Description
Indulge in seared sea scallops in a creamy vodka sauce with fettuccine, featuring garlic, Parmesan, and a touch of spice. This elegant dish is perfect for special occasions or a delightful weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 pound fresh sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup vodka
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- 8 ounces fettuccine or pasta of your choice
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the fettuccine (or your chosen pasta) and cook according to package instructions until al dente (about 8-10 minutes).
- Reserve about 1 cup of pasta water, then drain the pasta and set aside. Toss with a little olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels.
- Season the scallops with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add scallops without overcrowding the pan.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes on one side until golden brown.
- Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until opaque. Remove from skillet and cover loosely with foil.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add butter. Let it melt, then add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Carefully pour in the vodka, scraping up browned bits from the pan.
- Simmer vodka for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
- Add heavy cream and stir to combine. Simmer for 3-4 minutes until thickened.
- Stir in Parmesan cheese and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper.
- Add cooked pasta to the skillet with the sauce and toss to coat. Add reserved pasta water if needed for consistency.
- Gently fold in the seared scallops.
- Cook together for an additional minute to heat through.
- Plate the pasta and scallops in shallow bowls, twirling the pasta for presentation.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
- Ensure scallops are dry for a perfect sear.
- Avoid overcrowding the pan to prevent steaming.
- Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes