If you are looking for a delightful dish that bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors and a touch of elegance, this Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is sure to steal your heart. Combining succulent shrimp and delicate sea scallops with juicy cherry tomatoes and al dente pasta, it creates a harmonious marriage of textures and tastes that’s both comforting and sophisticated. The subtle kick from red pepper flakes and the brightness of lemon juice bring everything together beautifully. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just treating yourself on a weeknight, this recipe is a total winner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need a long list of hard-to-find ingredients to make this dish truly shine. Each component plays an essential role—from the perfectly cooked pasta providing the base, to the seafood delivering luxurious richness, and the cherry tomatoes adding a burst of natural sweetness and color. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine: The classic choice for a seafood pasta, holding sauce perfectly with its long strands.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: For searing the seafood and sautéing garlic, boosting flavor and preventing sticking.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Essential aromatic that infuses the dish with a warm, savory base note.
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional): Adds a subtle spicy kick without overwhelming the delicate seafood.
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined: Tender and juicy, they offer wonderful texture and protein.
- 8 ounces sea scallops, patted dry: Perfectly seared scallops create a golden crust and buttery interior.
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved: Their natural sweetness balances the richness of the seafood beautifully.
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth: Deglazes the pan and adds depth without overpowering.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Brings a fresh, zesty brightness that lifts the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To season and enhance every ingredient’s natural flavors.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a burst of color and light herbal notes.
- Grated Parmesan cheese (optional): For a creamy, nutty finish if you love a cheesy touch on your pasta.
How to Make Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Start by boiling your favorite long pasta, either spaghetti or linguine, until it’s perfectly al dente. This means it should have a gentle bite without being mushy—ideal to soak up the luscious sauce later. Remember to reserve about half a cup of the pasta water before draining; this starchy liquid is your secret weapon for loosening and marrying the sauce with the noodles.
Step 2: Sear the Scallops
Pat your scallops dry so they develop a gorgeous golden crust when they hit the hot pan. Heat up one tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat, then add the scallops in a single layer. Sear each side for about 2 minutes until they’re opaque and beautifully caramelized. Remove them carefully and set aside, keeping all that flavor in the pan.
Step 3: Cook the Shrimp
In the same skillet, pour in the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and toss in your shrimp. Cook them for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and just cook through. Don’t overcook—shrimp stay tender and juicy this way. Once done, combine them with the scallops off the heat.
Step 4: Create the Sauce with Cherry Tomatoes
Now the magic begins. Lower the heat to medium and sauté minced garlic along with red pepper flakes for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then throw in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they start softening and releasing their sweet juices. This forms a vibrant, colorful sauce base that’s irresistible.
Step 5: Deglaze and Finish the Sauce
Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up all those luscious browned bits stuck to the skillet bottom. Stir in the lemon juice, which adds a refreshing zing. Let it simmer gently for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors together beautifully.
Step 6: Toss Everything Together
Return the seared shrimp and scallops to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Carefully toss everything to combine, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed to loosen the sauce. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper. Don’t be shy; seasoning is key to bringing this dish to life.
How to Serve Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
Garnishes
Freshly chopped parsley sprinkled on top adds an inviting pop of green and a bright herbal note. A generous shower of grated Parmesan cheese is optional but highly recommended for that nutty, creamy contrast that makes every bite indulgent. Finish with an extra drizzle of good olive oil if you like it richer.
Side Dishes
This seafood pasta pairs wonderfully with a simple green salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette or a warm crusty bread to mop up the luscious sauce. Roasted asparagus or sautéed spinach also make excellent vegetable sides that won’t overshadow the delicate flavors of the pasta.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the pasta in individual pasta bowls garnished with whole cherry tomatoes and a sprig of parsley. You could also drizzle some chili oil for extra heat or add a lemon wedge on the side for guests to squeeze fresh juice as they please. It’s a feast for the eyes as well as the palate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 2 days. Since seafood can be delicate, try to enjoy it within this timeframe for the best texture and flavor.
Freezing
Freezing seafood pasta dishes is generally not recommended as scallops and shrimp can become rubbery after thawing. If you must freeze it, separate the pasta and seafood sauce, freeze the pasta alone, and gently reheat with freshly cooked seafood added at serving time for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, warm gently in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to refresh the sauce and prevent sticking. Avoid the microwave when possible to keep the shrimp and scallops tender and luscious rather than tough and chewy.
FAQs
Can I use other types of seafood in this Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe?
Absolutely! While shrimp and scallops are classic, feel free to add crab meat, mussels, or clams depending on availability and preference. Just adjust cooking times so everything is perfectly cooked without overdoing it.
Is it possible to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the regular spaghetti or linguine for a gluten-free pasta variety. Most gluten-free pastas cook the same way and will work beautifully with the flavors and textures of this dish.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
You can prepare the sauce base (garlic, tomatoes, wine) a few hours in advance and refrigerate it, but add the seafood only at the last minute so it stays tender and fresh. This method saves time on busy weeknights without compromising quality.
What wine pairs well with Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the seafood and tomato flavors brilliantly. If you prefer a non-alcoholic pairing, sparkling water with lemon is wonderfully refreshing.
How do I get a perfect sear on scallops?
Patting scallops very dry before cooking is key. Use a hot skillet with enough oil, and avoid overcrowding the pan. Let each side cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms; this locks in moisture and flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe is a joyful celebration of the flavors and textures of fresh seafood paired with the natural sweetness of tomatoes and brightness of lemon. It’s simple enough for an easy weeknight dinner yet elegant enough to impress guests. Once you try this dish, it will quickly become one of your favorite seafood pasta recipes to share and enjoy over and over again.
Print
Shrimp Scallop Pasta with Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
Description
A delicious and easy-to-make Shrimp Scallop Pasta featuring spaghetti tossed with seared scallops and shrimp, cherry tomatoes, and a light lemon and white wine sauce. Perfect for a flavorful Italian seafood dinner.
Ingredients
Pasta
- 8 ounces spaghetti or linguine
Seafood and Vegetables
- 8 ounces large shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 8 ounces sea scallops, patted dry
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
Seasonings and Sauce
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1/4 cup dry white wine or chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
- Grated Parmesan cheese for serving (optional)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta: Cook the spaghetti or linguine according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water for use in the sauce.
- Sear Scallops: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the scallops in a single layer and sear for 2 minutes on each side until they develop a golden crust and become opaque. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Shrimp: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet, then add the shrimp. Cook the shrimp for 1 to 2 minutes per side until they turn pink and are cooked through. Remove shrimp and set aside with the scallops.
- Sauté Aromatics and Tomatoes: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic and red pepper flakes to the skillet, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 3 to 4 minutes until they soften.
- Deglaze and Simmer Sauce: Pour in the white wine or chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping any browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the lemon juice and allow the sauce to simmer for 2 to 3 minutes to meld the flavors.
- Combine and Toss: Return the shrimp and scallops to the skillet along with the cooked pasta. Toss everything together thoroughly, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen the sauce to your preferred consistency. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese over the pasta if desired. Serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- Ensure scallops are very dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
- Use gluten-free pasta if you need this recipe to be gluten-free.
- You can substitute dry white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
