Description
Creamy Tuscan Scallops is a rich and indulgent seafood dish featuring tender sea scallops seared to perfection and served in a luscious garlicky cream sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, Parmesan cheese, and aromatic Italian herbs. This quick and easy recipe transforms a simple dinner into a gourmet experience, perfect for weeknight meals or special occasions.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood
- 1 lb fresh sea scallops, patted dry
Fats
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp butter
Aromatics & Vegetables
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Dairy
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
Seasoning & Herbs
- 1 tsp dried Italian herbs (oregano and basil)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Sear the Scallops: Pat the scallops completely dry to ensure a golden crust. Heat olive oil and butter in a hot skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the scallops for about 2 minutes on each side until a deep caramelized crust forms. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside to prevent overcooking.
- Prepare the Creamy Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sauté until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes. Pour in the heavy cream, then gently stir in fresh spinach and grated Parmesan cheese. Continue stirring constantly to help the spinach wilt and the cheese melt into a smooth, silky sauce.
- Return Scallops to the Pan: Nestle the seared scallops back into the thickened sauce. Allow them to simmer lightly for 1-2 minutes to absorb the flavors without toughening the scallops.
- Finish and Serve: Season the dish with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs to taste. Give everything a gentle stir to combine the flavors, then plate immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry thoroughly before cooking to achieve the best sear.
- Do not overcrowd the pan; cook scallops in batches if necessary to avoid steaming.
- Use fresh garlic, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for optimal flavor.
- Add cream gradually while stirring to create a smooth, lump-free sauce.
- Serve immediately for best texture and flavor retention.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 14g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 150mg
Keywords: Creamy Tuscan Scallops, scallops recipe, creamy scallops, Italian seafood, Tuscan seafood, garlic cream sauce, sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, Parmesan, easy seafood dinner
