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Pea Pesto Pasta with Brown Butter Scallops

Pea Pesto Pasta with Brown Butter Scallops

The ultimate comfort food, Pea Pesto Pasta with Brown Butter Scallops is a creamy delight that combines vibrant peas and rich scallops for an easy weeknight dinner. Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy meal at home, this recipe brings fresh flavors to your table. Make it tonight!
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Pasta
Cuisine: Italian
Calories: 600

Ingredients
  

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 1/4 cups arugula
  • 1/4 cup fresh basil
  • 1/2 cup frozen sweet peas thawed
  • Zest from 1/2 lemon
  • Juice from 1 lemon
  • 1/2 cup ricotta cheese
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan-Reggiano
  • 1/4 teaspoon crushed red pepper
  • Kosher salt
  • 1 pound angel hair pasta or other pasta of choice
  • 2 tablespoons ghee or butter
  • 1 pound scallops thawed and dried well with a paper towel

Equipment

  • Food processor or blender
  • Medium pot
  • Small skillet

Method
 

  1. To a blender or food processor, add the olive oil, arugula, peas, lemon zest, lemon juice, ricotta cheese, Parmesan-Reggiano, crushed red pepper, and a few pinches of Kosher salt. Pulse until the pesto is smooth, scraping down the sides as needed. Give it a taste and adjust the salt to taste. Set aside.
  2. Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the angel hair pasta per the package’s instructions (mine said about 6 minutes). Reserve about a 1/2 cup of pasta water (you can eyeball this measurement). Immediately return the pasta to the pot. Add the pesto and toss until evenly coated. If needed, add a splash or two of pasta water.
  3. Meanwhile, in a small skillet, set over medium-high heat, add the ghee or butter. When hot, add the scallops and sprinkle them with a few pinches of Kosher salt. Cook for 3 to 4 at a time, as to not crowd the pan. Cook on the first side for about 30 seconds to 40 seconds; flip and cook on the opposite side for about 30 seconds. Repeat until you’ve worked your way through all of the scallops.
  4. Divide the pasta and scallops amongst bowls. Garnish with a few sprigs of basil and Parmesan.

Notes

  • Tip 1: Don’t crowd the scallops. They will cook very quickly, so you want them to sear in the brown butter and not steam. Work in batches if needed.
  • Tip 2: Make the pesto ahead of time. The pesto will last in the fridge for up to three days, so you can make a big batch for easy lunches or dinners!
  • Tip 3: Reserve some of the pasta water. It’s full of starch that will thicken the pesto nicely and help the sauce coat the pasta.