Pasta With Scallops And Bacon Lardons
Creamy pasta with tender scallops and crispy bacon lardons, enhanced by fresh thyme — a rich, savory dish perfect for special dinners or indulgent weeknights.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of water to a boil and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and cook the bacon until crisp.
- Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and keep warm.
- Pour off all but 1/4 cup of bacon fat from the skillet.
- Add scallops to the skillet; cook over medium heat until they are no longer opaque.
- Remove scallops from the skillet.
- Discard all remaining fat in the skillet.
- Pour the heavy cream into the skillet and reduce by 1/3 over medium heat.
- Cook the angel hair pasta in boiling water until tender, then drain.
- While the pasta is cooking, add the bacon, scallops, and thyme to the cream sauce.
- Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste.
- Warm the sauce through over medium heat.
- Divide the sauce among four plates and serve the cooked pasta over the sauce.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance flavor, consider adding a splash of white wine to the skillet after cooking the scallops. If you prefer a lighter version, substitute half of the heavy cream with low-fat milk or a non-dairy alternative. Fresh herbs can be varied; try using basil or parsley instead of thyme for a different taste. For a quicker option, pre-cooked bacon can be used.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish with a light side salad to balance the richness of the cream sauce. Garlic bread makes for a delightful accompaniment, perfect for soaking up the sauce. For a more substantial meal, consider pairing it with a white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the scallops. This pasta also pairs beautifully with Italian recipes featuring fresh vegetables.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to maintain the sauce's consistency. Avoid microwaving, as it may cause the scallops to become rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Scallops And Bacon Lardons contains roughly 91 calories, with 2g protein, 7g carbohydrates, and 7g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (51% of the Daily Value) and iron (28% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 491mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
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
Is there a vegetarian version of this dish?
Absolutely! Substitute the scallops with sautéed mushrooms or a plant-based protein. Use smoked tempeh instead of bacon for a similar flavor profile, and replace the cream with a cashew cream for a dairy-free option.
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).