Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is an exquisite dish that tantalizes the taste buds and promises an unforgettable dining experience. This recipe combines the succulent flavors of tender scallops and juicy shrimp, all enveloped in a velvety sauce made from sun-dried tomatoes and heavy cream. Each bite is a celebration of taste; the sweetness of the seafood is beautifully offset by the rich creaminess of the sauce, while fresh spinach adds a pop of color and nutrition. This meal is perfect for a cozy family dinner or a romantic date night, and it’s worthwhile to make when you want a special dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a gem for several reasons. First, it has easy prep steps that make it accessible for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs. With just a handful of ingredients, the dish is not only straightforward but also emphasizes the natural flavors of the seafood. Family-friendly and perfect for special occasions, this creamy, decadent creation can be made in under 30 minutes! Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply want a delightful, quick meal, Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce is an ideal choice that won’t disappoint.
Ingredients for Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
To create this delectable dish, gather the following ingredients:
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined (sweet and juicy for a satisfying bite)
- 1/2 lb sea scallops (plump and tender, providing a luxurious texture)
- 1 cup fresh spinach (vibrant and nutritious, adding color and flavor)
- 1/2 shallot, finely diced (for a mild, sweet onion flavor)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced (for aromatic warmth)
- 1 cup heavy cream (creamy and rich, perfect for a decadent sauce)
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped (for a burst of tangy sweetness)
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese (for umami and depth)
- 1 tablespoon butter (for sautéing and flavor)
- Red crushed pepper, to taste (optional, for a hint of heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Oil, for cooking (to prevent sticking and promote browning)
Step-by-Step Directions
1. Sear the Scallops & Shrimp
Begin your culinary journey by seasoning the shrimp and scallops with a sprinkle of salt and black pepper. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some oil. When the oil is hot, gently place the scallops in the skillet and sear them for 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a gorgeous golden crust and are cooked through. Once finished, remove them from the skillet and set them aside. Next, in the same skillet, sear the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side, until they turn a lovely shade of pink. Remove them from the skillet and set aside with the scallops.
2. Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables
Reduce the heat to medium and add butter to the skillet, allowing it to melt. Sauté the finely diced shallots for about one minute until they become softened and aromatic. Then, stir in the fresh spinach, chopped sun-dried tomatoes, and a dash of red pepper flakes if you desire a bit of heat. Season the mixture with salt and black pepper, cover the skillet, and cook for 1-2 minutes, letting the spinach wilt and infuse the dish with its vibrant color.
3. Make the Creamy Sauce
Add the minced garlic to the sautéed mixture and allow it to cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Now, pour in the heavy cream, stirring it into the mixture, and sprinkle in the freshly grated Parmesan cheese. Let this delicious sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes, allowing it to thicken slightly and mingle all those irresistible flavors together.
4. Finish & Serve
Return the shrimp to the skillet, cover it again, and let it cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until they’re fully cooked through. Gently place the scallops back into the pan, allowing them to warm for just 10-20 seconds. Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning as needed before serving. This creamy delight pairs wonderfully with pasta, rice, or crusty bread, allowing you to soak up every last drop of the sauce.
Tips & Tricks
To elevate your dish, consider using a mix of seafood such as calamari or mussels along with the scallops and shrimp for added depth of flavor. For a heart-healthy twist, swap out heavy cream for a light cream or add a splash of vegetable broth to reduce calories while still retaining a rich flavor. If you want a fresh herb infusion, toss in some basil or parsley just before serving. Lastly, make sure to pat your scallops dry before searing to achieve that perfect caramelized crust.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve your Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce over a bed of al dente pasta, such as fettuccine or angel hair, for a beautiful presentation. Opt for a side salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness of the dish. For a comforting touch, crusty garlic bread makes the perfect accompaniment for dipping into the creamy sauce. A glass of sparkling water with a wedge of lemon can refresh your palate, enhancing the overall dining experience.
Nutritional Information
This dish provides a hearty indulgence with each serving around 450-500 calories, depending on portion sizes and serving styles. The combination of seafood offers a great source of lean protein, while the cream and cheese provide a dose of healthy fats. With the added spinach, you can enjoy vitamins A, C, and K, alongside fiber, making this dish delightful not just for your taste buds, but also a nutritious option in your meal rotation.
Storing Tips & Variations for Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
If you have leftovers, store the dish in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat, adding a splash of cream or broth to prevent drying out. For a variation, consider swapping the sun-dried tomatoes for roasted red peppers or adding in seasonal vegetables like zucchini or asparagus. You can also experiment with different types of cheese, such as goat cheese or feta, for a unique twist.
Conclusion for Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Don’t wait to try this Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce — it’s a show-stopping dish that will elevate any meal. With a delightful balance of flavors and a stunning presentation, you’ll find it hard to resist making this recipe again and again. Gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and savor every creamy, savory bite.
FAQs
Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?
Yes, frozen shrimp and scallops can be used! Just ensure they are thawed completely and patted dry before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! You can prepare the sauce and cook the seafood in advance, then combine and reheat just before serving.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can substitute heavy cream with coconut cream, and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan for a dairy-free version.
How do I know when the scallops are cooked?
Perfectly cooked scallops should be opaque in appearance and firm to the touch, having a golden crust on the outside.
What if I don’t like spinach?
You can substitute spinach with other leafy greens like kale or arugula, or simply leave it out if desired.
Scallops and Shrimp with Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato Sauce
Ingredients
Seafood
- 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined Sweet and juicy for a satisfying bite
- 1/2 lb sea scallops Plump and tender, providing a luxurious texture
Vegetables
- 1 cup fresh spinach Vibrant and nutritious, adding color and flavor
- 1/2 unit shallot, finely diced For a mild, sweet onion flavor
- 3 cloves garlic, minced For aromatic warmth
Sauce Components
- 1 cup heavy cream Creamy and rich, perfect for a decadent sauce
- 2 tablespoons sun-dried tomatoes, chopped For a burst of tangy sweetness
- 2 tablespoons Parmesan cheese, freshly grated For umami and depth
Cooking Essentials
- 1 tablespoon butter For sautéing and flavor
- to taste red crushed pepper Optional, for a hint of heat
- to taste salt and black pepper
- as needed oil For cooking to prevent sticking and promote browning
Instructions
Sear the Scallops & Shrimp
- Season the shrimp and scallops with salt and black pepper.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and drizzle in some oil.
- Gently place the scallops in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.
- Remove scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sear the shrimp for about 1-2 minutes per side until they turn pink.
- Remove shrimp from the skillet and set aside with the scallops.
Sauté the Aromatics & Vegetables
- Reduce heat to medium and melt butter in the skillet.
- Sauté shallots for about one minute until softened and aromatic.
- Stir in fresh spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, and red pepper flakes if desired.
- Season with salt and black pepper, cover and cook for 1-2 minutes until spinach wilts.
Make the Creamy Sauce
- Add minced garlic to the mixture and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Pour in heavy cream, stirring, and sprinkle in Parmesan cheese.
- Let the sauce simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens slightly.
Finish & Serve
- Return shrimp to the skillet, cover, and cook for 1-2 minutes until fully cooked.
- Gently place scallops back into the pan to warm for 10-20 seconds.
- Taste sauce and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Serve over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread to soak up the sauce.