Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli

If you’re craving a dish that’s elegant enough for a special dinner yet simple enough for a weeknight meal, Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli is your answer. This recipe brings together sweet, tender sea scallops seared to perfection, bathed in a luscious garlic butter sauce, and served atop perfectly cooked fusilli pasta. The spiral shape of the fusilli cradles the sauce beautifully, making each bite a harmonious blend of flavors and textures. Whether you’re a seafood lover or simply seeking a quick yet impressive meal, this dish checks all the boxes. Plus, it’s made using straightforward ingredients you likely already have on hand, making it a practical choice for any kitchen.

Top Reasons to Make Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for busy evenings.
• Restaurant-quality flavors: Impress your guests or family with gourmet taste at home.
• Perfect balance: The rich garlic butter complements the delicate sweetness of scallops.
• Versatile pasta base: Fusilli’s shape holds onto sauce, but feel free to swap for your favorite pasta.
• Nutritious and light: This dish is packed with protein and healthy fats without being heavy.

Ingredients at a Glance

• 1 pound sea scallops (patted dry)
• 8 ounces fusilli pasta
• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Gear Checklist

• Large pot for boiling pasta – to cook the fusilli al dente
• Large skillet or frying pan – perfect for searing scallops and making the garlic butter sauce
• Colander – to drain the pasta
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula – for stirring sauce and tossing pasta
• Measuring spoons – to get your butter, oil, and lemon juice just right
• Tongs or slotted spoon – for handling scallops gently

Method: Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli

Step 1: Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fusilli and cook according to package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 9-11 minutes. Drain the pasta, reserving ½ cup of the pasta water, and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Scallops

While the pasta cooks, pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the scallops in a single layer, leaving space between each one. Sear without moving for about 2-3 minutes on the first side until a golden crust forms. Flip and cook for another 1-2 minutes until opaque and just cooked through. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.

Step 4: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Reduce the heat to medium, add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for about 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic. Add the lemon juice and stir to combine.

Step 5: Combine Pasta and Sauce

Add the cooked fusilli back into the skillet with the garlic butter sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up.

Step 6: Serve

Plate the garlic butter-coated fusilli and top with the seared scallops. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish for a pop of color and freshness. Season with extra salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Ingredient Swaps & Substitutions

• Sea scallops: If unavailable, bay scallops can work but reduce cooking time as they are smaller.
• Fusilli pasta: Feel free to substitute with other pasta shapes like penne, rotini, or spaghetti.
• Butter: Use vegan butter or coconut oil for a dairy-free option.
• Lemon juice: Substitute with white wine vinegar or lime juice for a different citrus note.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped basil or chives are excellent alternatives for garnish.

Avoid These Traps

• Overcrowding the pan: Adding too many scallops at once causes steaming instead of searing. Cook in batches if needed.
• Not drying scallops: Moisture prevents a golden crust. Always pat dry before cooking.
• Burning the garlic: Garlic cooks quickly and can turn bitter. Add it once the butter is melted and keep heat medium.
• Overcooking scallops: Scallops go from perfectly tender to rubbery fast. Remove from heat as soon as they turn opaque.

Storing, Freezing & Reheating

Store leftover Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Scallops are best eaten fresh as reheating can affect their texture. Avoid freezing cooked scallops as they tend to become tough.

Ask & Learn

Can I use frozen scallops for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen scallops; just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before cooking to achieve a good sear.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic?

Minced garlic from a jar can be used in a pinch, but fresh garlic provides the best aroma and flavor.

How do I know when scallops are perfectly cooked?

Scallops are done when their flesh turns opaque and firm to the touch but still tender inside. This usually takes 3-5 minutes total cooking time depending on size.

Can I make this dish spicy?

Absolutely! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the garlic butter sauce will give it a nice kick without overpowering the delicate scallops.

Similar Recipes

• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta – Another garlic-infused seafood pasta that’s creamy and comforting.
• Black Pepper Shrimp Garlic Noodles – A spicy, savory noodle dish packed with bold flavors.
• Buttery Herb Smashed Red Potatoes – A perfect side dish with rich, buttery goodness to complement your seafood.

Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Garlic Butter Scallops over Fusilli with a crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables to round out the meal. A glass of chilled white wine or sparkling water with lemon pairs wonderfully with this dish. The warmth of the garlic butter sauce combined with tender scallops and al dente pasta is an irresistible combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. This recipe is perfect for date nights, family dinners, or whenever you want to treat yourself to a restaurant-worthy meal made right at home.

Treat yourself to this simple yet decadent dish and enjoy every bite of the delicate scallops and rich, garlicky sauce wrapped in those delightful fusilli spirals. Happy cooking!

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