Pasta Swimming in rich Vodka Cream, adorned with succulent Scallops

Pasta Swimming in rich Vodka Cream, adorned with succulent Scallops

Title: Creamy Tomato Scallop Pasta with a Twist

Here's a scrumptious, easy-to-make tomato-based cream sauce with scallops, perfect for a quick dinner or special occasion. Don't fancy scallops? No worries, this recipe offers alternatives!

Yield: Serves 6Difficulty: EasyTotal: 1 hour (includes 30 minutes of marinade time)Active: 30 minutes

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for the marinade)
• 1 tsp dried oregano (for the marinade)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 tbsp capers
• 1 can (15 oz) chopped artichoke hearts in water
• 2 cups chopped plum tomatoes or drained canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups cream
• 3/4 cup Calamata pitted, halved olives (or black olives)
• 1 cup grated Parmesan
• 1 tbsp fresh thyme
• 1 tbsp fresh parsley
• Olive oil for sautéing vegetables
• 2 tsp garlic
• 1/2 cup olive oil (for the marinade and sautéing vegetables)
• Extra parsley for garnish

Instructions:

1. Marinate the scallops in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for 1-2 hours.
2. Sauté marinated scallops on medium-high heat in a large pan for 1-2 minutes per side, until browned (but not overcooked). Set aside, covered, to keep warm.
3. Cook pasta in boiling water with some salt, according to directions.
4. Sauté onions and garlic in remaining olive oil for 3 minutes until soft. Add vodka to deglaze the pan and cook for 1 minute until the alcohol burns off.
5. Add artichokes, capers, olives, and tomatoes to the pan, heating through. Remove from heat. Add seasoning and cream.
6. Drain pasta and add to the tomato, vegetable sauce. Toss in the scallops and Parmesan cheese. Toss until heated through. Garnish with extra Parmesan.

Don't love scallops? Swap them with shrimp, white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia, or grilled non-seafood alternatives. Add a smoky touch with smoked paprika, or use sun-dried tomatoes for an intense tomato flavor. Enjoy this adaptable dish made with your favorite flavors!

Enrichment Data:

If you're looking to create a tomato-based cream sauce with scallops and seeking variations or substitutes for scallops, here are some ideas and recipes to consider:

• Smoked Paprika Recipe: Add a smoky finish to the sauce by incorporating smoked paprika. Delectable!
• Sun-dried Tomato Recipe: Include sun-dried tomatoes for an intensified tomato flavor. Yum!
• Variable Herbs: Experiment with various herbs like thyme or rosemary to obtain unique taste profiles.
• Scallop's Substitutes: If you don't have scallops or prefer different seafood options, consider the alternatives:
• Shrimp: Swap scallops with shrimp—they are a fantastic alternative that pairs well with creamy tomato sauces[1][2].
• Prawns: Similar to shrimp, prawns offer a rich flavor and can be used interchangeably with scallops[2].
• Mussels or Clams: For a heartier dish, consider mussels or clams. They add a briny touch to the sauce and cook quickly.
• Chicken: If seafood isn't your preference, opt for chicken breast or thighs in a tomato cream sauce. They provide a great alternative with a different texture but work well with the rich flavors.

Example Recipe: Here's a modified prawn recipe with a creamy kick:

Ingredients:

• 400g prawns (shelled and deveined)
• 1 tsp garlic (minced)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1/2 cup heavy cream
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Fresh basil (chopped)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

Instructions:

1. Cook linguine according to package directions until al dente. Reserve some pasta water.
2. In a pan, heat olive oil and sauté garlic until fragrant.
3. Add prawns and cook until pink, then set aside.
4. Add cherry tomatoes to the pan and cook until they start to burst.
5. Add heavy cream and stir until the sauce thickens slightly.
6. Combine cooked linguine, prawns, and sauce. Stir in Parmesan cheese and chopped basil.
7. Season with salt and pepper, then serve.

This recipe can be adapted to scallops or other seafood substitutes based on preferred cooking times. Enjoy your culinary adventures!

[1] Trevisan, F. (2015, October 21). The Best Shrimp Recipes. Delish. https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a6950711/best-shrimp-recipes/[2] Dean, J. (2019, July 16). 27 Delicious Shrimp Recipes You Can Make with Whatever's in Your Fridge. Delish. https://www.delish.com/cooking/g32063119/shrimp-recipes/[3] Woods, C. (2019, February 22). The Ultimate Guide to Cooking Scallops. Bon Appétit. https://www.bonappetit.com/test-kitchen/how-to/article/how-to-cook-scallops-every-way-from-grilled-to-seared-and-poached[4] Mindell, R. (2016, August 3). Cooking Prawns: Tips, Ideas, and Recipes. The Spruce Eats. https://www.thespruceeats.com/cooking-prawns-1994983#:~:text=Whether%20you're%20using%20shrimp%20or%20prawns%2C%20these%20cooking,cooked%20in%20the%20creamy%20sauce%20completely.

1. The tomato-based cream sauce recipe can be altered to include scallops marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper for added flavor.
2. For those who prefer different seafood, alternatives to scallops in this recipe include shrimp, white fish like cod, halibut, or tilapia, or grilled non-seafood alternatives.
3. The nutritional benefits of scallops can still be enjoyed through the use of recipes that add a smoky touch with smoked paprika or incorporate sun-dried tomatoes for an intense tomato flavor.
4. The instructions for the recipe also apply to other seafood substitutes, and anyone can adapt and experiment with the flavors to create their desired dish.

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