Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti with Jumbo Scallops 🥰
A restaurant-style seafood pasta with pan-seared scallops, crispy bacon, and a rich, creamy garlic-Parmesan sauce.
Ingredients:
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 8 oz spaghetti
- 1 lb jumbo scallops (rinsed and patted dry)
- 6 slices bacon (chopped)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Fresh cilantro (for garnish)
- 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup spinach (optional, but recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (for heat, optional)
Instructions:
- Cook the Pasta:
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the Scallops:
- Pat the scallops dry with a paper towel. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Bacon & Sauce:
- In the same pan, add chopped bacon and cook until crispy.
- Remove excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
- Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir in Parmesan cheese, and season with red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and black pepper.
- Add sun-dried tomatoes and spinach, cooking until the spinach wilts.
- Combine & Serve:
- Add the drained spaghetti to the sauce, tossing well to coat.
- Return the scallops to the pan, letting them warm up for a minute.
- Garnish with fresh cilantro and serve hot.
Notes & Tips:
✅ Scallops need to be dry before searing to get that golden crust. Use a paper towel to remove moisture.
✅ Bacon grease adds extra flavor, but you can drain some if you prefer a lighter dish.
✅ Want more flavor? Add a splash of white wine before adding the cream.
✅ Use fresh Parmesan for the best creamy texture.
Servings:
- Makes 2-3 servings.
Nutritional Info (Per Serving – Approximate):
- Calories: ~600 kcal
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbs: ~50g
- Fats: ~30g
Health Benefits:
🦪 Scallops: High in lean protein, omega-3s, and vitamin B12.
🥓 Bacon: Adds flavor but can be swapped for turkey bacon for a lighter version.
🧀 Parmesan Cheese: A good source of calcium and protein.
🌿 Spinach & Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Provide fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.
Q&A:
❓ Can I use shrimp instead of scallops?
✔ Absolutely! Shrimp works well in this dish—just cook for 2 minutes per side.
❓ Can I make it dairy-free?
✔ Yes! Use coconut cream and dairy-free Parmesan alternatives.
❓ What can I serve with this?
✔ A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad pairs perfectly.
❓ Can I store leftovers?
✔ Yes, store in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Reheat gently with a splash of cream or milk.
Would you like any modifications or additional details? 😊