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Pan Seared Scallops over Minted Walnut Pesto Pasta

Simply pan searing in a dash of butter and olive oil is all you ever need for beautiful sea scallops.  And served on a bed of aromatic pesto pasta is even more delightful.


3/4 lb large sea scallops - about 8-10
1/3 lb favorite pasta
1/3 cup minted walnut pesto (or favorite pesto)
1 Tbsp butter plus 1 Tbsp olive oil
fresh Greek basil for garnish, if desired

Heat a pot of salted water to boiling for the pasta.  Cook pasta to al dente.

When the pasta is nearly done, melt butter in oil in a non-stick skillet over medium high heat.  Place scallops in pan.  Brown the first side for about a minute or so.
Flip the scallops and brown the other side.
 Reserve 1/4 cup pasta cooking water and drain pasta.

Fold the pasta with the pesto and a bit of the cooking water to form a nice sauce.  plate the pasta and top with scallops.  Garnish with fresh basil.


Serves 2.

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