Scallops Italienne
A luxurious seafood dish featuring tender scallops cooked in a flavorful wine broth, complemented by mushrooms, spinach noodles, and a rich Parmesan cream sauce, perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lb. fresh scallops ⓘ
- 1 cup dry white wine or water
- 1 cup water ⓘ
- 2 bay leaves ⓘ
- 6 black peppercorns ⓘ
- 1 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/2 lb. fresh mushrooms, quartered ⓘ
- 4 tablespoons butter or margarine ⓘ
- 8 oz. spinach noodles ⓘ
- 1 cup whipping cream
- 2 eggs, slightly beaten ⓘ
- 3/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cut the scallops in half.
- Combine wine, water, bay leaves, peppercorns, and salt in a 10-inch skillet and heat.
- Add the scallops to the skillet.
- Simmer for 2 to 3 minutes until the scallops are cooked through.
- Remove the scallops with a slotted spoon.
- Bring the cooking liquid to a boil and reduce until it measures about 1/2 cup.
- Saute the mushrooms in 2 tablespoons of butter for 2 to 5 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
For optimal flavor, use a high-quality dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc. If you prefer not to use wine, water is a suitable substitute. Be careful not to overcook the scallops; they should be opaque and firm after simmering. For a twist, try adding some fresh herbs like parsley or basil to enhance the dish's flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Scallops Italienne over a bed of spinach noodles, allowing the rich sauce to soak into the pasta. This dish pairs beautifully with a side of garlic bread and a fresh green salad, or try it alongside Italian recipes featuring seafood. A crisp white wine complements the flavors perfectly.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the scallops and mushrooms in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or water to prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving, as it can toughen the scallops.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Scallops Italienne contains roughly 828 calories, with 18g protein, 69g carbohydrates, and 53g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin A (113% of the Daily Value), iron (63% of the Daily Value), and calcium (42% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2210mg per serving (96% 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
Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen scallops, but make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture, which will help achieve a better sear and prevent them from steaming.
What can I substitute for whipping cream?
If you're looking for a lighter option, you can substitute half-and-half or a blend of milk and cornstarch. For a dairy-free alternative, consider coconut cream or a non-dairy milk thickened with a bit of flour or cornstarch to achieve a creamy consistency.
How can I add more vegetables to this dish?
You can incorporate various vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or asparagus. Sauté them along with the mushrooms for added flavor and texture. A handful of fresh spinach can also be folded in just before serving for a nutritious boost.
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).