If you’re looking for a restaurant-quality dish to wow your family or guests, this Jumbo Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti with Scallops is the perfect choice. Combining tender jumbo scallops with a rich, creamy Tuscan sauce infused with garlic, bacon, and Parmesan, this dish is a culinary masterpiece. The vibrant coriander garnish adds a refreshing touch to balance the indulgent flavors. Ready in under an hour, this recipe is both elegant and approachable, making it ideal for both weeknight dinners and special celebrations.
Preparation time
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 240 g (8 oz) spaghetti
For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:
- 1 kg jumbo scallops, washed, dried, and fried
- 6 slices of bacon, chopped
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1 cup heavy cream (240 ml)
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Fresh coriander leaves (cilantro), for garnish
Instructions
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water before draining. Set the pasta aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Scallops
- Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Fry the scallops for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Step 3: Cook the Bacon
- In the same skillet, add the chopped bacon. Cook over medium heat until crispy.
- Remove the bacon and place it on a paper towel-lined plate to drain excess grease. Leave 1 tablespoon of bacon grease in the skillet.
Step 4: Make the Sauce
- Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet along with the chopped garlic. Sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring to combine. Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and allow it to melt, creating a smooth, creamy texture.
Step 5: Combine Everything
- Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat evenly. If the sauce is too thick, add the reserved pasta water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until it reaches the desired consistency.
- Return the bacon and scallops to the skillet, gently folding them into the pasta.
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with freshly chopped coriander leaves.
- Serve immediately and enjoy this luxurious dish!
This Jumbo Creamy Tuscan Spaghetti with Scallops is a true celebration of bold, indulgent flavors and high-quality ingredients. The golden seared scallops paired with the creamy Parmesan sauce and crispy bacon create a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave everyone at the table asking for seconds. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or treating yourself to a gourmet meal, this recipe is sure to impress. Pair it with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea, and you have a dining experience to remember.