Indulge in Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops Recipe

Imagine sinking your fork into a plate of creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops, the succulent seafood glistening under a rich, golden sauce. Each bite bursts with flavor, swirling together the essence of garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, while a hint of basil dances on your palate. creamy mushroom chicken dish savory garlic parmesan pizza rolls This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience that transports you to a cozy Italian trattoria with every mouthful. impressive marry me chicken pasta crispy parmesan roasted potatoes. For more inspiration, check out this creamy sun-dried tomato pasta recipe.

Now picture this: you’re hosting a dinner party, and the aroma of these scallops wafts through your home. Friends gather around the table, eyeing the feast like kids in a candy store. The laughter flows as everyone digs in, and you can’t help but feel proud as they rave about your culinary prowess. Trust me; this is a dish that guarantees applause.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • Creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops are incredibly easy to make yet deliver restaurant-quality flavors
  • The vibrant colors and aromas create an irresistible visual appeal
  • Perfect for date nights or impressing guests without breaking a sweat
  • This versatile dish pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread for sopping up that luscious sauce

I remember the first time I made creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops for my family; their delighted expressions were priceless.

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Sea Scallops: Look for fresh or frozen scallops; they should smell like the ocean and have a firm texture.

  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds robust flavor; avoid pre-minced varieties for optimal taste.

  • Butter: Use unsalted butter for cooking to control the saltiness in your dish.

  • Heavy Cream: This creates that luxurious sauce; don’t skimp on quality for the best results.

  • Sun-Dried Tomatoes: These pack a punch of flavor; opt for oil-packed ones to enhance richness.

  • Basil Leaves: Fresh basil brightens the dish; dried will work in a pinch but lacks freshness.

  • Parmesan Cheese: Finely grated parmesan adds depth; always use fresh over pre-grated for maximum flavor.

  • Olive Oil: A splash helps sauté and brings additional flavor to the mix.

  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all the other flavors in this creamy delight.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Prepare Your Scallops: Pat your scallops dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully without steaming. Season with salt and pepper generously on both sides.

Sauté Garlic and Butter: In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter until bubbly. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 1 minute—careful not to let it burn!

Cook the Scallops: Place seasoned scallops in the skillet in a single layer—don’t overcrowd! Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until golden brown and caramelized.

Add Creamy Goodness: Reduce heat to low and pour in heavy cream while stirring gently to combine all those fab flavors already at play. Let it simmer until slightly thickened.

Toss in Sun-Dried Tomatoes and Basil: Stir in chopped sun-dried tomatoes and fresh basil leaves into your creamy sauce. Simmer for another minute until everything melds beautifully together.

Finish with Parmesan Magic: Sprinkle finely grated parmesan cheese into the sauce, stirring until melted and creamy—this is where it gets divine! Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Now that you have mastered these steps, serve those gorgeous scallops over pasta or alongside crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce. Enjoy!

You Must Know

  • Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops are a delightful dish bursting with flavor
  • The combination of garlic, butter, and fresh herbs creates an irresistible aroma that fills the kitchen, making it perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by searing the scallops for a golden crust, then prepare your cream sauce while they cook. This ensures that everything is hot and delicious when served.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap out scallops for shrimp or add spinach for extra color and nutrition. You can also sprinkle in some red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Reheat gently on low heat to avoid overcooking the scallops.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For perfectly cooked scallops, ensure they are dry before searing
  • Avoid overcrowding the pan to achieve that lovely golden-brown crust
  • Lastly, serve immediately to enjoy their best texture and flavor

Sometimes I whip up these creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops after a long day at work, and my friends always rave about them. It’s simple yet feels like a gourmet treat!

FAQs

FAQ

What type of scallops should I use?

Use dry sea scallops for better flavor and texture in creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops. For more inspiration, check out this garlic butter cheese bombs recipe.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

It’s best enjoyed fresh; however, you can prepare the sauce beforehand.

What sides pair well with creamy garlic butter Tuscan scallops?

Serve them with pasta, rice, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

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Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops


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  • Author: Hellen
  • Total Time: 25 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4

Description

Indulge in a plate of Creamy Garlic Butter Tuscan Scallops, where tender scallops meet a rich and flavorful sauce. Each bite offers a harmonious blend of garlic, butter, and sun-dried tomatoes, accented with fresh basil and parmesan. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb sea scallops
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 4 tbsp unsalted butter
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Pat the scallops dry with paper towels; season with salt and pepper.
  2. In a large skillet over medium heat, melt butter. Add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant.
  3. Add scallops to the skillet in a single layer; sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
  4. Reduce heat to low; pour in heavy cream while stirring gently. Simmer until slightly thickened.
  5. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and basil; simmer for another minute.
  6. Sprinkle in parmesan cheese, stirring until melted and creamy.
  7. Serve over pasta or with crusty bread to enjoy every drop of sauce.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (about 200g)
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 450mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 15g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 26g
  • Cholesterol: 90mg
Chef & Blogger

Hellen Weiss

Hi, I’m Hellen Weiss—a passionate home cook, food lover, and recipe creator! My kitchen is my happy place, where I experiment with flavors, recreate family favorites, and discover new dishes to share with you.