Creamy Fettuccine with Scallops

🍋 Creamy Fettuccine with Scallops

Indulge in this elegant yet easy Creamy Fettuccine with Scallops — a dish that perfectly balances richness and freshness 💫. Tender, seared scallops rest atop silky whole-grain fettuccine tossed in a light lemon-Parmesan cream sauce, with pops of green peas and chives for brightness. It’s a wholesome meal that feels restaurant-worthy but comes together in under 40 minutes! ⏱️

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🦪 Why You’ll Love This Recipe

✨ Light but indulgent – Creamy sauce without the heavy cream!
🍋 Lemony and fresh – The zest and juice keep it bright.
💪 Packed with protein – Scallops are a lean, high-protein seafood option.
🥣 Quick weeknight meal – Done in just over half an hour!

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🍝 Cooking Tips

• Pat scallops dry before searing for that beautiful golden crust.
• Opt for low-sodium clam juice to control salt levels.
• Add an extra squeeze of lemon juice for a more vibrant finish.

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Highlights

1. Prepare the Pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the fettuccine until just al dente. Drain and set aside — this ensures it won’t overcook when added to the sauce later.

2. Sear the Scallops

Dry the scallops well and lightly salt them. In a nonstick skillet, heat a touch of oil or cooking spray over medium-high heat and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until beautifully golden. Remove and keep warm.

3. Make the Cream Sauce

In the same skillet, pour in the clam juice. Whisk together milk, cornstarch, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth, then add it to the skillet. Stir continuously for 1–2 minutes until it thickens to a silky consistency.

4. Assemble

Return the scallops to the sauce, along with the peas. Add the cooked fettuccine, chives, lemon zest, and juice. Stir gently to coat everything evenly. Sprinkle in most of the Parmesan, reserving a little to garnish on top.

Serve immediately, topped with the remaining cheese and a few extra chives 🌿.

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⭐ Recipe Notes

• Whole-grain fettuccine adds fiber and a nutty depth to balance the creaminess.
• You can swap scallops for shrimp or even salmon chunks for variation.
• For extra texture, top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed pistachios before serving.

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💬 Reader Reviews

“Absolutely delicious!” – Sarah D. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“The lemon and Parmesan really brighten the dish without overpowering the scallops. I used fresh peas instead of frozen and it worked great!”

“Loved how light and creamy this was.” – Mark T. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Added a splash more clam juice for extra seafood flavor. Great for a quick weeknight dinner.”

“Restaurant-quality!” – Eliza M. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“The scallops were perfectly seared thanks to your tip about patting them dry. So easy to follow!”

“Nice and adaptable.” – Tom B. 🌟🌟🌟🌟
“Used linguine instead of fettuccine and it still turned out great!”

“Light but satisfying.” – Grace Y. 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
“I added sautéed mushrooms and it paired beautifully with the sauce.”

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🥗 Perfect Pairings

• Side: Garlic-roasted asparagus or a crisp green salad.
• Drink: A chilled glass of Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc 🍷.
• Dessert: Lemon sorbet or panna cotta for a fresh finish.

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A plate of this Creamy Fettuccine with Scallops feels like a little coastal getaway at home 🏖️ — comforting, bright, and full of flavor!