Rating: 3.72
(139)

Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle

August 8, 2023

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.

Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle
Scallop and Asparagus Farfalle
3.72 from 139 votes
A delicious pasta dish with seared scallops and sautéed asparagus.
Servings 4 people
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes

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!

Nutrition

Calories: 500kcalCarbohydrates: 60gProtein: 30gFat: 15gFiber: 5g
Calories: 500kcal
Meal Type: Lunch
Cuisine: Italian
Keyword: pasta, scallop
Cooking Method: Boiled
Time: 30-45 Min
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Join the Conversation
  1. User avatar cheryl.langworth36 says:

    4 stars
    The garlic really brings the flavor out! I may have used too much oil though. Still yum!

    1. 5 stars
      I totally agree, garlic makes everything better! And more oil just makes it richer! Yum!

  2. User avatar coralee.farrell89 says:

    5 stars
    Yum! My whole family loved it. They said I should make it again soon! Great dish! 👍

  3. 5 stars
    This recipe was amazing! The scallops were cooked to perfection, and the asparagus added a nice crunch. Will definitely make it again!

  4. 5 stars
    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.

  5. 2 stars
    My kids wouldn’t eat it 🙁. Too fancy for them I guess.

  6. User avatar jamar.terry53 says:

    2 stars
    This is too fancy. My husband won’t eat asparagus, what do I do? I’m confused.

  7. User avatar Pizpot Gargravarr says:

    1 star
    Yuck! I hate seafood, and these scallops made me sick! Why would anyone eat this?

    1. User avatar wellRespected says:

      3 stars
      Seafood isn’t for everyone, but you gotta admit, scallops have a unique flavor. Maybe you just had bad ones? 🤷‍♂️

    2. User avatar debrah.auer99 says:

      4 stars
      I totally disagree! Scallops are delicious! It’s just the way you prepare them. Maybe you should try them in a different recipe!

  8. 3 stars
    I think it could use some cheese or something. A little bland without it. 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar jay.lindgren33 says:

      3 stars
      I dunno, I think the scallops have enough flavor on their own. Cheese might drown it out.

    2. 5 stars
      Totally agree! Cheese would really elevate the flavors. Maybe some parmesan on top?

  9. User avatar Blue Dartwing says:

    5 stars
    Pasta! 😍

  10. 4 stars
    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.

  11. User avatar lavina.roberts43 says:

    3 stars
    Gonna try this without the asparagus. Don’t like green stuff lol.

  12. User avatar douglas.jacobi says:

    3 stars
    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.

  13. 2 stars
    Wasn’t a fan. The asparagus was too crunchy, and I couldn’t get the scallops right. I think I’m doing something wrong.

    1. User avatar ivey.kemmer says:

      4 stars
      Maybe try cooking the asparagus a bit longer? I love this recipe and never had issues with the scallops! Keep trying! 😊

  14. User avatar anton.jacobson95 says:

    5 stars
    This was delicious! The scallops were perfectly cooked. Will definitely make again!

  15. 5 stars
    Delicious! Perfect dinner for date night. I added some parmesan on top. A+

  16. User avatar toby.rempel says:

    4 stars
    I didn’t have scallops, so I used shrimp instead! Still turned out great.

  17. 2 stars
    Too complicated, I prefer easy microwave meals. I’m not a chef!

  18. 4 stars
    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.

    1. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

      5 stars
      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!

    2. User avatar lashon.weber51 says:

      3 stars
      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.

  19. User avatar peggy.herman says:

    5 stars
    This dish is amazing! The scallops were perfectly cooked. My family loved it!

  20. User avatar reina.hoeger1976 says:

    4 stars
    My garlic started browning too fast when I cooked it 1-2 minutes—so I had to lower the heat. Still delicious though.

    1. User avatar Dave Effertz DDS says:

      5 stars
      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.

  21. User avatar terminatorXYZ says:

    3 stars
    This is tasty but it feels a little “simple” for the scallops price. Like, where’s the lemon, butter, or sauce? Still good—just not mind-blowing for me.

  22. 3 stars
    The recipe is good but i didnt have enough asparagus so i just used green beans. Honestly, still turned out okay, but not the same vibe.

    1. User avatar lowell.okuneva86 says:

      4 stars
      Green beans actually sound like a solid swap—at least you kept the crunch! I’m glad it still worked, even if it wasn’t the same “vibe.”

    2. User avatar Super Saiyan Vegeta says:

      3 stars
      I did almost the opposite—used asparagus once and then forgot to season the scallops 😅 Wasn’t great. But your version sounds more forgiving with the green beans. Next time I’d add a little lemon or butter maybe.

  23. User avatar will.langosh1969 says:

    3 stars
    I followed the recipe exactly but found it a bit bland. Maybe add some lemon juice next time? 🤷‍♂️

    1. User avatar derick.hickle1996 says:

      4 stars
      I found it bland too! Maybe try some red pepper flakes for a kick? 🌶️

  24. User avatar Darmani III says:

    4 stars
    Pretty solid recipe. I was worried about cooking scallops too long, but 2-3 minutes per side worked for me. Next time I might add a squeeze of lemon for extra pop.

  25. User avatar Peregrin Took says:

    3 stars
    My pasta turned mushy. I might’ve over cooked it. But the scallops were good!

  26. 5 stars
    Made this tonight and it was restaurant-level. The scallops cooked up perfectly—nice sear without getting rubbery. The asparagus stayed bright too. Will definitely make again.

    1. User avatar pok.jacobi25 says:

      5 stars
      Wow, that’s awesome to hear! I’m glad the scallops got that nice sear without turning rubbery and the asparagus stayed bright—exactly what we’re aiming for. Thanks for coming back to share!

  27. User avatar geoWizard says:

    4 stars
    This is too fancy for me but I tried it anyway. Didn’t turn out like the pictures I made up in my head—still delicious though. Garlic smelled amazing.

  28. User avatar glenn.botsford says:

    2 stars
    Not bad, but the instructions are kinda vague? Like “medium-high” is different for every stove. Also “toss to combine” with how much seasoning?

    1. User avatar ike.heaney48 says:

      4 stars
      I made this and honestly it turned out fine? I just eyeballed everything—medium high till it looked right lol. Toss to combine is just stir it around. Season the scallops and the oil/garlic with salt+pepper and you’re good.

    2. 5 stars
      Totally get that—“medium-high” really does vary. I usually go by a gentle sizzle for the oil and adjust from there. Also for “toss to combine,” I just add a pinch more salt/pepper to taste and a tiny splash of pasta water so it clings better.

  29. User avatar Darmani III says:

    4 stars
    Made it last night—tender-crisp asparagus was perfect. I might use a touch more salt though, because my scallops were a little bland without it.

  30. User avatar juliann.gusikowski24 says:

    1 star
    Wait, asparagus with pasta? That sounds weird. I won’t be trying this.

  31. 5 stars
    Made this last night—really nice balance. Scallops were perfectly browned and the asparagus still had a nice snap. Garlic amount felt right too.

  32. 5 stars
    This recipe is absolutely delicious! The combination of scallops and asparagus is a game changer. Definitely a keeper! 🌟

  33. User avatar jonah.schulist7 says:

    3 stars
    I’m skeptical about cooking scallops 2-3 minutes per side “until cooked through” because sizes vary a lot. But I followed it and it worked. Sauce is basically olive oil + garlic + veggie juices—simple and good.

  34. 5 stars
    This was amazing! The scallops were perfectly cooked and the flavors just popped.

  35. User avatar janette.schaefer says:

    4 stars
    So easy to make! I added some lemon juice at the end and it was fantastic!

    1. 4 stars
      Lemon juice? That’s a cool idea! I never thought of that. I usually stick to the recipe but I might try it next time!

    2. User avatar nelle.stanton1983 says:

      2 stars
      It can’t be that easy! I don’t trust recipes that call for scallops. They’re tricky!

  36. 4 stars
    I wonder if frozen scallops work? Fresh ones are too expensive where I live.

  37. User avatar vickie.douglas says:

    3 stars
    Not bad but why is there no cheese? Everything is better with cheese! Disappointed here.

  38. User avatar charlette.wilderman says:

    3 stars
    The instruction says to toss pasta with garlic and asparagus, but like… there’s no sauce? I ended up adding a splash of pasta water and it helped a ton.

  39. User avatar isaias.wisozk2005 says:

    4 stars
    I think 1 pound of scallops is a lot for 1 pound of pasta (maybe that’s just my budget 😂). But if you’ve got the scallops, it’s worth it. Flavor was great and the timing was simple.

  40. 4 stars
    I used shrimp instead of scallops and it turned out great! Love this recipe.

3.72 from 139 votes
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