Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops feature tender scallops cooked to perfection and coated in a luscious, herby sauce with smoked turkey bacon, fresh herbs, and a creamy blend of heavy cream and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). This quick and elegant seafood dish balances savory, smoky, and aromatic flavors, making it ideal for a gourmet meal at home in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Protein
- 1 lb dry-packed fresh scallops
- 4 slices smoked turkey bacon, chopped
Sauce Ingredients
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2 cups fresh spinach (or frozen, thawed and drained)
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Seasonings and Cooking
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Scallops: Pat the scallops dry thoroughly with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear scallops for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and are just cooked through. Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Smoked Turkey Bacon and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped smoked turkey bacon and cook until crisp. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Pour in the heavy cream and apple cider vinegar, stirring well to combine. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal). Stir gently until the cheese melts into a smooth and silky sauce.
- Incorporate Greens and Herbs: Add the fresh spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted. Stir in the chopped basil and parsley. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
- Combine Scallops with Sauce: Return the seared scallops to the skillet and gently toss them in the creamy sauce to coat evenly. Warm everything together for about one more minute, ensuring the scallops remain tender and the sauce is heated through.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry well for a perfect sear and to avoid steaming.
- Do not overcook scallops; slight translucency in the center ensures optimal texture.
- Use fresh herbs to brighten and add layers of flavor to the sauce.
- Keep sauce on moderate heat and stir continuously to prevent curdling or burning.
- Serve immediately for best taste with tender scallops and silky sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Tuscan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 580 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg
Keywords: creamy scallops, Tuscan scallops, garlic scallops, seafood dinner, quick scallop recipe, smoked turkey bacon scallops, gluten free seafood
