Spicy Seafood Pasta
Spicy seafood pasta combines tender shrimp and scallops with a chili kick, creamy sauce, and smoky bacon, perfect for seafood lovers craving bold flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Boil sufficient water to cook pasta.
- Dice bacon into 1/4-inch squares and cook over medium-high heat until cooked and slightly crispy.
- Add minced shallots and sauté until clear.
- Turn heat to high and add shrimp; turn to cook evenly.
- Add scallops when both sides of shrimp are pink.
- Stir-fry scallops and shrimp until mostly cooked, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Add powdered chili pepper or hot paprika and sun-dried tomato paste, stir well.
- Pour in heavy cream, stir, and cook until sauce slightly thickens.
- Drain cooked pasta and toss with seafood and sauce before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a spicier kick, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes or using a hotter chili pepper variety. If you can't find bay scallops, small sea scallops will work; just cut them into smaller pieces. For a lighter version, substitute the heavy cream with half-and-half or a non-dairy alternative. This dish pairs beautifully with Italian recipes, enhancing your meal experience.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Spicy Seafood Pasta topped with fresh parsley or basil for added flavor and color. A side of garlic bread or a simple green salad complements the dish perfectly. For a complete meal, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine, enhancing the seafood flavors.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid microwaving, as it may overcook the seafood and dry out the pasta.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Spicy Seafood Pasta contains roughly 816 calories, with 42g protein, 143g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (84% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), and iron (52% of the Daily Value), and a good source of calcium and vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 852mg per serving (37% 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 seafood instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp and scallops. Just ensure they are fully thawed and pat them dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture. Adjust cooking times slightly as frozen seafood may take a bit longer to cook through.
How can I make this dish vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, omit the bacon and seafood. You can substitute with sautéed mushrooms and zucchini for added texture and flavor. Replace the heavy cream with a plant-based cream for a creamy consistency without the dairy.
What type of pasta works best with this recipe?
Fresh pasta is ideal for this dish due to its tender texture and ability to absorb the sauce well. However, you can use dried pasta like fettuccine or linguine if fresh is not available. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.
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).