Angel Hair Pasta With Sea Scallops
Delicate angel hair pasta combined with tender sea scallops and fragrant herbs, topped with toasted bread crumbs for a light yet flavorful seafood pasta experience.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Place bread crumbs on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F for 5 minutes or until golden brown. Set aside.
- Cook the angel hair pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- In a skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute.
- Add scallops to the skillet and cook until opaque, about 2-3 minutes per side. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
- In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil and dried basil, oregano, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Toss cooked pasta with the herb mixture. Serve topped with scallops and toasted bread crumbs, garnished with half of the chopped parsley.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use fresh scallops and avoid overcooking them; they should be opaque yet tender. If you don't have fresh parsley, fresh basil or chives can work as substitutes. To add a kick, consider a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. This dish can also be enhanced with additional veggies like cherry tomatoes or spinach, similar to Broccoli-Shrimp Fettuccine.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal. A light white wine, such as Pinot Grigio, pairs beautifully with the flavors of the scallops. For a more substantial dinner, consider adding a side of roasted vegetables or a simple tomato salad. For more seafood recipes, explore options like Seafood Lasagna(Low-Fat) or Oyster Or Shrimp Spaghetti.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When reheating, add a splash of olive oil and a bit of water to the pan to prevent drying out. Heat gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the scallops rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Angel Hair Pasta With Sea Scallops contains roughly 153 calories, with 6g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 6g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (73% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (64% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (58% of the Daily Value), and a good source of potassium and vitamin A. It also contributes 16g of dietary fiber toward your daily target.
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, frozen scallops can be used, but ensure they are fully thawed and patted dry before cooking. This prevents excess moisture and helps achieve a nice sear. If using frozen, they may take slightly longer to cook, so adjust your timing accordingly.
What if I don't have angel hair pasta?
If angel hair pasta isn't available, you can substitute with other types of pasta such as spaghetti or fettuccine. Just keep an eye on the cooking time, as different pasta shapes will vary in how long they need to cook for al dente. This dish will still be delicious with any pasta choice.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While it's best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the pasta and the herb mixture ahead of time. Keep them separate until serving to maintain the texture of the scallops and pasta. Reheat gently as mentioned in the storage section, and add the scallops just before serving for the best results.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).