π Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops π€
Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops is a delectable Italian-inspired dish that combines the delicate flavors of angel hair pasta with the rich, buttery goodness of seared sea scallops. It’s a delightful fusion of land and sea that’s sure to please your taste buds!
π History:
Angel hair pasta, also known as “capellini,” is a type of pasta that originated in Italy. Its name, “angel hair,” refers to its incredibly thin and delicate strands. The history of pasta in Italy dates back centuries, and angel hair pasta is just one of the many variations that have evolved over time.
Sea scallops, on the other hand, have been enjoyed as a seafood delicacy for centuries by coastal communities around the world. They are prized for their sweet and succulent meat. The combination of angel hair pasta and sea scallops likely emerged as a culinary innovation in the realm of Italian cuisine, where seafood and pasta often come together to create exquisite dishes.
π½οΈ Components:
To prepare Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops, you’ll need the following components:
- Angel hair pasta
- Sea scallops
- Olive oil
- Butter
- Garlic
- White wine (optional)
- Lemon juice
- Fresh herbs (e.g., parsley)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Parmesan cheese (optional, for garnish)
π©βπ³ Steps to Prepare:
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Prepare the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the angel hair pasta and cook according to the package instructions until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.
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Sear the Scallops: Pat the sea scallops dry with paper towels. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Season the scallops with salt and pepper. Place the scallops in the hot skillet and sear for about 2-3 minutes on each side until they develop a golden-brown crust. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
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Prepare the Sauce: In the same skillet, add some more olive oil and a tablespoon of butter. Add minced garlic and sautΓ© for a minute until fragrant. If desired, you can deglaze the pan with a splash of white wine. Stir in lemon juice and fresh herbs like parsley. Let the sauce simmer for a couple of minutes.
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Combine and Serve: Add the cooked angel hair pasta to the skillet with the sauce, tossing to coat the pasta evenly. Return the seared scallops to the skillet, gently nestling them among the pasta. Cook for an additional minute to heat everything through.
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Garnish and Enjoy: Plate the Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops, garnishing with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve hot and savor the delicious combination of flavors!
β° Preparation Time:
Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops is a relatively quick dish to prepare. You can have this delightful meal ready in about 30-40 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.
Enjoy your culinary journey as you create this mouthwatering dish! π½οΈπππ
Certainly! Here are the nutrition facts and some health information for Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops:
Nutrition Facts (Approximate Values):
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Calories: The calorie content of this dish can vary depending on portion sizes and ingredients used. On average, it may range from 350 to 450 calories per serving.
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Protein: Sea scallops are a good source of protein, providing about 15-20 grams per 3-ounce serving. Pasta also contributes some protein, with angel hair pasta containing around 6-8 grams of protein per cup.
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Carbohydrates: Angel hair pasta is a source of carbohydrates, with approximately 40-45 grams of carbs per cup. The dish will also contain some carbs from other ingredients like garlic and lemon juice.
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Fat: Sea scallops have minimal fat content, while the dish gets most of its fat from olive oil and butter. A typical serving may have around 10-15 grams of fat.
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Fiber: Angel hair pasta is not particularly high in fiber, with only about 2 grams per cup. Consider adding vegetables to increase the fiber content.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Sea scallops are a good source of vitamin B12, zinc, and selenium. The dish may also provide some vitamins from herbs and lemon juice.
Health Information:
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Protein: Sea scallops are a lean source of protein, which is essential for muscle health and repair.
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Moderate Calories: While the calorie content can vary, this dish generally provides a reasonable number of calories for a meal. However, portion control is important for those watching their calorie intake.
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Healthy Fats: Olive oil used in this recipe contains heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. Be mindful of portion sizes to keep the fat content in check.
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Low in Saturated Fat: Sea scallops are low in saturated fat, which is good for heart health.
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Carbohydrates: Angel hair pasta is a source of carbohydrates, providing energy. If you’re watching your carb intake, consider whole wheat pasta or smaller portions.
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Fiber: To boost the fiber content, consider adding vegetables like spinach or asparagus to the dish. Fiber is essential for digestive health.
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Vitamins and Minerals: Sea scallops offer essential nutrients like vitamin B12, which is important for nerve function, and selenium, which acts as an antioxidant.
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Sodium: Be cautious with added salt. Sea scallops naturally contain some sodium, so use salt sparingly in the recipe.
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Balance: As with any meal, balance is key. Include a variety of foods in your diet to ensure you’re getting a wide range of nutrients.
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Enjoy in Moderation: Angel Hair Pasta with Sea Scallops can be part of a balanced diet, but like any dish, it’s best enjoyed in moderation as part of an overall healthy eating plan.
Remember that individual nutrition needs may vary, so it’s a good idea to consult with a healthcare professional or registered dietitian if you have specific dietary concerns or health goals.