The Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti is the perfect harmony of rich, velvety garlic cream and delicate, ocean-fresh scallops. A hint of white wine adds sophistication, while Parmesan brings a savory finish that makes this pasta dish irresistible.
Ideal for an elegant dinner or a quick gourmet weeknight meal, this recipe comes together in just 30 minutes but tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen. The luxurious cream sauce wraps every strand of spaghetti in indulgent flavor, while the scallops add a touch of seaside freshness that elevates the entire dish.
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
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8 ounces spaghetti
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons unsalted butter
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 pound bay scallops, rinsed and patted dry
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1/2 cup dry white wine
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1 cup heavy cream
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1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
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Salt and pepper to taste
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2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
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Add bay scallops to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until just opaque.
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Pour in the white wine and allow it to simmer for 2 minutes, reducing slightly.
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Lower the heat and stir in the heavy cream. Simmer gently for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
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Add Parmesan cheese and stir until melted and well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss to coat evenly with the sauce.
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Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve hot.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 580 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
Discover the Elegance of Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti
There’s something beautifully luxurious about a pasta dish that balances creaminess, garlic, and tender seafood in every bite. Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti is one of those recipes that feels indulgent, comforting, and just the right amount of fancy without requiring hours in the kitchen. This dish combines the delicate sweetness of bay scallops with a rich white wine garlic cream sauce, tangled around perfectly cooked spaghetti. Whether you’re planning a date night at home or simply want to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, this dish delivers restaurant-quality flavor with ease.
Unlike heavier seafood pastas, this one remains light and smooth, thanks to a base of olive oil, butter, garlic, and a splash of white wine that enhances without overpowering. The sauce is finished with heavy cream and Parmesan cheese, creating a luscious texture that clings lovingly to every strand of spaghetti. But what truly makes this dish shine is the bay scallops which is tender, juicy, and subtly sweet, they transform a simple pasta dish into something extraordinary.
The Star of the Dish: Bay Scallops
Bay scallops differ from their larger cousin, the sea scallop, in both size and flavor. They are much smaller which usually around the size of a pea and cook very quickly. What they lack in size, they more than make up for in tenderness and sweetness. When seared briefly, bay scallops take on a slightly caramelized edge, adding a beautiful contrast to the creamy sauce.
In this recipe, we recommend patting the scallops dry before cooking. This step helps them brown better and keeps them from steaming in the pan. They only need 2 to 3 minutes of cooking don’t overcooking scallops, even by a minute, can make them rubbery, so keeping an eye on them is key.
Fresh scallops are always best if you can find them, but high-quality frozen bay scallops are a perfectly acceptable substitute. Just be sure to thaw them completely and dry them thoroughly before cooking.
Building Layers of Flavor
The flavor in this dish comes from a carefully layered base. First, olive oil and butter are used together, olive oil for depth and butter for richness. Garlic follows quickly after, sizzling in the pan just long enough to release its aroma. Garlic can burn quickly, so it’s always best to sauté it for about 30–60 seconds before moving to the next step.
Adding white wine to deglaze the pan brings acidity and brightness, balancing the richness of the cream that follows. You don’t need anything expensive here, a dry white like Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Grigio, or even a Chardonnay works beautifully. Let it simmer for a few minutes so the alcohol cooks off and the flavors concentrate.
The addition of heavy cream turns the mixture into a silky sauce, and Parmesan cheese thickens it just enough while infusing it with its distinctive savory, nutty essence. A touch of salt and black pepper completes the seasoning, though you can also experiment with a hint of red pepper flakes for a little heat if you like a bit of spice.
Pasta Matters: Why Spaghetti Works So Well
Spaghetti is the pasta of choice here for good reason. Its thin, long shape is ideal for capturing every bit of the luscious cream sauce and evenly dispersing the scallops throughout the dish. If you prefer, linguine or fettuccine are also great alternatives, their flat shape allows even more surface area for the sauce to adhere to.
When cooking the pasta, be sure to salt your water generously. Pasta water should taste like the sea, it’s your first and best chance to flavor the noodles. And don’t forget to reserve a little pasta water before draining. You may not need it, but if the sauce needs a touch of thinning or emulsifying, pasta water works like magic.
Optional Add-Ins and Variations
One of the best things about this recipe is how easy it is to customize to your personal taste or dietary preferences. While the classic version is straightforward and elegant, here are a few ways you can modify it:
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Add Vegetables: Wilted spinach, sautéed mushrooms, or fresh cherry tomatoes add texture and nutrition.
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Make it spicy: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne for heat.
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Go lemony: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a bit of zest at the end lifts the whole dish.
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Use a different protein: If scallops aren’t your thing or aren’t available, try shrimp, crab meat, or even chunks of grilled chicken.
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Try it gluten-free: Swap in your favorite gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly version.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This pasta is elegant enough to serve on special occasions but quick enough for a cozy dinner for two. Pair it with a crisp glass of white wine which ideally the same kind you used in the sauce. A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the creaminess without clashing with the sweetness of the scallops.
For side dishes, consider a simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette to cut through the richness. Garlic bread or a warm baguette is also a perfect companion, great for scooping up any remaining sauce on the plate. If you’re aiming for a multi-course meal, start with a light seafood appetizer like shrimp cocktail or smoked salmon crostini.
Pro Tips for Success
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Pat the scallops dry: This is essential for good browning. Moisture is the enemy of sear.
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Cook pasta al dente: Slight firmness adds texture and ensures it doesn’t get mushy when tossed in the sauce.
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Add cheese off heat: Parmesan melts best when added to a warm (not boiling) sauce, preventing it from clumping or becoming stringy.
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Don’t skip the parsley: That final garnish adds freshness, a pop of color, and a subtle herbaceous note that completes the dish.
Make-Ahead and Storage
While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep some elements ahead of time. Cook the pasta a few hours in advance and toss it with a bit of olive oil to prevent sticking. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to use. You can also make the cream sauce ahead and reheat it gently, thinning it with a splash of milk or cream as needed.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of cream or broth to bring back its silky texture. Keep in mind that scallops may toughen slightly after reheating, so a gentle heat is crucial.
Conclusion
Creamy Bay Scallop Spaghetti is the kind of dish that proves you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly impressive. It’s a reminder that elegance in cooking often lies in simplicity, the careful layering of flavors, the quality of the ingredients, and a little bit of attention to detail.
Whether you’re preparing it for a romantic dinner, a small gathering, or just to treat yourself after a long day, this recipe checks every box. It’s rich without being heavy, easy yet refined, and endlessly satisfying.
So go ahead, pour a glass of wine, put on your favorite music, and let this dish transport you to a cozy seaside bistro from the comfort of your own kitchen.