Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo brings together tender sea scallops, sautéed mushrooms, and creamy Parmesan sauce over al dente pasta. The combination works surprisingly well—sweet scallops complement the earthy mushrooms, while the rich Alfredo sauce ties everything together.
Why This Dish Stands Out
- Creamy, velvety Alfredo sauce infused with Parmesan and a touch of umami depth
- Perfectly seared scallops, golden on the outside, tender and sweet on the inside
- Sautéed cremini mushrooms for a rich, earthy contrast
- Rigatoni pasta, designed to capture every drop of sauce with its ridged texture
- Bright citrus accents from lemon zest and juice to balance the richness
The Perfect Pasta Base: Rigatoni
Rigatoni proves ideal for this creamy, decadent sauce. Its tubular shape and ridged surface capture every bit of the Alfredo, ensuring each bite delivers creamy, savory goodness. The firm, al dente texture contrasts beautifully with the silky sauce and tender scallops, creating a well-rounded experience with every forkful.
Scallops: The Star of the Dish
Fresh sea scallops take center stage, bringing delicate sweetness and buttery texture to the dish. They maintain their juicy, tender interior when they are seared in extra virgin olive oil until they develop a beautiful golden-brown crust. With just a light seasoning of salt and black pepper, the scallops’ natural flavor shines through, enhanced by the creamy Alfredo sauce.
Earthy Depth from Cremini Mushrooms
To balance the luxurious creaminess, cremini mushrooms are sautéed in unsalted butter until golden and aromatic. Their deep umami notes add complexity and texture, making every bite more satisfying. The mushrooms bridge the rich Alfredo and delicate scallops, adding layers of depth to the flavor profile.
A Bright, Fresh Finish
Fresh lemon zest and juice elevate this dish, cutting through the creaminess with vibrant, citrusy contrast. This bright acidity enhances the scallops’ sweetness while complementing the earthy mushrooms, ensuring the dish remains light and fresh rather than overwhelmingly rich.
A Subtle Umami Boost
For a modern twist, a tablespoon of soy sauce is stirred into the Alfredo sauce, enhancing its umami depth without overpowering the classic flavors. This unexpected yet seamless addition elevates the dish, rounding out the richness and adding a deeper savory complexity that makes the flavors truly pop.
Finishing Touches
The dish is completed with freshly chopped parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, adding both vibrant color and flavor contrast. The herbal freshness of parsley cuts through the richness, while Parmesan reinforces the creamy, nutty backbone of the Alfredo sauce.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Roasted Red Bell Pepper Rigatoni
If you love the rich, velvety texture of Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo, you’ll want to try Roasted Red Bell Pepper and Ricotta Rigatoni next. This dish swaps creamy Alfredo for a smooth, smoky roasted red pepper sauce blended with ricotta, creating a lighter yet equally indulgent take on classic pasta. The natural sweetness of roasted peppers, combined with Parmesan and a hint of spice, makes this a vibrant, flavor-packed alternative that’s both comforting and refreshing.
Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo is a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily create at home. Whether you’re looking to impress dinner guests, treat yourself to a gourmet evening, or simply explore a decadent, umami-rich pasta creation, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of indulgence and sophistication.
The dish comes together in about 40 minutes, with the key being proper timing—cook the pasta while preparing the scallops and sauce, and everything will be ready to combine at just the right moment. Serve with a simple arugula salad dressed with lemon and olive oil, and pair with a crisp Pinot Grigio or unoaked Chardonnay to complement the creamy, seafood flavors.
Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo
4
servings15
minutes25
minutes40
minutesThis Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo is a rich and creamy pasta dish that combines tender seared scallops and earthy mushrooms with a zesty Alfredo sauce, offering a luxurious twist on a classic Italian favorite.
Ingredients
16 ounces rigatoni pasta
1 pound sea scallops
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1 pound cremini mushrooms, sliced
3 cloves of garlic, minced
1 cup heavy cream
1 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 lemon, zested and juiced
to taste, salt and ground black pepper
for garnish, freshly chopped parsley
Directions
- Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the rigatoni according to package instructions until al dente. Drain, reserving a cup of pasta water, and set aside. - Prepare the Scallops:
Pat the scallops dry and season both sides with salt and ground black pepper. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the scallops in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, or until they have a golden crust and are just cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside. - Sauté the Mushrooms and Garlic:
In the same skillet, melt the unsalted butter. Add the sliced cremini mushrooms and cook until they’re soft and golden, about 5-7 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes, until fragrant. - Make the Alfredo Sauce:
Lower the heat to medium and add the heavy cream to the skillet with mushrooms and garlic, stirring to combine. Gradually stir in the grated Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth. Add the soy sauce, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir well. Season with salt and ground black pepper to taste. If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it with a little pasta water or more cream. - Combine with the Scallops:
Add the cooked rigatoni to the skillet with the mushroom alfredo sauce, tossing well to ensure the pasta is evenly coated. Gently fold in the seared scallops, being careful not to break them. - Serve:
Divide the pasta among plates. Garnish with chopped parsley, if desired, and serve immediately.
SUGGESTED RECIPE: Italian Chicken Sausage and Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni
If you enjoy the rich, indulgent flavors of Scallop and Mushroom Rigatoni Alfredo, you’ll love this Italian Chicken Sausage and Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Rigatoni. This dish features a smoky, velvety roasted red pepper sauce blended with Parmesan and tossed with savory Italian chicken sausage, creating a perfect balance of spice, creaminess, and depth. It’s a bold, flavorful alternative that brings a touch of heat and rustic charm to classic creamy pasta.
