Description
Creamy Tuscan Garlic Scallops are a delicately indulgent yet robustly flavored dish featuring tender scallops in a luscious garlic cream sauce. Enhanced with crispy smoked turkey bacon and melted shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), this easy-to-make recipe balances creamy richness with savory goodness. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner with Italian-inspired flair.
Ingredients
Scale
Seafood and Protein
- 1 lb fresh scallops, patted dry
- 3–4 slices smoked turkey bacon, sliced into small pieces
Vegetables and Herbs
- 2–3 garlic cloves, finely chopped
- 1 cup fresh spinach or kale
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh basil, chopped (plus extra for garnish)
Dairy and Alternatives
- 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal)
- 3/4 cup heavy cream or plant-based cream
Other Ingredients
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Pat the scallops dry with paper towels to ensure a good sear. Finely chop garlic, slice smoked turkey bacon into small pieces, shred the mozzarella cheese (vegetal), and keep sun-dried tomatoes and fresh spinach ready.
- Cook the Smoked Turkey Bacon: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Cook the smoked turkey bacon slices until crispy. Remove from the pan and set aside, leaving the flavorful fat in the skillet to sauté other ingredients.
- Sear the Scallops: Increase heat to medium-high and add olive oil if needed. Add scallops carefully without overcrowding. Let them cook undisturbed for about 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and just cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.
- Build the Creamy Sauce: Lower heat to medium. Add chopped garlic to the pan and stir briefly until fragrant. Pour in heavy cream and a splash of apple cider vinegar. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and shredded mozzarella cheese (vegetal), allowing the cheese to melt into a smooth, velvety sauce.
- Combine and Finish: Add fresh spinach and cooked smoked turkey bacon to the sauce, stirring until the greens wilt. Return the seared scallops to the pan, gently coating them with the sauce. Finish by stirring in fresh chopped basil. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve garnished with additional basil or parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pat scallops dry before cooking to ensure a perfect sear.
- Do not overcook scallops; they cook quickly and remain tender with a 2-3 minute sear per side.
- Use fresh garlic, basil, and high-quality scallops for best flavor.
- Reserve pan fond (browned bits) to deepen the sauce’s flavor.
- Adjust sauce thickness by simmering longer or adding a splash of cream.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Italian-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 10 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Tuscan garlic scallops, creamy scallops, garlic cream sauce, smoked turkey bacon, vegetarian mozzarella, quick seafood dinner, Italian scallops