Garlic Herb Scallops over Pasta 🧄🦪🍝 Buttery, Fragrant, and Comfortably Elegant

This dish pairs tender seared scallops with pasta coated in a buttery garlic herb sauce. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to serve at a dinner party.

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the pasta

• 12 oz linguine or spaghetti
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Grated Parmesan, for serving (optional)

For the scallops

• 1 lb sea scallops (about 12–16 large)
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves (or 1 tsp dried thyme)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Step 1: Cook the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup pasta water.

Step 2: Make the pasta sauce

In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and cook 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in wine (or broth) and lemon juice. Simmer 2–3 minutes. Add parsley and basil, then toss pasta in sauce. Add reserved pasta water if needed to loosen. Keep warm.

Step 3: Prepare the scallops

Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add scallops in a single layer and sear 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Add garlic and thyme in the last minute of cooking.

Step 4: Combine and serve

Plate pasta, then top with scallops and pan juices. Garnish with Parmesan (if using) and extra herbs.

Flavor Variations

• Add crushed red pepper flakes to the sauce for gentle heat
• Swap basil for dill or chives for a different herbal twist
• Stir in a handful of baby spinach or arugula for extra greens
• Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to suit dietary needs

Pro Tips

• Dry scallops very well before searing — moisture prevents browning
• Use a stainless-steel or cast-iron pan for the best golden crust
• Don’t overcrowd scallops in the pan; sear in batches if needed
• Toss pasta in sauce just before serving so it stays glossy and flavorful

Final Thoughts

Garlic Herb Scallops over Pasta is buttery, fragrant, and elegant — a dish that feels restaurant-level but comes together quickly at home. A perfect balance of freshness and richness.

Sear it. Toss it. Twirl into scallop perfection. 🧄🦪🍝

🦐 More Coastal Seafood Recipes

From cozy casseroles to zesty grilled fish and elegant seafood pastas, this collection of Seafood Recipes covers every ocean-inspired craving — whether you’re planning a dinner party or a quick weeknight win.

• 🐟 Classic Seafood Dish Recipes – Think pan-seared salmon with lemon dill and timeless coastal favorites.
• 🦞 Delicious Seafood Boil Recipes – Spicy, saucy boils packed with crab, shrimp, and corn. The ultimate feast.
• 🍝 Seafood Pasta Recipes – Elegant and indulgent, like shrimp linguine in a white wine sauce.
• 🍤 Shrimp Recipes – Versatile, fast, and flavor-packed; smoky grills to sizzling stir-fries
• 🐟 Salmon Recipes – Baking & grilling to bowls, pastas, and more — healthy, flavorful, and easy to make/
• 🦞 Seafood Casseroles – Bubbly, Buttery & Oven-Ready. Comfort food meets coastal flavor.
• 🥣 Flavorful Seafood Soups – Rich chowders, bisques, and broth-based favorites.
• 🍽️ Easy Seafood Dinner Recipes – Quick, delicious, easy recipes bring bold flavor with minimal prep and cleanup
• 🥗 Healthy Seafood Recipes – Light, fresh & packed with protein and omega-3s with bright, satisfying flavor
• 🍚 Risotto Recipes with Seafood – Creamy, silky rice dishes meet the richness of the sea.
• 🌊 Seafood Stews – Mediterranean, Latin to classic American, hearty stews with satisfying depth in your bowl.
• 🍝🧀 Seafood Lasagna – Lasagna meets the sea in these rich and satisfying delicious twist classic bakes.