Campanelle with Scallops – Elegant, Light, and Full of Flavor

Campanelle with Scallops is an elegant yet simple pasta dish that brings together tender sea scallops, perfectly cooked campanelle, and a light, flavorful sauce. This recipe makes a wonderful weeknight dinner or an impressive main course for a special occasion. With just the right balance of seafood sweetness, garlic, and fresh herbs, it’s a light and satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Restaurant-Worthy at Home – Impress your guests with this elegant yet approachable dish.
Tender, Sweet Scallops – Seared scallops lend a delicate and luxurious flavor.
Fresh and Light – Simple herbs and garlic keep the sauce vibrant without being heavy.
Quick & Easy – Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy evenings.

Ingredients

• 8 oz campanelle pasta (or other short pasta)
• 12 large sea scallops, patted dry
• 2 tsp olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
• ½ cup dry white wine (or additional broth)
• 1 lemon (juice and zest)
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Optional: pinch of crushed red pepper flakes

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook campanelle according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving about ½ cup of pasta water.

2. Sear the Scallops
While pasta cooks, heat olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops with salt and pepper. Sear scallops for 2–3 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.

3. Make the Sauce
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add broth, wine, lemon juice, and zest. Simmer for 2–3 minutes to reduce slightly.

4. Combine Everything
Add cooked pasta to the skillet and toss to coat, adding reserved pasta water a little at a time if needed. Stir in chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using.

5. Serve
Divide pasta among plates and top with seared scallops. Garnish with extra parsley and lemon zest if desired.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Calories: 310
Protein: 21g
Fat: 5g
Carbohydrates: 42g
Sugar: 2g
Fiber: 2g

Tips for Success

• Pat Scallops Dry – This ensures a good sear and prevents steaming.
• Don’t Overcook Scallops – They cook quickly and stay tender when just opaque in the center.
• Use Good Wine – A crisp, dry white wine enhances the sauce beautifully.

Why This Recipe Works

The delicate sweetness of scallops complements the bright, lemony sauce and al dente pasta perfectly. With minimal fat and clean, fresh flavors, it feels indulgent while staying light and balanced.

Campanelle with Scallops is a light, elegant pasta dish that comes together quickly but delivers big on flavor. Perfect for a special dinner or just a treat-yourself kind of night, it’s a recipe you’ll turn to whenever you want something truly satisfying and refined.