Creamy Garlic Seafood Pasta
A rich and satisfying dish full of flavor, combining fresh seafood with a luscious cream sauce over perfectly cooked pasta.
Ingredients
Pasta and Seafood
- 8 oz fettuccine pasta (or pasta of choice)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- ½ lb scallops, cleaned
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (for cooking)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
Seasoning
- to taste Salt & pepper
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- fresh parsley or basil, minced (for garnish) Optional
Instructions
Cooking the Pasta
- Start by cooking the pasta according to the package instructions. Once al dente, drain it and set it aside, reserving a little pasta water for later.
Cooking the Seafood
- In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant, being careful not to let it brown.
- Add the shrimp and scallops to the skillet. Season with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Cook for about 3-5 minutes until the seafood is opaque and cooked through.
Making the Cream Sauce
- Pour in the heavy cream, stirring gently to incorporate. Bring the mixture to a low simmer, then add the Parmesan cheese, letting it melt into the sauce.
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes and spinach, allowing them to wilt and soften in the sauce for 2-3 minutes.
Combining and Serving
- Toss the drained pasta into the skillet, mixing well to ensure each strand is coated with the creamy seafood sauce.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley or basil for a hint of freshness.
Notes
Use a mix of seafood for added complexity — try including mussels or clams for freshness. Don’t overcook the seafood; it should be tender and perfectly cooked. Save some pasta water for adjusting the sauce consistency if needed. This dish can be made ahead and warmed gently; just add a splash of cream before serving. A squeeze of lemon over the top just before serving enhances the flavors beautifully.