![- 8 oz fettuccine pasta - 1 lb sea scallops, cleaned and patted dry - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup heavy cream - 1 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded - ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 tablespoon fresh basil, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste - Zest of 1 lemon Gathering the right ingredients is key for this creamy mozzarella scallop pasta. Start with 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. It will hold the sauce well. Next, you need 1 lb of sea scallops. Make sure they are cleaned and patted dry. This step helps them sear nicely. You’ll need 1 tablespoon of olive oil for cooking. It adds flavor and helps with browning. For that rich taste, use 3 cloves of minced garlic. Garlic gives a nice aroma to the dish. The heart of the sauce is 1 cup of heavy cream. This makes the pasta creamy and smooth. You’ll also need 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese. It melts beautifully and adds that stretch we all love. Don't forget ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese. This cheese adds a salty bite. For a pop of color, use 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. They add freshness and sweetness. Finally, grab 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil. It gives a nice herbal note. You’ll also want salt and pepper to taste and the zest of 1 lemon for brightness. All these ingredients come together to create a delightful dinner dish. You can find the full recipe with all the steps in the *Full Recipe*. First, grab a large pot and fill it with water. Add a good amount of salt to the water. Bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add 8 oz of fettuccine pasta. Cook the pasta until it is al dente, following the package instructions. This usually takes about 8 to 10 minutes. When the pasta is ready, drain it but save a bit of the pasta water. Set the pasta aside in a bowl. Now it's time to sear the scallops. Take 1 lb of sea scallops and pat them dry with a paper towel. Season them with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the scallops. Sear the scallops for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side. They should turn golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate. In the same skillet, lower the heat to medium. Add 3 cloves of minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute. Be careful not to burn the garlic. Next, pour in 1 cup of heavy cream. Stir the cream constantly until it starts to simmer. This should take a couple of minutes. Now for the fun part! Gradually add 1 cup of shredded mozzarella cheese and ½ cup of grated Parmesan cheese to the cream. Stir until both cheeses melt and create a creamy sauce. If the sauce is too thick, mix in a bit of the reserved pasta water until you reach your desired consistency. Toss the cooked fettuccine into the sauce, coating it well. Add 1 cup of halved cherry tomatoes. Gently fold everything together. Carefully add the seared scallops back into the pasta mix. Stir gently to combine without breaking the scallops. Finish by sprinkling 1 tablespoon of chopped fresh basil and the zest of 1 lemon over the dish. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt and pepper if needed. Now, plate the creamy scallop pasta in bowls and drizzle with a bit of extra olive oil if you like. Enjoy this delightful dish! For the full recipe, check out the instructions above. To make great scallops, start with fresh ones. Look for scallops that smell like the sea, not fishy. Dry them well with a paper towel. This step helps them brown nicely. Use medium-high heat in your skillet. This way, they sear quickly and form a golden crust. Cook them for 2-3 minutes on each side. Avoid moving them around too much. This lets them develop that delicious crust. Your sauce should be creamy but not too thick. After adding the heavy cream, watch it closely. Stir constantly until it simmers. If it gets too thick, add a splash of reserved pasta water. This will help loosen it without losing creaminess. The mozzarella and Parmesan cheeses will also thicken the sauce. So, keep adjusting until you find the right smoothness. When serving, present the pasta in shallow bowls. This makes it look fancy and inviting. Drizzle a bit of olive oil on top for shine. Sprinkle some extra fresh basil for color and flavor. You can also add a few cherry tomato halves for a pop of freshness. For a more filling meal, serve with a side salad or garlic bread. This way, you create a complete dining experience. For the full recipe, check the [Full Recipe]. {{image_2}} You can switch up the pasta to match your taste. Fettuccine is great, but penne or spaghetti works too. Each type gives a unique feel to the dish. For a lighter option, try zucchini noodles or whole wheat pasta. They add extra flavor and texture to your creamy mozzarella scallop pasta. Adding vegetables can boost the dish's nutrition and flavor. Spinach wilts nicely into the creamy sauce. You can also toss in peas or asparagus for color and crunch. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, but you can replace them with bell peppers or broccoli. This makes your pasta more vibrant and delicious. If you like spicy food, consider adding red pepper flakes. A pinch goes a long way in enhancing the flavor. For more heat, try diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. This twist makes your creamy mozzarella scallop pasta exciting and full of life. For the full recipe, check the previous section. You can keep leftover creamy mozzarella scallop pasta in the fridge. Place it in an airtight container. This helps keep it fresh. It should last for about 3 days. When you are ready to eat, check for any off smells. If it smells fine, you can reheat it. If you want to save it longer, freezing is a good option. Use a freezer-safe container or bag. Make sure to remove as much air as possible. Label it with the date. This pasta dish can stay in the freezer for up to 2 months. When you are ready to use it, let it thaw in the fridge overnight. To reheat, you have a few options. You can use a microwave, stove, or oven. For the microwave, place the pasta in a bowl. Add a splash of water to keep it moist. Cover it and heat in short bursts, stirring in between. On the stove, use a pan over low heat. Stir often until warmed through. If using the oven, cover it with foil and bake at 350°F until hot. Always check the temperature before serving. To make this creamy mozzarella scallop pasta gluten-free, start by choosing gluten-free pasta. Many brands offer great options, such as rice or chickpea pasta. Cook the gluten-free pasta according to package instructions. Then, follow the same steps for the sauce and scallops. This way, you can enjoy the dish without gluten but still keep the flavors. If you want a lighter option instead of heavy cream, you can use half-and-half or whole milk. For a dairy-free choice, coconut milk works well. You can also use a mix of broth and cream cheese for a rich flavor. Each substitute will change the taste a bit but will still give you a creamy sauce. Yes, you can use frozen scallops! Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. Place them in the fridge overnight for the best results. Once thawed, pat them dry to remove excess moisture. This helps them sear better and develop that lovely golden crust. To avoid overcooking scallops, follow these tips: First, make sure your skillet is hot enough. Sear scallops for only 2-3 minutes on each side. Look for a golden brown color. If they feel firm to the touch and opaque, they are done. Remove them from the heat quickly to keep them juicy and tender. This recipe showcases a delicious fettuccine dish with scallops and creamy sauce. We covered each ingredient, the cooking steps, and helpful tips. Remember, cooking is all about experimenting. You can swap ingredients and adjust flavors. Storing leftovers is simple, and reheating keeps the meal tasty. Enjoy making this dish your own, and don’t hesitate to share your results! Happy cooking!](https://savorystride.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/a1d09107-4995-4125-a439-19771ea76796-250x250.webp)
Creamy Mozzarella Scallop Pasta
Indulge in a deliciously creamy mozzarella scallop pasta that's perfect for dinner! This easy recipe combines tender fettuccine with seared scallops, rich cheeses, and fresh cherry tomatoes for a dish that will impress. In just 30 minutes, you can create a smoky, savory sauce that makes every bite irresistible. Ready to elevate your pasta night? Click through to explore the full recipe and bring this delightful meal to your table!