Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli

When you’re craving something that feels both indulgent and fresh, Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli is the ultimate answer. This dish effortlessly combines tender, juicy sea scallops with the bright zest of lemon and the rich warmth of garlic butter, all tossed with perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. It’s a meal that looks like it took hours but comes together in less than 30 minutes—perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without the stress.

Why This Recipe Is Reliable

This recipe stands out because it balances simplicity with gourmet flavors. The key is in the timing and quality of ingredients. Using dry sea scallops ensures you get that perfect sear without excess moisture steaming the scallops. The fusilli pasta holds the sauce beautifully because of its spiral shape, trapping every bit of garlic butter and lemon juice. Plus, the method is straightforward: cook pasta, sear scallops, make the sauce, then combine. No complicated techniques, no exotic ingredients, just pure, delicious food. If you follow these steps, you’ll have a restaurant-quality dish every time.

What to Buy

• 1 pound dry sea scallops – Look for fresh, firm scallops without a strong fishy odor.
• 8 ounces fusilli pasta – The corkscrew shape is perfect for catching sauce.
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter – Provides a creamy base for the garlic and lemon flavors.
• 3 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential for that punch of flavor.
• 1 lemon, both zested and juiced – Adds brightness and acidity to balance the richness.
• Salt and pepper to taste – Essential for seasoning the scallops and pasta.
• Fresh parsley, chopped – For garnish and a pop of green freshness.

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large pot – For boiling the fusilli pasta.
• Large skillet – Preferably non-stick or stainless steel for searing scallops perfectly.
• Colander – To drain the pasta.
• Zester and juicer – For zesting and juicing the lemon.
• Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring the sauce and pasta.
• Measuring spoons – To measure butter and seasoning precisely.

Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli: From Prep to Plate

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 10-12 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving about ½ cup of the pasta water to adjust the sauce later. Set the pasta aside while you prepare the scallops.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops

Pat your sea scallops dry with paper towels. Removing excess moisture is crucial because it helps the scallops develop a beautiful golden crust when seared. Season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Heat 2 tablespoons of unsalted butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once melted and hot, add the scallops in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and caramelized. Remove the scallops from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Lemon Garlic Butter Sauce

In the same skillet, reduce the heat to medium. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter and the minced garlic. Sauté the garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute—don’t let it burn! Add the lemon zest and juice, stirring to combine. If the sauce seems too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Scallops

Return the cooked fusilli to the skillet, tossing it in the lemon garlic butter sauce until well coated. Gently fold in the seared scallops and sprinkle with chopped fresh parsley. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.

Step 6: Plate and Garnish

Serve the Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli immediately while warm. For an added touch, pair this dish with Easy Garlic Bread to soak up every last bit of that luscious sauce.

Customize for Your Needs

• Swap fusilli for linguine or spaghetti if you prefer a different pasta shape.
• Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle heat kick.
• Include cherry tomatoes sautéed with the garlic for a burst of sweetness.
• Top with grated Parmesan or Pecorino Romano for extra richness.
• For a lower-carb version, serve the scallops and sauce over sautéed zucchini noodles.

Don’t Do This

• Don’t skip drying the scallops—wet scallops won’t sear properly and will steam instead.
• Avoid overcrowding the pan; sear scallops in batches if needed to get a perfect crust.
• Don’t overcook the scallops—they become rubbery quickly. A golden crust with a tender center is the goal.
• Don’t add lemon juice too early; adding it after the garlic cooks preserves its bright, fresh flavor.

Store, Freeze & Reheat

This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 days. When reheating, warm gently in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops. Freezing is not recommended, as scallops tend to become tough after freezing and thawing.

Reader Q&A

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat them very dry before cooking. This helps achieve a nice sear instead of steaming.

What can I substitute if I don’t have fusilli pasta?

Any short pasta like rotini, penne, or farfalle works well because they hold the sauce similarly. Long pasta like spaghetti or linguine also pairs nicely.

Is it possible to make this dish dairy-free?

Absolutely! Replace the butter with a dairy-free margarine or olive oil, and the recipe will still be flavorful and delicious.

Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?

You can prepare the lemon garlic butter sauce in advance, but it’s best to add the scallops and toss with pasta right before serving to keep everything fresh and perfectly cooked.

More from the Kitchen

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Tortellini – Another seafood pasta that’s rich and satisfying.
• Easy Garlic Bread – A perfect side to complement your scallops and pasta.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Lemon Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli straight from the skillet, garnished with fresh parsley and a wedge of lemon on the side for an extra zing. This dish pairs wonderfully with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a splash of lemon. Whether you’re treating yourself on a cozy night in or feeding loved ones, this meal delivers a luxurious feel without the fuss. Enjoy every bite of those tender scallops and the bright, buttery sauce that brings it all together beautifully.

Rich, fresh, and utterly comforting—this recipe proves that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable meals. Don’t forget to bookmark this one for your next seafood night!

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