Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender sea scallops seared to golden perfection served over delicate angel hair pasta tossed in a garlic butter sauce. This italian-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs sea scallops, angel hair pasta, unsalted butter for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Italian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz angel hair pasta and cook for 3-4 minutes until al dente, then drain and reserve 1/4 cup pasta water.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 12 oz sea scallops with paper towels and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  3. Step 3: Add scallops to the hot skillet and sear without moving for 2-3 minutes until golden brown on one side. Flip and cook another 1-2 minutes until opaque and firm. Remove scallops and set aside.
  4. Step 4: Reduce heat to medium, add 4 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and garlic is lightly golden, stirring frequently.
  5. Step 5: Add the drained pasta and 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice to the skillet, tossing to coat. Add reserved pasta water a little at a time to loosen the sauce if needed.
  6. Step 6: Stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes if using. Return scallops to the skillet on top of pasta and serve immediately.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep sea scallops from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Scallops with Garlic Angel Hair Pasta?

Italian seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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