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Seafood Spaghetti Recipe

4.6 from 62 reviews

A delicious and creamy seafood spaghetti dish featuring tender shrimp and scallops cooked in a flavorful garlic tomato cream sauce, tossed with al dente spaghetti and finished with Parmesan and fresh parsley.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 12 oz. spaghetti
  • Kosher salt

Seafood

  • 1/2 lb. medium shrimp, peeled, deveined
  • 1/2 lb. scallops, side muscle removed, patted dry

Sauce and Seasonings

  • 2 tbsp. unsalted butter, divided
  • Freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 small shallot, finely chopped
  • 3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1 cup finely chopped tomatoes
  • 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth
  • 3/4 cup heavy cream
  • 1/2 cup finely grated Parmesan, plus more for serving
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, plus more for serving
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced

Instructions

  1. Cook the spaghetti: In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook spaghetti, stirring occasionally, until al dente according to package directions. Drain and return to pot.
  2. Cook the shrimp: Meanwhile, in a large skillet over medium heat, melt 1 tablespoon butter. Add shrimp; season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook, turning halfway through, until shrimp are opaque, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer shrimp to a plate.
  3. Cook the scallops: In the same skillet over medium heat, melt the remaining 1 tablespoon butter. Add scallops; season with salt and pepper. Cook, turning halfway through, until scallops are darkened on both sides, about 2 minutes per side. Transfer to the same plate as shrimp.
  4. Make the sauce: In the same skillet over medium heat, cook shallot and garlic, stirring, until softened and fragrant, about 3 minutes. Add chopped tomatoes, broth, heavy cream, Parmesan, and parsley. Season with salt to taste. Bring to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly thickened, about 3 minutes.
  5. Combine seafood with sauce: Return the cooked shrimp and scallops to the skillet and toss to combine with the sauce. Stir in lemon juice for brightness.
  6. Toss pasta with sauce and serve: Add the cooked spaghetti to the skillet and toss until coated evenly with the sauce and seafood mixture. Divide pasta among plates or shallow bowls. Top with additional Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

  • Use low-sodium broth to control the saltiness of the dish.
  • Pat scallops dry to ensure they sear properly and develop a nice crust.
  • Serve immediately for best texture, as seafood can become rubbery if overcooked or reheated.
  • Fresh parsley and lemon juice brighten the rich cream sauce.
  • Can substitute heavy cream with half-and-half for a lighter sauce, though it may be less rich.

Keywords: seafood spaghetti, shrimp pasta, scallop pasta, creamy seafood pasta, Italian seafood recipe