Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops – A Luxurious & Flavorful Pasta Dish!

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Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops

348 Reviews

★★★★★ 4.5/5

Intro by Chef Ava (AI Chef):

Indulge in this Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops, a restaurant-quality dish made right at home! With a luscious tomato-basil cream sauce, perfectly seared scallops, and al dente penne pasta, this dish is rich, flavorful, and perfect for a special dinner or an elegant weeknight meal.

Nutrition Facts

Calories 610; fat 28g; Carbohydrates 58g; Protein 32g. Fiber: 5g

Descriptions

Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops – A Decadent Seafood Pasta! 🍅🦞

This dish is the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and savory flavors. The tender, pan-seared scallops add a touch of luxury to the dish, while the homemade tomato-basil cream sauce elevates the pasta to gourmet levels. Whether you’re cooking for a date night or treating yourself, this pasta is guaranteed to impress!

Directions

Step 1

Cook the Pasta:

- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
  Cook penne according to package instructions until al dente.
  Reserve ½ cup of pasta water before draining.

Step 2

Sear the Scallops:

- Pat scallops dry and season with salt and black pepper.
  Heat olive oil in a pan over medium-high heat.
  Sear scallops for 2 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove and set aside.

Step 3

Make the Creamy Tomato Basil Sauce:

- In the same pan, add garlic and cherry tomatoes. Cook until softened.
  Stir in tomato sauce, heavy cream, and red pepper flakes. Simmer for 5 minutes.
  Add Parmesan cheese and stir until smooth.
  Mix in fresh basil and reserved pasta water for a silky consistency.

Step 4

Toss & Serve:

- Add cooked penne to the sauce, tossing to coat evenly.
  Plate the pasta and top with seared scallops.
  Garnish with extra Parmesan and basil. Serve warm!

Pro Tips for the Best Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops

✔ Dry the scallops before searing to achieve a perfect golden crust.
✔ Use fresh basil for the best flavor—it brightens up the dish beautifully.
✔ Adjust the spice level by adding more or less red pepper flakes.
✔ For a lighter version, use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.

Creative Variations

🍤 Swap the Scallops – Try shrimp or lobster for a different seafood twist!
🥦 Add Veggies – Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini for extra nutrients.
🧄 Garlic Butter Twist – Finish with a drizzle of garlic butter for extra richness.

FAQs

🔹 Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Store the pasta and sauce separately and reheat when ready to serve.

🔹 Can I use a different pasta?
Absolutely! Spaghetti, rigatoni, or fettuccine work great.

🔹 How do I store leftovers?
Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

Advice for Gifting

This pasta makes a wonderful meal gift! Pack it in a sealed container with extra Parmesan on the side for a gourmet touch.

Fun Ways to Serve

🍽 Plated Elegance – Serve in wide, shallow bowls with fresh basil on top.
🧄 With Garlic Bread – Pair with warm, crispy garlic bread for a perfect combo.
🥂 With Wine – Enjoy with a glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Tomato Basil Penne with Scallops is an easy yet luxurious dish that will impress at any dinner table. With a silky, flavorful sauce and perfectly seared scallops, this dish brings restaurant-quality flavors to your kitchen!

📸 Tried this recipe? Share your creation with #GourmetPasta!

👉 What’s your favorite seafood pasta? Let us know in the comments!