Savor the flavor of the sea with this creamy Tuscan garlic scallops recipe. This dish features seared scallops smothered in a creamy, parmesan-infused sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach. It's a luxurious and comforting meal perfect for any occasion.
Most ingredients for this recipe are common but there are a couple you might need to look out for. Scallops might not be something you usually have on hand, they can be found in the seafood section of your supermarket. Sun-dried tomatoes are typically located in the produce section, often near the olives and pickles.
Ingredients of Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
Scallops: A type of shellfish that is the star of this dish, they have a delicate taste that's slightly sweet.
Garlic: Adds depth and flavor to the dish.
Olive oil: Used for sautéing and adding richness.
Heavy cream: Makes the sauce creamy.
Chicken broth: Adds depth to the sauce.
Garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor.
Italian seasoning: Gives the dish an Italian flair.
Parmesan cheese: Enhances the creaminess and adds a savory note.
Spinach: Adds a pop of color and nutritional value.
Sun-dried tomatoes: Adds a tangy and sweet flavor.
One reader, Godart Sauceda says:
This creamy Tuscan garlic scallops recipe is a game-changer! The combination of succulent scallops, rich cream, and flavorful garlic is simply divine. The dish is easy to prepare and tastes like a gourmet restaurant meal. I highly recommend trying it for a luxurious and satisfying dining experience.
Mastering the Techniques for Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
How to sear scallops: Searing scallops involves heating a skillet over medium-high heat and adding oil. Once the oil is hot, place the scallops in the skillet and cook for 3-3 1/2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
How to make creamy sauce: To make the creamy sauce, combine heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese in a skillet. Whisk the ingredients over medium-high heat until the mixture thickens.
How to wilt spinach: Adding spinach to the creamy sauce and letting it simmer will cause the spinach to wilt. This process involves cooking the spinach until it becomes soft and slightly shrinks in size.
How to serve over pasta: If desired, the scallops and creamy Tuscan garlic sauce can be served over cooked pasta. Simply plate the pasta and spoon the scallops and sauce over the top for a delicious presentation.
How To Make Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1tbspolive oil
- 1lbscallops
- 3clovesgarlic,minced
- 2tbspolive oil
- 1cupheavy cream
- ½cupchicken broth
- 1tspgarlic powder
- 1tspItalian seasoning
- ½cupparmesan cheese
- 1cupspinach,chopped
- ½cupsun-dried tomatoes
Instructions
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In a medium-sized skillet over medium-high heat, add the oil and let heat until it starts to smoke. Sear scallops for about 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown on each side. Remove from the pan and set aside on a plate.
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Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, garlic powder, italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. Whisk over medium high heat until it starts to thicken.
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Add the spinach and sundried tomatoes and let it simmer until the spinach starts to wilt.
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Add the scallops back to the pan and serve over pasta if desired.
Nutrition
- Calories: 482.44kcal
- Fat: 38.12g
- Saturated Fat: 18.44g
- Trans Fat: 0.01g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 15.41g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.30g
- Carbohydrates: 12.43g
- Fiber: 1.20g
- Sugar: 4.90g
- Protein: 23.76g
- Cholesterol: 122.27mg
- Sodium: 789.59mg
- Calcium: 290.83mg
- Potassium: 619.27mg
- Iron: 1.93mg
- Vitamin A: 323.08µg
- Vitamin C: 6.01mg
Pro Tip for Perfecting Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
When searing scallops, it's crucial to pat them dry before adding them to the pan. This ensures a nice, golden crust forms on the outside. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan as this can cause the scallops to steam instead of sear. If necessary, cook them in batches to achieve the perfect sear.
Time-Saving Tips for Making This Creamy Tuscan Dish
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all ingredients before starting to cook. This will save time and make the cooking process smoother.
One-pot wonders: Choose recipes that can be cooked in a single pot or pan to minimize cleanup and streamline the cooking process.
Time-saving tools: Utilize kitchen gadgets like food processors, mandolines, and immersion blenders to speed up prep work and cooking.
Batch cooking: Prepare larger quantities of certain ingredients or dishes and store them for future use, cutting down on overall cooking time.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the recipe and follow the instructions closely to avoid mistakes that may lead to time-consuming fixes.
Organized workspace: Keep your kitchen organized and clean as you cook to avoid wasting time searching for utensils or ingredients.
Substitute Ingredients For Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops Recipe
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a similar mild flavor and high smoke point, making it a suitable replacement for olive oil in this recipe.
scallops - Substitute with shrimp: Shrimp can be used as a delicious alternative to scallops, providing a similar texture and absorbing the flavors of the creamy sauce.
heavy cream - Substitute with coconut cream: Coconut cream can be used as a dairy-free alternative, adding a rich and creamy texture to the dish while imparting a subtle coconut flavor.
chicken broth - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth can be used as a vegetarian substitute, providing a savory base for the sauce without compromising the overall flavor profile.
parmesan cheese - Substitute with nutritional yeast: Nutritional yeast offers a cheesy, umami flavor and can be used as a vegan-friendly alternative to parmesan cheese in this recipe.
spinach - Substitute with kale: Kale can be used as a heartier alternative to spinach, adding a robust texture and earthy flavor to the dish.
sun-dried tomatoes - Substitute with roasted red peppers: Roasted red peppers can provide a sweet and smoky flavor similar to sun-dried tomatoes, adding depth to the dish.
Essential Tools for Making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
Skillet: A flat-bottomed pan used for frying, searing, and sautéing ingredients.
Whisk: A kitchen utensil used for blending ingredients together and incorporating air into mixtures.
Plate: A flat dish used for serving food.
Tongs: A tool with two arms and a pivot used for gripping and lifting items, such as the scallops.
Measuring cups and spoons: Used to accurately measure ingredients such as heavy cream, chicken broth, and spices.
Spatula: A flat, flexible tool used for flipping and serving the scallops.
Knife: Used for mincing garlic and cutting ingredients.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping and preparing ingredients.
Stove: An appliance used for cooking and heating the skillet.
Olive oil dispenser: Used for dispensing olive oil when searing the scallops.
Storing and Freezing Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops for Later
To store leftover creamy tuscan garlic scallops, allow them to cool completely to room temperature. Transfer the scallops and sauce to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag. Seal tightly and place in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
When ready to reheat, transfer the scallops and sauce to a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently until heated through, taking care not to overcook the scallops as they can become rubbery. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a splash of chicken broth or heavy cream to thin it out.
For longer storage, you can freeze the creamy tuscan garlic scallops. Allow them to cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container or resealable plastic bag. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Label the container with the date and freeze for up to 2-3 months.
To thaw frozen scallops, place the container in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat the scallops and sauce in a saucepan over medium-low heat until warmed through. Stir occasionally and adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
It's important to note that while freezing can extend the shelf life of the dish, the texture of the scallops may change slightly upon thawing and reheating. They may become slightly more tender or softer compared to freshly cooked scallops.
If you plan to freeze the creamy tuscan garlic scallops, it's best to undercook the scallops slightly during the initial cooking process. This will help prevent them from becoming overcooked and rubbery when reheated after thawing.
When reheating frozen scallops, be sure to stir the sauce frequently and keep an eye on the texture of the scallops. Adjust the heat and cooking time as needed to ensure they are heated through without overcooking.
Reheating Leftover Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
- The best way to reheat leftover creamy tuscan garlic scallops is to use a microwave or a stovetop. If using a microwave, place the scallops in a microwave-safe dish and cover with a damp paper towel. Heat on high for 30-second intervals, stirring in between, until the scallops are heated through and the sauce is warm and bubbly.
- If using a stovetop, place the scallops and sauce in a small saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir gently and continuously until the scallops are heated through and the sauce is warm and well combined. Be careful not to overcook the scallops, as they can become tough and rubbery if heated for too long.
- To prevent the sauce from separating or curdling during reheating, you can add a splash of heavy cream or milk to the dish before heating. This will help to keep the sauce smooth and creamy.
- If the sauce seems too thick after reheating, you can thin it out with a little chicken broth or water. Add the liquid slowly and stir well to combine.
- For best results, reheat the scallops and sauce separately from any pasta or other accompaniments. This will help to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy or overcooked during the reheating process.
- If you have any leftover spinach or sun-dried tomatoes, you can add them to the dish during the last few minutes of reheating to refresh the flavors and add some extra color and texture to the dish.
- When reheating, be sure to stir the dish frequently to prevent scorching or sticking, and keep a close eye on the scallops to ensure they don't overcook. The goal is to heat the dish through until it's warm and bubbly, but not to cook it further.
Interesting Trivia About Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
The Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The dish features succulent scallops seared to perfection and then combined with a rich and creamy sauce infused with garlic, Italian seasoning, and parmesan cheese. The addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes adds a pop of color and freshness to the dish. This recipe is a wonderful way to elevate a simple seafood dish into a gourmet meal that is sure to impress. Whether served over pasta or enjoyed on its own, the Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops are a decadent and satisfying culinary experience.
Budget-Friendly: Making Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops at Home
The cost-effectiveness of this creamy Tuscan garlic scallops recipe largely depends on the availability and cost of ingredients. Scallops and parmesan cheese can be pricey, impacting the overall cost. However, the use of spinach and garlic can balance the expenses. Considering the luxurious nature of scallops and the addition of heavy cream, the approximate cost for a household of 4 people could range from $40 to $50. The indulgent nature of this dish makes it more suitable for special occasions rather than everyday meals. Overall Verdict: 8.
Is This Creamy Tuscan Dish Healthy or Unhealthy?
The creamy tuscan garlic scallops recipe, while undeniably delicious, is not particularly healthy. Here's why:
- The recipe relies heavily on high-fat ingredients like olive oil, heavy cream, and parmesan cheese, which can contribute to high calorie and saturated fat content.
- Scallops, although a good source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, are often high in cholesterol.
- The recipe lacks a significant amount of fiber-rich ingredients, with only a small amount of spinach included.
However, the recipe does include some nutritious elements, such as:
- Garlic, which has been linked to various health benefits, including improved immune function and reduced risk of heart disease.
- Spinach, a nutrient-dense leafy green that provides vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Sun-dried tomatoes, which are a good source of lycopene, an antioxidant that may help protect against certain types of cancer.
To make this recipe healthier, consider the following modifications:
- Reduce the amount of heavy cream and replace some of it with low-fat milk or yogurt to decrease the calorie and saturated fat content.
- Use a smaller amount of olive oil for searing the scallops, and opt for a lighter cooking method, such as grilling or broiling.
- Increase the amount of spinach and add other vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the fiber and nutrient content of the dish.
- Serve the scallops with a side of whole grain pasta or quinoa to add more fiber and complex carbohydrates to the meal.
- Use a reduced amount of parmesan cheese, or replace it with a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a lower-fat, vegan-friendly alternative that still provides a cheesy flavor.
The Editor's Take on Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops
The creamy Tuscan garlic scallops recipe is a delightful combination of flavors and textures. The seared scallops bring a beautiful caramelized crust, while the creamy sauce, infused with garlic, parmesan, and Italian seasoning, adds richness and depth. The addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes provides a burst of color and freshness. This dish is versatile and can be served as a main course with pasta or as an elegant appetizer. The balance of flavors and the luxurious creaminess make this recipe a standout choice for a special occasion or a gourmet dinner at home.
Enhance Your Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops Recipe with These Unique Side Dishes:
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Why trust this Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops Recipe:
This creamy Tuscan garlic scallops recipe offers a delightful fusion of flavors and textures, showcasing the richness of scallops complemented by the creamy, savory Tuscan-inspired sauce. The use of garlic and Italian seasoning infuses the dish with aromatic depth, while the addition of spinach and sun-dried tomatoes provides a burst of freshness and sweetness. The incorporation of parmesan cheese further enhances the dish's luxurious and indulgent appeal. With its carefully balanced ingredients and meticulous cooking instructions, this recipe promises a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your own home.
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