Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair

Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines perfectly seared scallops, delicate angel hair pasta, and a bright, zesty lemon garlic sauce with fresh basil. This light yet satisfying seafood pasta is perfect for a special dinner, date night, or whenever you’re craving something elegant yet surprisingly simple to prepare.

Why This Dish Stands Out

• Seared scallops with a golden-brown crust, locking in their sweet, delicate flavor
• A silky lemon garlic sauce that enhances the scallops’ natural sweetness without overwhelming them
• Light and airy angel hair pasta that absorbs every drop of the flavorful sauce
• Fresh basil and Parmesan for a fragrant, herbaceous finish with just the right touch of umami

Perfectly Seared Scallops

For this recipe, 41-60 count scallops are the ideal choice—small, tender, and bursting with flavor. They’re patted completely dry and seasoned with salt and black pepper before being quickly seared in extra virgin olive oil to achieve a crisp, golden crust while maintaining a tender, buttery interior. The quick sear is essential to prevent overcooked, rubbery scallops.

The Magic of Lemon Garlic Sauce

This bright and tangy sauce elevates the entire dish:

• Garlic is gently sautéed in melted butter, releasing its rich aroma
• Fresh lemon juice adds a zesty kick that cuts through the buttery richness
• Reserved pasta water helps emulsify the sauce, creating a light, velvety texture that clings perfectly to the angel hair

The cooked angel hair pasta is tossed directly in the lemon garlic sauce, ensuring each delicate strand is evenly coated with its bright, citrusy goodness. Fresh basil is scattered throughout, infusing the dish with its signature herbal freshness, while Parmesan cheese melts into the sauce, adding depth and subtle creaminess. Finally, the seared scallops are gently returned to the pan, soaking up the flavors while warming through.

Plated with an extra sprinkle of Parmesan and a few fresh basil leaves, this dish looks and tastes restaurant-worthy but comes together effortlessly in your kitchen. The harmonious combination of tender scallops, fragrant basil, and silky lemon garlic sauce makes it a standout choice for seafood and pasta lovers alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick & easy: Ready in under 30 minutes
• Light but satisfying: No heavy cream sauces, just fresh, balanced flavors
• Impressively simple: Looks gourmet but requires minimal effort and technique

Whether you’re craving a bright, seafood-forward pasta or looking to elevate your weeknight dinner routine, Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair delivers fresh, bold flavors with elegant simplicity. This dish transforms ordinary evenings into something special without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair

Recipe by Kyle Taylor

5.0 from 2 votes

Course: MainsCuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

20

minutes

Total time

35

minutes

Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair features tender seared scallops paired with delicate angel hair pasta, all tossed in a vibrant lemon garlic sauce and with fresh basil and Parmesan cheese. It’s a light, flavorful dish perfect for a special dinner or a refined weeknight meal.

Ingredients

• 1 pound scallops (41-60 count), patted dry

• 16 ounces angel hair pasta

• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

• 2 tablespoons unsalted butter

• 4 cloves of garlic, minced

• 2 lemons, juiced

• 1 cup basil leaves, torn

• 1/2 cup Parmesan cheese, grated

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

Directions

• Cook the Angel Hair Pasta:
  Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water, then drain and set the pasta aside.
• Sear the Scallops:
  Pat the scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and ground black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat in a large skillet. Add the scallops in a single layer without crowding the pan. Sear for 1-2 minutes per side until they are cooked through. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
• Prepare the Sauce:
  Reduce the heat to medium in the same skillet and add the butter. Once melted, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant, being careful not to let it burn. Stir in the lemon juice and reserved pasta water, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Let the sauce simmer for 3-5 minutes until it’s slightly reduced.
• Combine:
  Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the sauce. Toss to coat the pasta evenly. Stir in the torn basil leaves and most of the Parmesan cheese, reserving some for garnish. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. Return the scallops to the skillet, stirring well to combine.
• Serve:
  Divide the pasta among serving plates. Garnish with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese.

SUGGESTED RECIPE: Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair

If you love the bright, citrusy flavors of Lemon Basil Scallop Angel Hair, you’ll want to try Brown Butter Garlic Angel Hair next. This dish takes a simple yet luxurious approach, featuring nutty, caramelized brown butter, roasted garlic, and delicate angel hair pasta tossed together for an irresistibly rich and comforting meal. It’s the perfect balance of toasty, savory, and buttery flavors, making it a go-to for pasta lovers who appreciate big flavor with minimal effort.