Easy Shrimp Scallop Recipe For A Delicious Seafood Dinner 

Are you looking for an impressive yet simple seafood dish that will wow your dinner guests? This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallop recipe is the ideal solution. It features succulent shrimp and tender scallops enveloped in a rich and flavorful sauce, allowing you to enjoy a restaurant-quality dining experience in the comfort of your own kitchen with minimal effort required. Whether you’re planning a special occasion dinner or simply want to elevate your weeknight meals, this shrimp scallop recipe delivers exceptional results every time.

Why This Shrimp Scallop Recipe Stands Out

What makes this particular shrimp scallop recipe so special is the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The sweetness of the seafood pairs beautifully with the creamy, herb-infused sauce, while sun-dried tomatoes and spinach add both color and nutritional value. Unlike many seafood dishes that require complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients, this easy shrimp scallop recipe uses accessible components and straightforward methods that even novice cooks can master.

Seafood can sometimes intimidate home cooks, but this recipe simplifies the process while maximizing flavor. The combination of shrimp and scallops not only creates a visually appealing dish but also offers a delightful contrast in textures – the slight chew of perfectly cooked shrimp alongside the buttery tenderness of scallops.

QUICK RECIPE CARD

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Difficulty Level: Intermediate
• Servings: 4

Nutritional Information (per serving)

• Calories: 635
• Protein: 52g
• Fat: 42g
• Carbohydrates: 12g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 950mg

Ingredients for Your Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops

For this best shrimp scallop recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Seafood:

• 1 pound large shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 pound sea scallops
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons butter, divided
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning

For the Creamy Tuscan Sauce:

• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• ½ cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with chicken broth)
• 1 ½ cups heavy cream
• ½ cup chicken broth
• ¾ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups fresh spinach
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Essential Equipment

This easy shrimp scallop recipe requires minimal equipment:

• Large skillet or sauté pan (preferably with high sides)
• Paper towels
• Tongs
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Measuring cups and spoons

Preparation Steps

Step 1: Prepare the Seafood

Begin by properly preparing your seafood. This crucial first step ensures your shrimp scallop recipe turns out perfectly:

1. Gently pat the shrimp and scallops dry using paper towels to eliminate any excess moisture, which is crucial for achieving a nice sear.
2. Remove the small side muscle from the scallops if still attached.
3. Season the shrimp and scallops generously with salt, pepper, and paprika for enhanced flavor.

Step 2: Cook the Scallops

Perfectly cooked scallops are the highlight of any shrimp scallop recipe:

1. In a large skillet, combine 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter, heating them over medium-high heat until hot.
2. Once the pan is hot (but not smoking), add the scallops, making sure they’re not touching each other.
3. Sear for 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them – this develops that beautiful golden crust.
4. Flip and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until it is just cooked through.
5. Remove it from the pan and place it on a warm plate to keep it heated.

Step 3: Cook the Shrimp

Now it’s time to prepare the second star of this shrimp scallop recipe:

1. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil and another tablespoon of butter.
2. Add the seasoned shrimp in a single layer.
3. Cook for approximately 1-2 minutes on each side until they turn pink and opaque.
4. Remove and set aside with the scallops.

Step 4: Create the Creamy Tuscan Sauce

The signature sauce is what transforms this from a good to the best shrimp scallop recipe:

1. Reduce heat to medium and add the final tablespoon of butter to the pan.
2. Incorporate the minced garlic and diced onion, sautéing until they are fragrant and translucent, which should take about 2-3 minutes.
3. Pour in the  extra broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan, allowing it to reduce by half.
4. Add the heavy cream, chicken broth, Italian seasoning, dried basil, and oregano.
5. Allow the mixture to reach a gentle simmer and cook for 3-4 minutes until the sauce starts to thicken slightly.
6. Mix in the Parmesan cheese until it melts and becomes smooth.
7.  Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and red pepper flakes to combine everything well.
8. Gently fold in the spinach and cook until it is just wilted.

Step 5: Combine and Finish

The final step brings this easy shrimp scallop recipe together:

1. Return the cooked shrimp and scallops to the pan, gently folding them into the sauce.
2. Simmer for 1-2 minutes to warm the seafood through and allow the flavors to meld.
3. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
4. Garnish with fresh basil leaves and serve with lemon wedges.

Serving Suggestions

This versatile shrimp scallop recipe pairs beautifully with several sides:

• Serve the dish over al dente pasta, like linguine or fettuccine
• Accompany with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious sauce
• Place atop creamy polenta or risotto for an extra indulgent meal
• Serve with steamed asparagus or roasted vegetables for a lighter option
• Accompany with a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette

Tips for the Perfect Shrimp Scallop Recipe

To ensure this easy shrimp scallop recipe turns out perfectly every time, consider these professional tips:

1. Temperature matters: Both shrimp and scallops should be at room temperature before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook the seafood in batches if necessary. Overcrowding leads to steaming rather than searing, preventing that beautiful golden crust from forming.
3. Watch your cooking times: Seafood cooks quickly and continues cooking from residual heat after being removed from the pan. Slightly undercooking prevents rubbery, tough results.
4. Quality ingredients: Since this shrimp scallop recipe has relatively few ingredients, their quality really matters. Use fresh seafood whenever possible, and genuine Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
5. Sauce consistency: If the sauce becomes overly thick, you can adjust its consistency by stirring in a small amount of chicken broth. On the other hand, if the sauce is too thin, allow it to simmer for a bit longer to thicken before adding the seafood back into the pan.

Variations on This Easy Shrimp Scallop Recipe

While this Creamy Tuscan version is arguably the best shrimp scallop recipe, you can create delicious variations:

• Mediterranean: Add kalamata olives, capers, and substitute feta for the Parmesan
• Cajun: Season the seafood with Cajun spice mix instead of Italian herbs for a spicier version
• Lemon Garlic: Simplify with just lemon, garlic, white wine, and a touch of cream
• Herb-Forward: Add fresh herbs like dill, chives, and tarragon for a brighter flavor profile

Why Make This Shrimp Scallop Recipe at Home?

Restaurant-quality seafood dishes often come with hefty price tags, but this easy shrimp scallop recipe brings luxury to your dining table at a fraction of the cost. By preparing this dish at home, you control the quality of ingredients and can adjust seasonings to perfectly match your preferences.

Moreover, cooking seafood at home allows you to ensure it’s prepared to the ideal doneness – something that’s challenging even at fine restaurants where seafood might arrive overcooked. This particular shrimp scallop recipe also makes an impressive centerpiece for entertaining, as it looks and tastes sophisticated while requiring relatively little hands-on time.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tuscan Shrimp and Scallops recipe elevates basic ingredients into an exceptional dish that feels festive, yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The combination of tender shrimp and buttery scallops in the rich, flavorful sauce creates a dish that will quickly become a favorite in your recipe collection.

Whether you’re new to cooking seafood or a seasoned pro, this easy shrimp scallop recipe offers foolproof steps to create a memorable meal. The next time you’re craving seafood or want to impress dinner guests, skip the restaurant reservation and bring this restaurant-quality dish to your own table. Your family and friends will be asking for this best shrimp scallop recipe again and again.

With these detailed instructions and helpful tips, you’re well-equipped to create a stunning seafood dinner that balances simplicity with sophistication – proof that the best shrimp scallop recipe doesn’t have to be complicated to be extraordinary.

Additional Resources

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