Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle is a sophisticated yet simple pasta dish that perfectly balances the sweet, tender scallops with the bright, slightly earthy flavor of asparagus. Combined with the delicate farfalle (butterfly-shaped pasta), this dish is light, refreshing, and packed with vibrant flavors. It’s a great option for a dinner party, a special celebration, or just a delicious meal when you want to impress with minimal effort.
The dish begins with fresh scallops, which are seared in hot oil or butter until golden and slightly caramelized on the outside while remaining tender and juicy on the inside. The scallops lend their natural sweetness to the dish, pairing beautifully with the asparagus. The asparagus is trimmed, cut into bite-sized pieces, and sautéed until just tender, keeping its crispness while absorbing the flavor from the garlic and butter.
The farfalle is cooked until al dente and then tossed with the scallops and asparagus, allowing the pasta to soak up the flavors of the sauce created by the searing of the scallops and sautéing of the vegetables. A splash of white wine, lemon juice, and a pinch of zest can be added to brighten the dish, giving it a refreshing and tangy edge that ties all the flavors together.
A handful of fresh herbs, like parsley or basil, is stirred in at the end, adding a touch of greenery and a fragrant finish to the dish. A sprinkle of Parmesan or Pecorino cheese can be added for a creamy finish, though it’s optional as the dish already has a lovely depth of flavor.
Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle is a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and fresh. The scallops offer a rich, luxurious flavor, while the asparagus provides a crisp texture and earthy taste. The farfalle brings it all together in a satisfying, elegant way.
In summary, Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle is a light yet indulgent pasta dish that showcases the beauty of fresh seafood and vegetables. With its clean, vibrant flavors and a simple, well-balanced sauce, it’s a dish that’s sure to become a favorite for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 1 pound farfalle pasta
- 1 pound scallops
- 1 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the farfalle pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
- Season the scallops with salt and pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the scallops and cook for 2-3 minutes per side, until browned and cooked through. Remove the scallops from the skillet and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
- Add the asparagus to the skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Return the cooked farfalle pasta to the skillet with the garlic and asparagus. Toss to combine.
- Divide the pasta mixture into bowls and top with the seared scallops.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
The garlic really brings the flavor out! I may have used too much oil though. Still yum!
I totally agree, garlic makes everything better! And more oil just makes it richer! Yum!
Yum! My whole family loved it. They said I should make it again soon! Great dish! 👍
This recipe was amazing! The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the asparagus added a nice crunch. Will definitely make it again!
Scallops + asparagus is such a good combo. The farfalle shape holds onto the garlicky oil nicely. I served it with crusty bread and basically nobody shared.
My kids wouldn’t eat it 🙁. Too fancy for them I guess.
This is too fancy. My husband won’t eat asparagus, what do I do? I’m confused.
Yuck! I hate seafood, and these scallops made me sick! Why would anyone eat this?
Seafood isn’t for everyone, but you gotta admit, scallops have a unique flavor. Maybe you just had bad ones? 🤷♂️
I totally disagree! Scallops are delicious! It’s just the way you prepare them. Maybe you should try them in a different recipe!
I think it could use some cheese or something. A little bland without it. 🤷♂️
I dunno, I think the scallops have enough flavor on their own. Cheese might drown it out.
Totally agree! Cheese would really elevate the flavors. Maybe some parmesan on top?
Pasta! 😍
I made this once and it came out great. The garlic scent in the skillet is everything. Also, don’t skimp on the seasoning—salt brings the whole dish together.
Gonna try this without the asparagus. Don’t like green stuff lol.
Pretty solid, but I wish it mentioned how to keep scallops from getting rubbery. Mine tend to overcook fast—2-3 mins per side feels a little risky depending on thickness.
Wasn’t a fan. The asparagus was too crunchy, and I couldn’t get the scallops right. I think I’m doing something wrong.
Maybe try cooking the asparagus a bit longer? I love this recipe and never had issues with the scallops! Keep trying! 😊
This was delicious! The scallops were perfectly cooked. Will definitely make again!
Delicious! Perfect dinner for date night. I added some parmesan on top. A+
I didn’t have scallops, so I used shrimp instead! Still turned out great.
Too complicated, I prefer easy microwave meals. I’m not a chef!
I love scallops but $ is real. If you use good quality scallops and don’t crowd the pan, you’ll get that nice sear. Mine stuck a bit at first—lesson learned.
Totally agree—scallops are pricey. I’ve found pan temp is everything: hot skillet, dry scallops, and don’t mess with them too early. If they stick, it’s usually not ready to flip yet. Great tip!
I tried this and my scallops stuck too 😩 I think my oil was not hot enough? Also $ yes but I used frozen ones and it was ok. Still tasty tho, garlic got kinda brown fast lol.
This dish is amazing! The scallops were perfectly cooked. My family loved it!
My garlic started browning too fast when I cooked it 1-2 minutes—so I had to lower the heat. Still delicious though.
That’s exactly it—garlic goes from “fragrant” to “burnt” insanely fast. Lowering the heat is the move. I usually keep it closer to medium and stir constantly for about a minute.