Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron RECIPE
Bring a touch of elegance to your Valentine’s dinner with this rich and flavorful pasta. Golden-seared scallops sit atop saffron-infused linguine, coated in a smooth garlic butter sauce with a hint of zesty citrus. The combination of sweet, tender scallops and fragrant saffron creates a dish that is both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for a romantic meal. 💛✨
Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop
Pasta with Saffron
Recipe
Total time: 30 minutes
Servings: 2 servings
The Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron is a luxurious, zesty, and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a sophisticated Valentine’s dinner. Tender, pan-seared scallops rest on a bed of silky saffron-infused pasta, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of fresh citrus zest. Every bite is a perfect balance of buttery, citrusy, and slightly floral flavors, making this dish unforgettable and restaurant-worthy!
Kitchen Tools Needed
- Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
- Skillet or saucepan – For cooking the scallops and sauce.
- Tongs – To flip the scallops without breaking their crust.
- Microplane grater – For zesting citrus.
- Whisk – To mix the saffron-infused butter sauce smoothly.
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
- 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
- 1 pinch saffron threads
- ½ cup hot water (for saffron infusion)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup heavy cream
- ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Zest of ½ orange
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Scallops:
- 8-10 large sea scallops
- 1 tbsp butter
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- 1 tsp lemon juice
For Garnish:
- Extra lemon & orange zest
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 pinch
red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1️⃣ Infuse the Saffron
- In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in hot water for at least 5 minutes to release their color and aroma.
2️⃣ Cook the Pasta
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.
3️⃣ Sear the Scallops
- Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Squeeze lemon juice over them and set aside.
4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce
- In the same pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
- Stir in saffron-infused water, heavy cream, parmesan, and citrus zest.
- Toss in cooked pasta and pasta water, coating evenly.
5️⃣ Plate & Garnish
- Plate the pasta and top with seared scallops.
- Garnish with extra citrus zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes.
6️⃣ Enjoy!
- Serve warm and
savor the delicate balance of citrus, saffron, and buttery scallops! ✨🦞🍊
Nutrition Information
Serving:
1 plate
Calories: 600 kcal | Protein: 40g | Fat: 30g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g
Benefits of Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron
High in Protein & Omega-3s
- Scallops are a lean protein source, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain function and heart health.
- This dish provides essential amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery.
Infused with Antioxidants & Essential Nutrients
- Saffron, citrus zest, and garlic are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
- The vitamin C from lemon and orange zest enhances collagen production and overall skin health.
Velvety, Luxurious & Aromatic
- The saffron-infused pasta creates a light floral essence, perfectly complementing the buttery, citrusy sauce.
- The rich garlic butter glaze enhances the sweetness of the scallops while keeping the dish elegant yet satisfying.
Elegant & Perfect for Special Occasions
- This dish pairs beautifully with white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, making it a restaurant-quality meal at home.
- Works well with pasta, risotto, or a side of roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and customizable dinner option.
This
Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron is
rich, aromatic, and full of elegant flavors, making it the
perfect indulgence for a romantic dinner or special celebration! ✨🍊🦞
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