Description
This Spaghetti with Spicy Scallops recipe is bold, flavorful, and absolutely delicious! Perfectly seared scallops in a spicy garlic tomato sauce tossed with spaghetti — an irresistible seafood pasta made for spice lovers!
Ingredients
**For the Pasta**
12 oz spaghetti
Salt for boiling water
**For the Spicy Scallop Sauce**
1 lb sea scallops, patted dry
2 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 small shallot, finely chopped
½ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to heat preference)
1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
¼ cup dry white wine (optional)
1 tbsp tomato paste
½ tsp smoked paprika
Salt & pepper, to taste
2 tbsp butter
2 tbsp chopped parsley
Grated Parmesan, for serving
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook spaghetti until al dente. Drain, reserving ½ cup of pasta water.
2. Pat scallops dry and season with salt and pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Sear scallops 1–2 minutes per side until golden and just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
4. In the same skillet, add remaining olive oil, garlic, shallots, and red pepper flakes. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add tomato paste and stir for 30 seconds, then deglaze with white wine (if using).
6. Add crushed tomatoes, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Simmer for 8–10 minutes until thickened slightly.
7. Stir in butter for richness, then add cooked spaghetti and toss until well coated. Add a splash of pasta water if needed to loosen the sauce.
8. Return scallops to the pan and toss gently to warm through.
9. Top with parsley and Parmesan. Serve immediately — a spicy, luxurious seafood pasta everyone will love!
Notes
Dry your scallops well before searing — this ensures a perfect golden crust.
For extra heat, add a pinch of cayenne or more red pepper flakes.
Use linguine or fettuccine instead of spaghetti if preferred.
Pairs beautifully with garlic bread or a glass of crisp white wine.