Description

Scallops Mascarpone is a creamy, luxurious seafood dish featuring tender scallops paired with fresh vegetables and pasta, all coated in a rich, cheesy mascarpone sauce. This light yet flavorful dish is perfect for a special dinner or a comforting weeknight meal.

Ingredients

1 (16 ounce) package medium seashell pasta

8 tablespoons butter, divided

1 tablespoon olive oil

1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

1 clove garlic, chopped

1 (10 ounce) package sliced fresh button mushrooms

1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and cut into 1-inch pieces

½ teaspoon onion powder

Salt and ground black pepper to taste

1 pound scallops, rinsed and patted dry

1 (8 ounce) container mascarpone cheese

¼ cup milk

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Instructions

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of lightly salted water to a boil. Add the seashell pasta and cook until tender but firm to the bite, about 7 to 9 minutes. Drain and keep warm.
Prepare the Vegetables: In a large skillet, melt 6 tablespoons of butter with olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped parsley and garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until fragrant. Add the sliced mushrooms and asparagus. Season with onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir occasionally and cook until the asparagus is tender, about 5 minutes.
Cook the Scallops: Add the scallops to the skillet with the vegetables and cook for about 3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned and the center is cooked through. Remove the pan from heat when the scallops are done.
Make the Mascarpone Sauce: While the scallops cook, combine mascarpone cheese, milk, and the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sauce is warm and the butter is completely melted, creating a smooth, creamy sauce.
Combine Everything: Stir the mascarpone sauce into the scallops and vegetable mixture, then add the cooked pasta. Toss everything together until well combined, and serve hot.

Notes

Add More Veggies: Include other vegetables like spinach, peas, or bell peppers for additional flavor and texture.

Switch the Protein: You can substitute scallops with shrimp, chicken, or even a vegetarian protein like tofu.

Use a Different Cheese: Swap mascarpone for cream cheese or ricotta for a slightly different flavor profile.

Spicy Twist: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce or sprinkle over the top for a spicy kick.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 460
Sugar: 3g
Sodium: 630mg
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 15g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 38g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 27g
Cholesterol: 95mg