Silky Scallop Spaghetti in Creamy White Butter Garlic Sauce with Capers Recipe

Sailing through culinary waters, this scallop spaghetti delivers an elegant seafood experience that whispers luxury on your plate.

Delicate shellfish dance with silky sauce, creating magic in mere minutes.

Capers add unexpected bursts of bright, briny flavor against soft pasta strands.

Mediterranean traditions inspire this quick weeknight dinner with sophisticated charm.

Fresh ingredients matter most when crafting such a simple yet impressive dish.

Professional chefs know the secret lies in precise timing and quality components.

Each forkful promises a moment of pure coastal indulgence that you won’t soon forget.

How to Cook Scallop Spaghetti in Butter Sauce

Step 1: Boil Pasta

Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a rolling boil.

Carefully drop the spaghetti into the bubbling water. Cook until the pasta reaches a perfect al dente texture, typically around 8-10 minutes.

Scoop out a half cup of the starchy cooking water before draining the pasta completely. Set the pasta and reserved water aside.

Step 2: Perfectly Sear Scallops

Select a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Gently pat the scallops dry with paper towels.

Sprinkle salt and freshly ground black pepper over both sides of the scallops. Carefully place the scallops in the hot skillet, ensuring they’re not overcrowded.

Sear for 1-2 minutes on each side until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Transfer the seared scallops to a clean plate and set aside.

Step 3: Create Luxurious Sauce

Lower the skillet’s heat to medium. Add butter and let it melt completely.

Toss in minced garlic and cook until it becomes wonderfully fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour white wine into the skillet and let it simmer, reducing the liquid.

• Heavy cream
• Grated Parmesan cheese
• Briny capers
• Red pepper flakes

Simmer the sauce for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 4: Finish and Serve

Gently slide the cooked spaghetti into the sauce.

If the sauce seems too thick, splash in some of the reserved pasta water to create a silky consistency. Carefully return the seared scallops to the skillet, warming them through.

Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top. Serve immediately with bright lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.

Tips to Perfect Scallop Spaghetti in Garlic Sauce

• Get a golden-brown crust on scallops by patting them completely dry before cooking and using a hot, dry skillet with minimal oil.
• Reduce heat when adding cream and stir constantly to maintain a smooth, silky texture without curdling.
• Save some starchy pasta water to help thicken and bind the sauce, creating a more cohesive and creamy consistency.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio to enhance the sauce's flavor without overpowering delicate scallops.
• Mince garlic finely and add it just before liquid ingredients to prevent burning and ensure a sweet, aromatic flavor profile.

Flavor Variations for Scallop Spaghetti Recipe

• Mediterranean Seafood Remix: Replace scallops with shrimp or mixed seafood like mussels and prawns for a diverse ocean flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused Ocean Classic: Add fresh basil, thyme, and chives to enhance the sauce's aromatic complexity and create a more nuanced herb experience.
• Spicy Coastal Fusion: Increase red pepper flakes, incorporate diced jalapeños, and use smoked paprika to elevate the dish's heat and smoky undertones.
• Vegetarian Sea Substitute: Swap scallops with pan-seared king oyster mushrooms or hearts of palm to maintain a similar texture and create a plant-based alternative.

What Goes Well With Scallop Spaghetti Dish

• Pair with Crisp Chardonnay: Select a lightly oaked California Chardonnay that complements the creamy sauce and enhances the delicate scallop flavor with its buttery undertones.
• Crusty Garlic Bread Companion: Create a side of toasted sourdough or French bread rubbed with garlic to soak up the rich, velvety sauce and add textural contrast to the tender scallops.
• Mediterranean Arugula Salad: Toss fresh arugula with lemon vinaigrette, shaved Parmesan, and toasted pine nuts to provide a peppery, bright counterpoint to the rich pasta dish.
• Sparkling Aperitif Match: Start the meal with a crisp prosecco or champagne to cleanse the palate and prepare the taste buds for the luxurious seafood pasta experience.

Best Storage Practices for Scallop Spaghetti Dish

Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain sauce texture.

Transfer to freezer-safe container, removing as much air as possible. Keeps well for 1-2 months. Avoid freezing scallops for best quality.

Gently warm in skillet over low heat, adding splash of cream or pasta water to restore sauce consistency. Stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating.

Use medium power, stirring every 30 seconds. Add small amount of liquid to prevent drying out. Heat just until warmed through to prevent overcooking scallops.

FAQs

• How do I know when the scallops are perfectly cooked?

Look for a golden-brown crust and translucent center. Scallops cook quickly, so sear them 1-2 minutes per side to avoid overcooking and becoming rubbery.

• Can I substitute heavy cream with something lighter?

Use half-and-half or whole milk, but the sauce will be less rich and creamy. For a dairy-free option, try coconut cream or a plant-based alternative.

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

Choose dry white wines like Pinot Grigio, Sauvignon Blanc, or Chardonnay. Avoid sweet wines, as they can make the sauce too sugary.

What Makes Scallop Spaghetti in Butter Garlic Sauce

• Craft a Gourmet Delight: Transform your kitchen into a high-end restaurant with this restaurant-quality scallop pasta that impresses without complicated techniques.
• Speed Through Dinner Prep: Achieve a luxurious meal in minimal steps, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something special yet quick.
• Customize with Ease: Adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels, swapping seafood, or making it vegetarian, giving you total culinary flexibility.
• Wow Your Dinner Guests: Serve a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like it came from a professional chef's kitchen, elevating any casual gathering.

Ingredients Needed for Scallop Spaghetti with Capers

• Scallops: Fresh, succulent seafood that brings a delicate sweetness and tender texture to the dish.

• Spaghetti: Classic long pasta that provides a perfect base for absorbing the creamy sauce.

• Butter, Olive Oil: Rich, flavorful fats that create a smooth foundation for the sauce.
• Garlic: Aromatic ingredient that adds depth and intense flavor to the sauce.
• White Wine: Adds acidity and complexity to enhance the overall sauce profile.
• Heavy Cream: Provides a luxurious, velvety texture to the sauce.

• Parmesan Cheese: Salty, nutty cheese that adds richness and depth to the sauce.
• Capers: Briny, tangy ingredient that brings a burst of sharp flavor.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Provides a subtle heat and spicy undertone.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors of the ingredients.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that adds color and a bright, clean taste.
• Lemon: Citrus fruit that provides a zesty, fresh finish to the dish.

Scallop Spaghetti In Creamy White Butter Garlic Sauce With Capers Recipe

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4.9 from 28 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 2 1x

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Description

Silky scallop spaghetti dances through a luxurious white butter garlic sauce, elevating coastal Italian flavors with delicate capers. Mediterranean elegance meets comfort, promising a restaurant-quality meal you can savor right at home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Seafood:

• 12 large sea scallops, patted dry

Main Carbohydrates:

• 8 ounces (226 grams) spaghetti

Sauce and Seasoning Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon capers, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1/4 cup chopped parsley, for garnish
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Prepare a generously salted water bath in a large pot, bringing it to a rolling boil. Immerse spaghetti and cook until perfectly tender yet firm, typically 8-10 minutes. Extract and preserve 1/2 cup of starchy liquid before draining.
2. Select a robust skillet and heat olive oil over robust medium-high temperature. Delicately season scallops with salt and cracked pepper. Sear each side for approximately 90 seconds until achieving a rich golden crust. Transfer to a waiting plate.
3. Reduce skillet heat to medium. Introduce butter and allow garlic to release its aromatic essence, approximately 30 seconds. Stream white wine into the pan, allowing liquid to concentrate for 2 minutes. Incorporate heavy cream, grated Parmesan, briny capers, and subtle red pepper flakes. Allow sauce to simmer and thicken.
4. Gracefully fold cooked spaghetti into the velvety sauce, utilizing reserved pasta water to adjust consistency. Gently reintroduce seared scallops, warming them through. Scatter fresh parsley across the dish and accompany with bright lemon wedges for a zesty finish.

Notes

• Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best searing results and avoid watery scallops that won’t develop a golden crust.
• Pat scallops completely dry with paper towels before searing to ensure a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming.
• Use a stainless steel or cast-iron skillet for the most even and beautiful golden-brown sear on the scallops.
• Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the heat level, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
• For a lighter version, substitute half-and-half or whole milk for heavy cream and use less butter.
• Quickly cook scallops over high heat to maintain their delicate texture and prevent becoming rubbery or overcooked.
• Add fresh lemon zest to the sauce for an extra bright, citrusy note that complements the seafood perfectly.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2
• Calories: 615 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 27 g
• Saturated Fat: 11 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 58 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg