Creamy Garlic Pasta with Seared Scallops

This creamy garlic pasta is filled with intense roasted garlic flavor and topped with perfectly seared scallops!

Thank you so much to Sharee of Savory Spicerack for guest posting this recipe!

This is a luxurious roasted garlic cream sauce bursting with garlic flavor. You will never look back once you try roasted garlic!

Alfredo sauce is a popular creamy silky sauce. I prefer to up the ante on this household by added different layers of flavor. Adding wine, sun dried tomatoes and the star of the show – roasted garlic – brings our typical alfredo sauce to the next level. There is just so much flavor in this creamy roasted garlic sauce! Plus, your kitchen will smell so amazing as the garlic begins to roast in the oven. The addition of tender seared scallops makes this dish great for any special occasion.

Here are a few tips and info to help guide you when making this dish:

What Does Roasted Garlic Taste Like?

Roasted Garlic has a rich deep flavor with a velvety creamy like texture. When garlic is roasted, it is less pungent than fresh garlic with a milder subtle flavor noted.

What Can Roasted Garlic Be Used For?

You can add roasted garlic to any dishes that call for garlic. Roasted garlic is great in any pasta dish, soups, mashed potatoes, etc.

How Long Can You Keep Roasted Garlic in The Fridge?

Roasted garlic can stay fresh in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days if stored in an airtight container. Roasted Garlic can even stay fresh for a couple of months if placed in the freezer in an airtight container.

Is Fresh Pasta Better?

Fresh pasta is the better choice when creating butter-based sauces. The texture of the pasta pairs well with buttery based sauces, creating a silky texture with each bite. But you can always use dried pasta and still enjoy a delicious pasta dish with this recipe. I have used both and enjoyed the recipe either way, but my preference was definitely fresh pasta.

What Can You Serve this Creamy Garlic Pasta Dish With?

You can you serve this with a crusty French Loaf to soak up this creamy sauce. A fresh garden salad is a great side dish to complete this meal.

Wines That Pair Well with This Dish.

A white wine such as a chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pair well with this creamy white sauce. If you prefer a sweeter wine, a good Riesling would pair well with this pasta also.

What Type of Scallops Should You Purchase?

It’s recommended to purchase dry scallops if you can find them, because they do not have chemical additives. If you can only find wet scallops, you can soak the scallops in a salt water mixture using about four cups of water and a tablespoon of salt for about 30 minutes. This will help remove an awkward taste from the added chemicals. If you have to soak your scallops prior to cooking – Just remember when it’s time to season the scallops before cooking, omit adding salt and only add pepper.

Tips for Making the Perfect Creamy Garlic Pasta with Scallops:

1. Cook pasta al dente because the pasta will continue to cook when added to the sauce.
2. Double the ingredients for a saucier pasta.
3. The pasta will soak up the sauce. So if there are any leftovers, there will be less sauce the next day.
4. Freshly Shaved Parmesan Cheese melts better when selecting your Parmesan cheese.
5. Use a really good nonstick skillet to sear scallops so the scallops do not stick to the pan causing a big mess.
6. You can use chicken stock or broth in place of the dry white wine.
7. If you do not have times to roast garlic, you can sauté about eight finely chopped garlic cloves in a drizzle of olive oil in pan, right before adding the butter and cream to the pan.
8. Scallops can be substituted for other meats such as shrimp, chicken or even salmon.
9. I like to chop my fresh basil right before serving to ensure my basil is fresh and does not turn brown while waiting to complete all of the other cooking steps for this dish.

If you love this dish, you will also love this Cacio E Pepe, White Lasagna Soup, Cajun Shrimp Linguine and Brown Butter Pasta.