.”

Tips for Achieving Restaurant-Quality Results

Want to make a shrimp scampi and scallops dish as good as your favorite restaurant? The secret is using the best ingredients and focusing on the details. Choose plump, juicy shrimp and tender sea scallops for the best taste and texture.

To avoid overcooking the scallops, watch the cooking time closely. Use a thermometer to ensure they hit 125°F. This way, they’ll have a nice sear outside and stay soft inside.

Make the dish even better with a crunchy topping. Mix panko breadcrumbs with toasted pine nuts and garlic. Sprinkle this over the seafood before serving. The crunchy topping and soft shrimp scampi and scallops will excite your taste buds.

Don’t forget the finishing touches. Drizzle extra virgin olive oil over the dish. Add flaky sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper. These simple steps will boost the flavor and make your seafood and pasta recipes look like they came from a restaurant.

“The secret to a perfect shrimp scampi and scallops dish is in the attention to detail. Use the freshest ingredients, don’t overcook the seafood, and add those final touches to elevate the flavors.”

Customization Options and Variations

The shrimp scallop recipe is great just the way it is. But, you can make it even better by adding your own twist. Try different pasta or change up the sauce to make it your own. This way, your weeknight dinner can become a special treat.

Pasta Alternatives

Want to try something new? Swap the angel hair pasta for spaghetti, bucatini, or even zucchini noodles. This change can make your dish feel fresh and exciting. Just remember, the pasta should be al dente to match the tender shrimp and scallops.

Sauce Modifications

Ready to mix things up in the sauce? Add some white wine for a zesty kick or use heavy cream for a creamier sauce. You can also toss in fresh herbs like basil or parsley. Or, add sautéed veggies like spinach or cherry tomatoes for extra flavor and nutrition.

This shrimp scallop recipe is all about trying new things. By changing up the pasta and sauce, you can make a dish that’s truly yours. So, don’t be shy. Get creative and enjoy your own version of this delicious recipe.

Wine Pairing and Serving Suggestions

Enhance your seafood pasta linguine with the right wine. The creamy shrimp and scallop pasta calls for a light, refreshing white wine. Try a crisp Pinot Grigio or a zesty Sauvignon Blanc to match the seafood’s delicate taste.

For a full meal, add a simple side salad or steamed veggies to your seafood pasta linguine recipe. The fresh greens and crunchy textures contrast well with the rich pasta. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a nice citrus touch.

To wow your guests, serve the shrimp and scallop pasta with warm, crusty bread. Garlic-infused focaccia or a hearty Dutch oven loaf works great. This combo of creamy pasta, crisp wine, and warm bread makes for a memorable meal.

“Pair this dish with a crisp white wine and serve with a simple side salad for a well-balanced and delightful dinner.”

Enjoy each bite and sip of this seafood pasta linguine recipe. Let the flavors meld on your palate. Bon appétit!

Time-Saving Tips and Make-Ahead Options

Preparing the shrimp scallop recipe is key to a smooth cooking experience. To save time, follow these tips and make-ahead options.

Begin by prepping your ingredients early. Clean the shrimp, rinse the scallops, and chop garlic and onions. This makes cooking easier and lets you focus on putting the dish together. Also, prepare the breadcrumb topping ahead of time. Store it in an airtight container for later use.

While best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can be stored for 1-2 days. To reheat, warm the seafood and pasta gently in a skillet. Add cream or olive oil to keep it moist.

These tips and make-ahead options help you prepare the shrimp scallop recipe quickly. Even on busy weeknights, you can enjoy this dish with ease.

Conclusion

This shrimp and scallop pasta recipe is a delightful, restaurant-quality meal you can make at home. It has a creamy garlic sauce, tender seafood, and you can customize it. It’s great for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Whether you choose classic linguine or try other pasta, the secret is in the ingredients and cooking. Follow the step-by-step guide and use the time-saving tips. You’ll make a shrimp scallop recipe that’s as good as your favorite local place. Add a crisp white wine, and you’ll impress everyone.

So, why not make this tasty seafood pasta linguine recipe for dinner tonight? It’s full of flavor and easy to follow. You’ll enjoy a dish fit for a restaurant in your own home.

FAQ

What are the key ingredients in this shrimp and scallop pasta recipe?

The main ingredients are linguine or fettuccine pasta, bay scallops, and prawns. You’ll also need garlic, shallots, lemon juice, and sour cream. Cream cheese, olive oil, and parsley are also key. For the sauce, use high-quality butter and Parmesan cheese. Panko breadcrumbs and pine nuts add a crunchy topping.

What’s the difference between bay scallops and sea scallops?

Bay scallops are smaller, sweeter, and tender. They’re found in East coast bays and harbors. Sea scallops are larger and often farmed sustainably. Bay scallops are better for pasta dishes because they’re easier to eat and more affordable.

How do you properly cook the scallops in this recipe?

Pat the scallops dry with paper towels before cooking. Use a meat thermometer to check for 115°F internal temperature. This ensures they’re tender without overcooking.

What makes the sauce in this recipe unique?

The sauce uses sour cream and cream cheese instead of heavy cream. This makes it tangy and rich, without being heavy. It perfectly complements the seafood.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time or have leftovers?

It’s best served fresh, but leftovers can be stored for 1-2 days. Reheat gently, adding cream or olive oil if needed. The breadcrumb topping can be made ahead and stored in an airtight container.