Shrimp and Scallop Recipes: 7 Best Dishes to Try Tonight

Have you ever stood in your kitchen, staring at seafood ingredients and wondering how to transform them into a restaurant-quality meal? The delicate sweetness of scallops paired with the succulent texture of shrimp creates culinary magic that’s easier to achieve than you might think.

These Shrimp and Scallop Recipes offer the perfect balance of elegant dining and practical preparation. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner or a family feast, these seven exceptional dishes will elevate your seafood game without requiring professional chef skills.

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1. Garlic Butter Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

Ingredients List

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound sea scallops, side muscle removed
• 8 ounces linguine or fettuccine pasta
• 6 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup dry white wine (substitute with chicken broth if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

Timing

• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes – significantly faster than most seafood pasta dishes, which typically require 45-60 minutes to prepare and cook.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Dry the shrimp and scallops thoroughly using paper towels—this step is key to ensuring they sear properly instead of steaming. Sprinkle both with salt and pepper, and for an extra flavor boost, mix in a bit of paprika into the seasoning.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

Fill a large pot with water, add salt, and bring it to a vigorous boil. Cook the pasta following the instructions on the package, stopping when it’s just al dente. Scoop out about 1/2 cup of the pasta water before draining, as it will help create a smooth sauce that sticks to the pasta.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops

Warm a tablespoon of olive oil in a big skillet over high heat. When the skillet is sufficiently hot, place the scallops in, making sure to keep some space between them. Let the scallops cook for roughly 1.5-2 minutes on each side until they develop a rich golden-brown crust. Take them out and place them on a plate.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp

Using the same skillet, pour in another tablespoon of olive oil. Arrange the shrimp in a single layer, ensuring even cooking, and cook them for about 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque. Transfer them to the same plate as the scallops.

Step 5: Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

Lower the heat to medium-low and melt butter in the skillet. Stir in minced garlic and let it cook for about 30 seconds until the aroma is noticeable. Add white wine and lemon juice, gently stirring and scraping up the bits stuck on the pan to incorporate their flavor. Let the mixture simmer for around 2 minutes.

Step 6: Combine and Serve

Mix the drained pasta into the prepared sauce, thoroughly coating the pasta in it. If the sauce feels too thick, stir in a small amount of the reserved pasta water to adjust the consistency. Carefully return the seafood to the skillet, add parsley and a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired, and toss gently. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese on top.

Nutritional Information

Per serving (serves 4):

Calories: 520

Protein: 42g

Carbohydrates: 38g

Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 10g)

Cholesterol: 215mg

Sodium: 890mg

Fiber: 2g

Sugar: 1g

This dish provides approximately 85% of your daily protein needs and is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe

For a lighter version of this indulgent dish, consider these modifications:

• Substitute whole wheat or chickpea pasta for traditional pasta to increase fiber content and lower the glycemic index.

• Reduce butter to 3 tablespoons and increase olive oil for a healthier fat profile.

• Add 2 cups of baby spinach or arugula when combining the pasta with sauce for extra nutrients and color.

• For those monitoring sodium, use unsalted butter and reduce added salt, relying on lemon zest to enhance flavors.

Serving Suggestions

Elevate this Shrimp and Scallop recipe with thoughtful presentation:

• Serve in warmed pasta bowls with a lemon wedge on the side for an extra citrus burst.

• Pair with a chilled Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the seafood flavors.

• Add a simple side salad with a light vinaigrette dressing to balance the richness of the dish.

• For a complete meal, serve with garlic bread made with whole grain bread for dipping into the delicious sauce.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Overcooking the seafood: Scallops and shrimp cook quickly and become rubbery when overdone. Remove them from the heat as soon as the shrimp turn pink and the scallops are opaque.
• Not drying seafood properly: Excess moisture prevents proper searing. Always pat seafood dry before cooking.
• Overcrowding the pan: Cook seafood in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a proper sear.
• Stirring too frequently: Allow scallops to develop a crust before flipping. Constant stirring prevents caramelization.
• Using cold seafood: Let shrimp and scallops sit at room temperature for 10-15 minutes before cooking for more even results.

Storing Tips for the Recipe

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, proper storage can maintain quality for leftovers:

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making day-two pasta sometimes even more flavorful.

• When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to revive the sauce, and warm gently over medium-low heat to prevent overcooking the seafood.

• For meal prep, you can prepare the garlic butter sauce up to 2 days ahead and store it separately from the pasta and seafood.

• Freeze uncooked, seasoned shrimp and scallops for up to 3 months to have on hand for quick meal preparation.

More Delicious Shrimp and Scallop Combinations

Looking for more Shrimp and Scallop Recipes? Here are six more incredible dishes to try:

2. Seafood Paella

A Spanish classic featuring saffron-infused rice with shrimp, scallops, and other seafood delights.

3. Coconut Curry Shrimp and Scallops

A Thai-inspired dish with creamy coconut milk, aromatic spices, and tender seafood served over jasmine rice.

4. Grilled Seafood Skewers

Alternate shrimp and scallops with colorful vegetables for a perfect summer BBQ option.

5. Seafood Cioppino

A hearty tomato-based seafood stew featuring shrimp, scallops, and other shellfish with crusty bread for dipping.

6. Shrimp and Scallop Risotto

Creamy Arborio rice slowly cooked with white wine and seafood stock, finished with perfectly cooked seafood.

7. Seafood Scampi

A buttery, garlicky sauce coats tender shrimp and scallops for a quick yet impressive, easy shrimp and scallop dinner recipe ready in under 30 minutes.

Conclusion

These seven exquisite shrimp and scallop recipes prove that seafood dishes can be both impressive and accessible for home cooks. From the rich, garlicky pasta to the exotic coconut curry, each recipe offers unique flavors while showcasing the natural sweetness of perfectly cooked seafood.

Which of these delectable dishes will you try first? Share your seafood cooking adventures in the comments below, and don’t forget to save your favorites for your next special dinner. Your journey to mastering restaurant-quality seafood at home begins with these recipes!