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Creamy Tuscan Scallops

Creamy Tuscan Scallops
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Creamy Tuscan Scallops are a quick and easy seafood dish featuring tender scallops seared to golden perfection and served in a rich, garlicky cream sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach. This elegant yet simple recipe delivers restaurant-quality flavors and pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, making it a perfect indulgent dinner option that’s light, nutritious, and ready in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

  • 12 large sea scallops, patted dry

Sauce

  • 3 garlic cloves, freshly minced
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 2 cups baby spinach leaves, fresh
  • 1 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese

Cooking Fats & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons butter
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • Salt, to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Optional Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves, chopped

Instructions

  1. Prepare and Sear the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly to achieve a golden crust. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat with butter and olive oil. Sear scallops without moving them until golden brown on one side, about 2-3 minutes, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Remove scallops from pan and keep warm.
  2. Sauté Garlic and Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium. In the same pan, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes. Cook briefly until fragrant and softened, releasing their sweet, tangy flavors into the oil.
  3. Build the Cream Sauce: Pour in heavy cream, then stir in Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently to thicken, stirring often to prevent sticking. Add freshly grated Parmesan cheese and stir until the sauce is smooth and creamy.
  4. Add Spinach and Combine: Stir in fresh baby spinach leaves and allow them to wilt gently in the sauce. Nestle the seared scallops back into the pan, coating them with sauce and warming for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  5. Garnish and Serve: Finish the dish with chopped fresh basil for color and brightness. Serve immediately with your choice of pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Notes

  • Dry scallops thoroughly to ensure a golden crust instead of steaming.
  • Do not overcook scallops; remove from heat as soon as they become opaque.
  • Use freshly grated Parmesan for better melt and flavor.
  • Simmer cream gently to prevent curdling.
  • Add fresh herbs like basil or parsley at the end to enhance freshness.
  • Deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine or broth after searing scallops to capture flavorful bits before making the sauce.

Nutrition

Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Scallops, scallops recipe, creamy seafood dish, Tuscan sauce, quick dinner, gluten free seafood

Find it online: https://recipesemilly.com/creamy-tuscan-scallops/