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30-Minute Creamy Scallop Pasta That Tastes Luxurious

creamy scallop pasta

A luxurious creamy pasta dish featuring perfectly seared scallops in a rich, garlicky sun-dried tomato cream sauce with al dente rigatoni.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
  • 12 oz rigatoni pasta
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp butter
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
  • ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped

Instructions

  1. Cook rigatoni according to package directions; reserve ½ cup pasta water and drain.
  2. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Sear scallops 2–3 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
  4. In the same pan, melt butter and sauté garlic for 30 seconds.
  5. Add sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Simmer 3–4 minutes.
  6. Stir in parmesan and red pepper flakes. Add pasta and toss to coat, loosening with pasta water if needed.
  7. Gently fold scallops back in and garnish with fresh herbs. Serve immediately.

Notes

  • Pat scallops dry thoroughly for better searing.
  • Use fresh garlic for the best flavor.
  • Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference.

Nutrition

Keywords: creamy scallop pasta, seafood pasta recipe, scallops in cream sauce, sun-dried tomato pasta, date night dinner, restaurant-style pasta