If you’re looking for a dish that’s fancy enough for date night but easy enough for a weeknight, you’re going to fall head over heels for these Creamy Garlic Scallops.
Tender, buttery scallops swimming in a rich, garlicky cream sauce — what’s not to love?
This is one of those recipes that feels restaurant-level luxurious but is secretly super simple. Let’s dive in!
✨ Ingredients
- 1 lb large sea scallops (patted dry)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup heavy cream
- ÂĽ cup chicken broth (or dry white wine)
- â…“ cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley (plus extra for garnish)
🔥 Instructions
1. Sear the Scallops
- Season scallops generously with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add scallops in a single layer (don’t overcrowd!) and sear for about 2–3 minutes per side, until golden brown.
- Transfer scallops to a plate and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Garlic Sauce
- In the same skillet, melt the butter.
- Add the minced garlic and sautĂ© for 30 seconds until fragrant (don’t burn it!).
- Pour in the chicken broth (or wine) and simmer for 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits.
- Stir in the heavy cream and Parmesan. Simmer until slightly thickened, about 3–5 minutes.
- Add lemon juice and stir.
3. Finish It Off
- Return scallops (and their juices) to the pan.
- Spoon the creamy sauce over the scallops and cook together for 1–2 minutes — just to warm them through.
4. Garnish & Serve
- Sprinkle with chopped parsley and extra Parmesan if desired.
- Serve immediately with crusty bread, pasta, or a fresh green salad.
🍋 Tips for Perfect Scallops
- Dry them well: Pat scallops dry with paper towels before searing — this helps get that gorgeous golden crust.
- Don’t overcook: Scallops only need a couple minutes per side. Overcooked scallops turn rubbery fast.
- Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic makes all the difference in flavor!
🥂 Serving Ideas
- Over linguine or angel hair pasta
- With roasted asparagus or garlic green beans
- Paired with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay
Enjoy!
These creamy garlic scallops are pure magic: rich, buttery, a little bit tangy from the lemon — and totally irresistible.
Whether you’re cooking your sweetheart, or just yourself (because you deserve it!), this dish is guaranteed to impress. 💛