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Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron RECIPE


Bring a touch of elegance to your Valentine’s dinner with this rich and flavorful pasta. Golden-seared scallops sit atop saffron-infused linguine, coated in a smooth garlic butter sauce with a hint of zesty citrus. The combination of sweet, tender scallops and fragrant saffron creates a dish that is both sophisticated and comforting, perfect for a romantic meal. 💛✨

Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron Recipe

Total time: 30 minutes
Servings:
2 servings


The Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron is a luxurious, zesty, and aromatic dish that’s perfect for a sophisticated Valentine’s dinner. Tender, pan-seared scallops rest on a bed of silky saffron-infused pasta, coated in a rich garlic butter sauce with a touch of fresh citrus zest. Every bite is a perfect balance of buttery, citrusy, and slightly floral flavors, making this dish unforgettable and restaurant-worthy!

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Large pot – For boiling the pasta.
  • Skillet or saucepan – For cooking the scallops and sauce.
  • Tongs – To flip the scallops without breaking their crust.
  • Microplane grater – For zesting citrus.
  • Whisk – To mix the saffron-infused butter sauce smoothly.


Ingredients

For the Pasta:

  • 12 oz fettuccine or linguine
  • 1 pinch saffron threads
  • ½ cup hot water (for saffron infusion)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • ¼ cup parmesan cheese, grated
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Zest of ½ orange
  • Salt & pepper to taste


For the Scallops:

  • 8-10 large sea scallops
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt & pepper to taste
  • 1 tsp lemon juice



For Garnish:

  • Extra lemon & orange zest
  • 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
  • 1 pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

1️⃣ Infuse the Saffron

  • In a small bowl, soak saffron threads in hot water for at least 5 minutes to release their color and aroma.

2️⃣ Cook the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook fettuccine until al dente. Reserve ½ cup pasta water before draining.

3️⃣ Sear the Scallops

  • Pat scallops dry with a paper towel and season with salt and pepper.
  • Heat olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Sear scallops for 2 minutes per side until golden brown.
  • Squeeze lemon juice over them and set aside.

4️⃣ Make the Garlic Butter Sauce

  • In the same pan, sauté garlic in olive oil until fragrant.
  • Stir in saffron-infused water, heavy cream, parmesan, and citrus zest.
  • Toss in cooked pasta and pasta water, coating evenly.

5️⃣ Plate & Garnish

  • Plate the pasta and top with seared scallops.
  • Garnish with extra citrus zest, parsley, and red pepper flakes.

6️⃣ Enjoy!

  • Serve warm and savor the delicate balance of citrus, saffron, and buttery scallops! ✨🦞🍊

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1 plate
Calories: 600 kcal | Protein: 40g | Fat: 30g | Carbohydrates: 55g | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 3g

Benefits of Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron

High in Protein & Omega-3s

  • Scallops are a lean protein source, packed with omega-3 fatty acids that promote brain function and heart health.
  • This dish provides essential amino acids to support muscle growth and recovery.



Infused with Antioxidants & Essential Nutrients

  • Saffron, citrus zest, and garlic are loaded with antioxidants that help reduce inflammation and support immune health.
  • The vitamin C from lemon and orange zest enhances collagen production and overall skin health.


Velvety, Luxurious & Aromatic

  • The saffron-infused pasta creates a light floral essence, perfectly complementing the buttery, citrusy sauce.
  • The rich garlic butter glaze enhances the sweetness of the scallops while keeping the dish elegant yet satisfying.


Elegant & Perfect for Special Occasions

  • This dish pairs beautifully with white wine like Chardonnay or Sauvignon Blanc, making it a restaurant-quality meal at home.
  • Works well with pasta, risotto, or a side of roasted vegetables, making it a versatile and customizable dinner option.


This Citrus Garlic Butter Scallop Pasta with Saffron is rich, aromatic, and full of elegant flavors, making it the perfect indulgence for a romantic dinner or special celebration! ✨🍊🦞

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