Delicious Basil Scallops with Gluten-Free Pasta Recipe
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I understand that finding healthy and delicious meal options can be challenging. That’s why I’m excited to share with you my recipe for Basil Scallops with Gluten-Free Pasta, which is not only tasty but also nutritious. This recipe features succulent sea scallops cooked to perfection served on a bed of gluten-free pasta infused with fresh basil and lemon juice.
Gluten-free eating doesn’t mean compromising on taste or texture. In fact, using gluten-free pasta made from rice flour and cornstarch produces an al dente texture, just like traditional wheat-based pasta. The combination of fresh basil, lemon juice, garlic, and Dijon mustard brings out the natural sweetness of the scallops whilst giving the pasta sauce a rich and zesty flavor.
Cooking healthy meals at home means that you have control over the quality and quantity of ingredients used in your food. By using fresh ingredients such as herbs, vegetables, and seafood, you ensure that your dish is packed with vital nutrients and free from harmful additives.
So get ready to impress your family and friends with this simple yet impressive dish. Whether you’re gluten intolerant, dairy-free or prefer organic recipes that are good for your health, this Basil Scallops with Gluten-Free Pasta recipe has got you covered!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Basil Scallops With Gluten-Free Pasta recipe is one that you will absolutely fall in love with. Not only is this delicious meal gluten-free and dairy-free, but it’s also packed with nutritious ingredients that will make you feel fantastic after eating it.
First of all, let’s talk about the scallops. These delicate creatures are cooked to perfection and seared to a beautiful golden brown color, making them crispy on the outside and tender on the inside. The scallops are seasoned simply with salt, pepper, dried and fresh basil, giving them a herbaceous flavor that will leave your taste buds begging for more.
The gluten-free pasta used in this recipe is another reason why you’ll love it. We used the best gluten-free pasta on the market from Manini’s Gluten-Free, which is made with cornstarch and pea protein for an extra boost of nutrition. Plus, the pasta cooks up perfectly al dente and pairs incredibly well with the rich flavor of the scallops.
Another great thing about this recipe is that it includes a homemade basil pesto sauce, adding an extra layer of depth to the dish. The sauce is created by combining fresh garlic and basil leaves with olive oil, lemon juice and Dijon mustard. This pesto sauce adds a delightful tanginess to the entire recipe.
Lastly, you can add cherry tomatoes as an optional addition to the dish, adding another note of freshness and natural sweetness to balance out the flavors in every bite.
Overall, there are plenty of reasons why you’ll love this Basil Scallops With Gluten-Free Pasta Recipe – from its rich, flavorful ingredients to its healthy nutritional profile – this dish ticks all the boxes and makes for a truly special meal that you can feel good about enjoying.
Ingredient List
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb of sea scallops
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta (angel hair, penne or edamame)
- 2 tablespoons of olive oil
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- Fresh basil leaves, chopped for garnish
For the Scallop Marinade
- 1 tablespoon of lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
- 2 teaspoons of cornstarch
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Basil Sauce
- 1 green onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- ¼ cup vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons of fresh basil or 1 tablespoon dried basil
- Crushed red pepper flakes to taste (optional)
Optional Ingredients for Additional Flavors
- Cherry tomatoes and mushroom pasta sauce
- Pesto sauce
- Cream sauce
- Brown butter and creamy mozzarella
Note: Feel free to use whichever pasta you like. I used Manini’s Gluten-Free Penne Pasta, but any gluten-free pasta brand will do.
The Recipe How-To
Now, let’s get started with making this delicious gluten-free pasta dish with seared scallops and fresh basil. Before we begin, make sure all of your ingredients are prepped and ready to go.
Ingredients
- 8 oz gluten-free pasta of your choice
- 1 lb sea scallops
- 2 tbsp cornstarch
- Salt and fresh ground pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp butter (dairy-free optional)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 green onions, sliced
- 1/4 cup vegetable broth
- Juice of one lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil leaves
- Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Directions
-
Cook the gluten-free pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Reserve a cup of the pasta water before draining the rest.
-
Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat dry with a paper towel.
-
In a small bowl, mix together the cornstarch, salt, and pepper. Lightly coat both sides of each scallop in the mixture.
-
Heat a large pan over medium-high heat and add in the olive oil. Once heated, add in the scallops and cook for about 2 minutes on each side until they are golden brown.
-
Remove the scallops from the pan and set them aside on a plate.
-
In the same pan, add in the butter (or dairy-free alternative), garlic, and green onions. Cook for about 2 minutes until fragrant.
-
Add in the vegetable broth, lemon juice, Dijon mustard and stir. Allow it to simmer for about 2 minutes until slightly thickened.
-
Add in the cooked gluten-free pasta, fresh basil leaves, and reserved pasta water as needed. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the pasta is heated through.
-
To serve, divide the pasta into bowls and top each with several scallops. Garnish with additional fresh basil leaves and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
Enjoy your Basil Scallops with Gluten-Free Pasta dish, full of flavor and free of gluten, dairy, and stress!
Substitutions and Variations
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I understand that everyone has different dietary restrictions and preferences. That’s why I’ve included a few substitutions and variations to cater to a wider range of needs.
If you can’t find gluten-free pasta, try using edamame pasta or brown rice pasta instead. You could also use penne, angel hair pasta or linguine in place of scallop pasta, depending on your preference.
For dairy-free options, replace the creamy mozzarella with almond-based cheese or omit it altogether.
If you’re not a fan of scallops, try using bay scallops or shrimp instead. You can also swap out the basil for other herbs like cilantro or parsley to switch up the flavor.
Vegetarians can substitute vegetable broth in place of chicken broth.
For those who prefer a bit of spice, add more crushed red pepper flakes or use hot Dijon mustard instead of regular Dijon mustard.
The cherry tomatoes could be swapped out for sun-dried tomatoes if you prefer. You could also add mushrooms or green onions to the recipe to give it an extra depth of flavor.
Remember that recipe variations are limitless, don’t be afraid to experiment with different ingredients until you find your favorite combination suited perfectly to your taste buds.
Serving and Pairing
When it comes to serving and pairing this delicious gluten-free basil scallop pasta recipe, there are endless possibilities to create a perfect meal. Here are some of my favorite ideas:
For a light and refreshing accompaniment, serve your basil scallops pasta with a simple side salad or steamed veggies like broccoli or asparagus. Alternatively, roasted or grilled vegetables like zucchini and eggplant will also complement the dish well.
Seafood and white wine are always an excellent match! You can pair your scallops pasta with a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio, Chardonnay, or Sauvignon Blanc. For those who prefer red wine, a light-bodied Pinot Noir can make for a great option.
If you want to add more protein to your meal, consider serving your basil scallop pasta with garlic shrimp or oven-baked salmon. A simple preparation will do wonders!
Lastly, don’t forget to sprinkle some additional grated cheese, fresh basil leaves, and lemon juice on top before serving. These final touches will enhance the flavors of the dish and make it look even more appetizing.
This gluten-free basil scallop pasta recipe is versatile enough that you can easily adapt it to your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you’re having a family dinner or preparing a romantic date night at home, this recipe is sure to impress!
Make-Ahead, Storing and Reheating
When it comes to cooking, there is nothing more convenient than being able to prepare meals ahead of time. Luckily, with this recipe for Basil Scallops with Gluten-Free Pasta, you can easily make the dish ahead of time and store it for later.
To make ahead, simply cook the scallops and pasta according to the recipe instructions, then transfer them into an airtight container. Store the pasta and scallops in the refrigerator for up to 2 to 3 days.
If you’re planning on storing the dish for a longer time frame, consider freezing your leftovers. Place the cooled pasta and cooked scallops into freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and freeze for up to 1 month. Simply defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
When it’s time to reheat, you have a few different options. One method is using the microwave – this will quickly warm everything up. Place the pasta and seafood on a microwave-safe plate and cover your dish with a damp paper towel before cooking in 20 second increments until everything is warmed through.
Another option is to reheat the dish in a skillet over low heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil or butter to keep things from sticking while warming up everything. Stir occasionally until heated through.
It’s important not to overheat your scallops as they can become rubbery if not handled properly. Overheating can also cause your pasta to dry out or become mushy.
Storing and reheating this gluten-free basil scallops with pasta recipe is very simple and easy, so feel free to make extra batches of this delicious dish!
Tips for Perfect Results
As a nutritionist and food blogger, I have learned plenty of tips and tricks to ensure that dishes turn out as perfectly as possible. Here are some tips for getting the most out of this basil scallops with gluten-free pasta recipe:
1. Do not overcook the scallops: One of the biggest mistakes people make when cooking scallops is leaving them on the heat for too long, making them rubbery or tough. Keep a close eye on them and take them out when they are just cooked through.
2. Season generously: Scallop and pasta dishes can taste bland if they are not seasoned sufficiently. Use enough salt and freshly ground pepper to bring out the delicious flavors of the dish.
3. Reserve pasta water: Instead of draining all the pasta water, reserve a few cups to use in the sauce. This starchy liquid will help bind everything together and create a silky sauce without adding any dairy.
4. Use fresh basil: The fresh flavor of basil is central to this recipe, so make sure you use fresh leaves instead of dried ones for maximum flavor.
5. Gluten-free pasta: If you’re using gluten-free pasta, be sure to follow the boiling instructions carefully since most brands cook more quickly than traditional wheat-based pastas.
6. Cook pasta al dente: Cooking pasta until it’s completely soft can lead to a mushy mess in your bowl. Make sure you cook your gluten-free pasta until it’s still slightly firm to the bite, also known as “al dente.”
7. Choose high-quality ingredients: This is particularly important for this dish since there aren’t many ingredients- each one should shine! Pick up fresh cherry tomatoes, organic garlic, and high-quality olive oil from your local grocery store or farmer’s market.
8. Let the scallops rest: It’s crucial after pan-searing scallops – let them rest for several minutes to let its juices settle back into the flesh. This step will help guarantee juicy, tender scallops in every bite!
Bottom Line
In conclusion, this basil scallops with gluten-free pasta recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious and healthy meal without compromising on taste. The combination of juicy scallops with fresh basil and gluten-free pasta is a delight to the taste buds.
Not only does this dish cater to various dietary restrictions, but it also allows for customization according to personal preferences. With the substitution and variation suggestions provided, you can create your own unique version of this dish.
By following the provided recipe instructions and tips for perfect results, you’ll achieve perfectly seared scallops, al dente pasta, and well-balanced flavors that are sure to impress your taste buds.
Don’t shy away from preparing this dish ahead of time or storing leftovers for later consumption. This recipe is versatile enough to be paired with a side salad or glass of white wine, making it an excellent choice for any occasion.
So what are you waiting for? Put on your apron and grab the ingredients listed above to whip up this delightful Basil Scallops With Gluten-Free Pasta Recipe today!
Basil Scallops With Gluten Free Pasta Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 ounces gluten-free pasta (fettuccine or spaghetti recommended)
- 1 lb bay scallop
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground pepper
- cooking spray
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon fresh basil or 1/4 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 3/4 cup vegetable broth (without tomato, onion and soy)
- 1/3 cup green onion, chopped
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch
Instructions
- Cook pasta acording to package directions.
- Combine olive oil, Dijon mustard, basil & salt. Set aside.
- Chop green onions and basil.
- Cook scallops in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Remove scallops from pan. Cover to keep warm.
- Add broth, green onions, and cornstarch to skillet. Cook, stirring often, until it begins to thicken.
- Add olive oil mixture. Cook 15 seconds.
- Add scallops and any juice. Stir and cook until coated and hot.
- Serve scallops and sauce over pasta.
- Sprinkle on fresh parsley, if desired.
Add Your Own Notes
Nutrition
Recommended Recipes Just For You
None found