Lemon and Garlic Pasta with Pan-Seared Scallops

Lemon and Garlic Pasta with Pan-Seared Scallops

Ingredients
 

1 large lemon, grated for zest (and freshly squeezed for 2 Tbsp lemon juice)
1 Tbsp garlic, minced or pressed (about 2–3 cloves)
2 Tbsp olive oil, divided into two 1-Tbsp portions
16 large sea scallops (about 1 lb)
¼ tsp salt
⅛ tsp ground black pepper
8 oz very thin spaghetti (vermicelli or angel hair)
2 Tbsp shredded parmesan cheese
 

Directions

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. When the water boils, reduce heat to simmer until you’re ready to cook the pasta (step 5).
2. While the water is heating up, use a grater to take off small peels of the skin of one lemon into a small saucepan.  Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan and remove pits.  Use the back of a large spoon to press the inside of the lemon to extract more juice. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon of the olive oil to the saucepan.  Stir to blend well.  Place on stovetop on low heat.
3. Heat a large nonstick pan or grill pan on high temperature until very hot.  Sprinkle the scallops with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.  Toss to coat well.
4. Place the scallops in the hot pan.  Cook about 4 minutes on each side, or until scallops are well browned and firm and milky white to the center (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F).
5. After turning the scallops to the second side, drop the pasta into the boiling water.  Set temperature on medium, and cook for 2 minutes or the shortest recommended time according to package directions.
6. When the pasta is done, set aside ½ cup of the cooking water.  Drain the pasta.  Return drained pasta to the pot, and toss with the warm olive oil mixture and the ½ cup reserved pasta water.
7. Divide the pasta equally among four plates (about 1 cup per plate).  Top each with four scallops.
8. Garnish each dish with ½ tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese.  Serve immediately.

Serves 4; Serving size = 4 scallops, 1 cup pasta

Per Serving: Calories 376; Total Fat 9 g; Saturated Fat 2 g; Cholesterol 48 mg; Sodium 429 mg; Total Fiber 2 g; Protein 28 g; Carbohydrates 43 g; Potassium 426 mg

Recipe courtesy of the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute.