Prepare to embark on a culinary journey that will transform your dinner table into a gourmet Italian paradise! This isn't just another pasta dish - it's a symphony of flavors where succulent seared scallops dance with crisp asparagus and delicate prosciutto, creating a restaurant-worthy meal you can masterfully prepare in just 35 minutes. If you're looking to impress your guests or treat yourself to a luxurious yet surprisingly simple dinner, this Spaghetti with Asparagus, Prosciutto, and Perfectly Seared Scallops recipe is about to become your new obsession.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Spaghetti
- Asparagus
- Prosciutto
- Scallops
- Olive oil
- Garlic
- Parmesan cheese
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients: Trim asparagus ends and cut into 2-inch diagonal pieces. Pat scallops dry with paper towels and season with salt and pepper. Mince garlic finely.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add spaghetti and cook according to package instructions until al dente, typically 8-10 minutes.
- While pasta cooks, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and sear scallops for approximately 1-2 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove scallops and set aside.
- In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add another tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Add asparagus to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
- Drain pasta, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water. Add spaghetti to the skillet with asparagus.
- Tear prosciutto into small pieces and add to the pasta. Toss ingredients together, adding reserved pasta water if needed to create a light sauce.
- Plate the pasta, top with seared scallops, and generously sprinkle freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
- Finish with a drizzle of olive oil, freshly ground black pepper, and serve immediately.
Tips
- For perfectly seared scallops, ensure they are completely dry before cooking - moisture prevents that beautiful golden caramelization.
- Use fresh, high-quality ingredients: look for plump, fresh scallops and tender asparagus.
- Don't overcook the scallops - they should be golden on the outside and slightly translucent in the center.
- Reserve pasta water before draining - its starchy consistency helps create a silky sauce.
- Use a hot skillet for searing scallops to achieve that restaurant-quality caramelization.
- Grate Parmesan cheese fresh for the most vibrant flavor.
- Serve immediately to enjoy the optimal texture of scallops and pasta.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
