Description

Creamy Lemon Garlic Seafood Pasta combines succulent seafood with a velvety cream sauce, zesty lemon, and bold garlic. This indulgent dish is perfect for special occasions or a luxurious dinner at home, offering a delightful balance of creamy richness and fresh citrus brightness.

Ingredients

8 oz fettuccine, spaghetti, or your preferred pasta
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon butter
1/2 pound shrimp, peeled and deveined
1/2 pound scallops (or more shrimp/crab, depending on your preference)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine (or seafood/chicken broth)
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Zest and juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste
Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water, and set aside.
Cook the seafood: In a large skillet, heat olive oil and butter over medium-high heat. Add shrimp and scallops, seasoning with salt and pepper. Cook for about 2-3 minutes per side, until shrimp are pink and scallops are golden brown. Remove seafood from the skillet and set aside.
Make the sauce: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. Pour in the white wine (or broth) to deglaze the pan, scraping up any brown bits from the bottom. Let it simmer for 2-3 minutes, reducing slightly.
Finish the sauce: Lower the heat, then add heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir until the sauce becomes smooth and creamy.
Combine seafood and pasta: Return the cooked seafood to the skillet and gently toss to coat in the sauce. If the sauce is too thick, gradually add the reserved pasta water to reach your desired consistency.
Mix with pasta: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to combine everything. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
Serve: Serve immediately, garnished with fresh parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.

Notes

Different Seafood: Feel free to swap the shrimp and scallops for other seafood like crab, lobster, or mussels.Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the garlic while cooking for extra heat.Non-dairy Option: For a dairy-free version, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream or cashew cream.Vegetarian Option: Replace the seafood with roasted vegetables such as zucchini, mushrooms, and bell peppers for a creamy vegetarian pasta.Herb Variations: Use basil, thyme, or dill instead of parsley to complement the flavors of the seafood.