Seared Scallops over Pea Pesto Linguine

19. Seared Scallops over Pea Pesto Linguine

Peas give the pesto in this 30-minute meal a unique flavor profile, one that may be an even subtler and more appealing choice for picky eaters!

Bridge the gap between surf and turf by serving up seared scallops, a dinner option that's as fresh and delicate as it is substantial and rich.

Photo: Joanne Tsakos

By Laura Walsh

Serves: 4
Hands-on time: 30 minutes
Total time: 30 minutes

INGREDIENTS:

• 8 oz whole-wheat linguine or spaghetti pasta
• 2 cups fresh asparagus spears, cut into 2-inch pieces
• 12 sea scallops (about 1 lb)
• Sea salt and fresh gound black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

PEA PESTO

• 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth, divided
• 3 tbsp minced garlic (4 to 6 cloves)
• 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
• 1 oz shredded Parmesan cheese (1/4 cup)
• 1 oz chopped unsalted walnuts (1/4 cup)
• Juice 1/2 lemon
• Sea salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. In a large pot, cook pasta according to package directions. Add asparagus to pot during the last 2 to 3 minutes of cooking. Before draining pasta, reserve 1/4 cup pasta-cooking water in a small dish. Drain pasta and asparagus and return to pot.
2. See the step-by-step guide “How to prepare and sear scallops” and follow steps 1 through 6.
3. Prepare Pea Pesto: Reduce heat to medium. Deglaze pan by pouring 1/4 cup broth into pan and scraping up browned bits from bottom of pan with a wooden spoon. Add garlic to pan and saute until fragrant, 1 to 2 minutes. Add remaining 1/4 cup broth and peas to pan and saute until broth and peas are just heated, about 2 minutes.
4. Transfer pea mixture, including liquid, to a mini food processor or blender. Add Parmesan, walnuts, lemon juice, salt and pepper; process until combined, scraping down sides of processor as needed. Add pesto to pot with drained pasta and asparagus; toss until evenly coated. Add 2 tbsp reserved pasta-cooking water (and additional as needed to thin sauce) and stir until desired coating and texture is achieved. Divide pasta mixture among 4 plates. Top each serving with 3 seared scallops. If desired, garnish with additional chopped walnuts and shredded Parmesan.

Nutrients per serving (1 1/2 cups pea pesto linguine and 3 scallops): Calories: 395, Total Fats: 11 g, Sat. Fat: 2 g, Omega-3s: 790 mg, Omega-6s: 3,330 mg, Carbs: 54 g, Fiber: 11 g, Sugars: 4 g, Protein: 23 g, Sodium: 311 mg, Cholesterol: 21 mg

Nutritional Bonus: Scallops pack an especially heart-healthy dose of B12, a nutrient that converts harmful body chemicals into harmless substances. In addition, scallops are a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, magnesium, and potassium
.