Tuscan Butter Scallops – A Restaurant-Worthy Dish Made Easy
Seared scallops bathed in a creamy garlic butter sauce with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s both elegant and effortless, these Tuscan Butter Scallops are exactly what you need. Perfectly seared scallops are nestled in a creamy garlic butter sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, and a touch of Italian flair. While it may look like something from a fine dining restaurant, don’t be fooled—this dish comes together in just 20 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
But what truly sets this recipe apart is the depth of flavor. First, the scallops are pan-seared to golden perfection, locking in their natural sweetness. Then, they’re paired with a rich and savory Tuscan-style sauce that combines butter, garlic, and cream with sun-dried tomatoes and tender wilted spinach. The result? A decadent yet balanced seafood dish that tastes like a getaway to the Italian coast.
Even better, this recipe requires minimal prep and just one pan, so cleanup is a breeze. Whether you’re planning a romantic dinner, impressing guests, or simply treating yourself, Tuscan Butter Scallops deliver comfort, flavor, and sophistication—all in one bite.
So, grab your skillet and get ready to make a restaurant-quality meal without leaving your kitchen. Your taste buds (and dinner guests) will thank you!
💛 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
🍽️ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep and cleanup.
⭐ Restaurant-Quality at Home: Elegant presentation and bold flavor without the fine-dining price tag.
🧼 One-Pan Wonder: Fewer dishes, more flavor—everything cooks in one skillet.
🧄 Rich, Creamy Sauce: The Tuscan garlic butter sauce is luxuriously smooth and packed with flavor.
🎉 Versatile & Impressive: Perfect for weeknight dinners, romantic evenings, or holiday gatherings.
🥦 Low-Carb Friendly: Naturally low in carbs and gluten-free (just check your broth/cream labels).
🌶️ Customizable: Swap spinach for kale, or add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
🔪 How to Make Tuscan Butter Scallops
Making this dish is easier than you think! Just follow these simple steps:
👩🍳 1. Prep the Scallops:
Pat your scallops dry with paper towels. This helps them sear beautifully. Season with salt and pepper on both sides.
🔥 2. Sear to Golden Perfection:
In a hot skillet with a touch of oil, sear the scallops for 2–3 minutes per side until a golden crust forms. Remove and set aside.
🧄 3. Make the Sauce Base:
In the same skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic until fragrant. Stir in sun-dried tomatoes and cook for a minute more.
🥬 4. Add the Cream and Spinach:
Pour in the heavy cream and stir well. Add in Parmesan and let it melt into the sauce. Toss in spinach and let it wilt.
🍤 5. Return the Scallops:
Add the scallops back into the pan, spooning sauce over them to warm through—just 1–2 minutes more.
🌿 6. Garnish and Serve:
Finish with fresh parsley or basil, and serve immediately with your favorite side!
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Tuscan Butter Scallops
Ingredients
1½ Lbs Sea Scallops thawed if frozen, side muscle removed- Pinch Kosher Salt
- 4 Tbsp. Butter unsalted, divided
- 1 Medium Yellow Onion finely chopped
- 4 Cloves Garlic finely chopped
- 1 tsp. Dried Basil dried
- 1 tsp. Dried Oregano
- ½ Cup White Wine dry
- 1½ Cups Cherry Tomatoes halved
- 7 oz Sun-dried tomatoes drained, cut into strips
- 1 Cup Heavy Cream
- ½ Cup Parmesan Cheese finely grated
- Pinch Ground Black Pepper freshly ground
- 5 oz Baby Spinach
- 1 Bunch Parsley chopped, for serving
Equipment
Method
- Thoroughly pat the scallops dry with paper towels. This will help them sear properly and develop a nice crust. Season both sides of the scallops with salt. In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted and foamy, carefully arrange the scallops in the skillet in a single, even layer, ensuring they are not overcrowded. Cook the scallops for about 3 minutes on the first side, or until they are golden brown and slightly caramelized. Using tongs, gently flip the scallops and cook for an additional 2 minutes, or until they are opaque all the way through. This indicates that they are cooked. Transfer the cooked scallops to a plate and set them aside.1½ Lbs Sea Scallops, Pinch Kosher Salt, 4 Tbsp. Butter
- In the same skillet you used to cook the scallops, melt the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet, along with a pinch of salt. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes translucent and softens, about 5 minutes. Next, stir in the chopped fresh basil and oregano. Cook for about 1 minute more, or until the herbs become fragrant. Pour in the white wine and bring the mixture to a simmer. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the liquid is reduced by half, about 2 minutes. This will concentrate the flavors of the sauce.Pinch Kosher Salt, 4 Tbsp. Butter, 1 Medium Yellow Onion, 4 Cloves Garlic, 1 tsp. Dried Basil, 1 tsp. Dried Oregano, ½ Cup White Wine
- Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst and release their juices. This will add a touch of sweetness and acidity to the sauce. Next, add the sun-dried tomatoes, heavy cream, grated Parmesan cheese, and a generous pinch of black pepper. Bring the sauce to a simmer and cook, stirring occasionally, until the Parmesan cheese is melted and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 2 minutes. Taste the sauce and season with additional salt and pepper, if needed.1½ Cups Cherry Tomatoes, 7 oz Sun-dried tomatoes, 1 Cup Heavy Cream, 1/2 Cup Parmesan Cheese, Pinch Ground Black Pepper
- Remove the skillet from the heat and immediately add the fresh spinach. Stir the spinach into the sauce until it turns a vibrant green color and just begins to wilt. Be careful not to overcook the spinach. Add the cooked scallops and any juices that have accumulated on the plate to the skillet. Gently stir to combine the scallops with the sauce and spinach, being careful not to break the scallops. Finally, sprinkle the dish with fresh chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness.5 oz Baby Spinach, 1 Bunch Parsley
Nutrition
Notes
- Scallops: Use fresh, high-quality sea scallops. Pat them dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
- Butter: Use unsalted butter for the best flavor.
- Aromatics: Onion and garlic create a flavorful base for the sauce.
- Herbs: Fresh basil and oregano add a fragrant touch.
- White Wine: A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio complements the scallops.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Use ripe, sweet cherry tomatoes.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated tomato flavor.
- Heavy Cream: Heavy cream creates a rich and luxurious sauce.
- Parmesan Cheese: Use freshly grated Parmesan cheese for the best flavor.
- Spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts quickly and adds a vibrant green color.
- Dry and Season Scallops: Pat the scallops dry and season them with salt before searing.
- Sear Scallops Properly: Use a hot skillet and don't overcrowd the pan. Sear the scallops until golden brown and cooked through.
- Sauté Aromatics: Sauté the onion and garlic until softened and fragrant.
- Reduce Wine: Simmer the wine to reduce it and concentrate its flavor.
- Add Tomatoes: Cook the cherry tomatoes until they start to burst, then add the sun-dried tomatoes.
- Simmer Sauce: Simmer the sauce with cream and Parmesan cheese until thickened.
- Wilt Spinach: Add the spinach off the heat to prevent overcooking.
- Combine Gently: Gently stir in the scallops to avoid breaking them.
- Serve Immediately: This dish is best served immediately while the scallops are hot and tender.
- Garnish: Garnish with fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
- Sides: Serve with crusty bread for dipping into the sauce, or pair with a simple pasta or rice dish.
- Wine Pairing: A crisp white wine or a light-bodied red wine complements the flavors of the dish.
- Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the sauce for a touch of heat.
- Lemon: Add a squeeze of lemon juice to the finished dish for brightness.
- Herbs: Experiment with different herbs like thyme or tarragon.
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!🍷 What to Serve with Tuscan Butter Scallops
These Tuscan Butter Scallops are rich, savory, and full of bold Italian-inspired flavors, so pairing them with lighter or complementary sides helps balance the dish beautifully. Here are a few delicious options to round out your meal:
🥖 Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up every drop of that creamy Tuscan sauce. Try a warm baguette or homemade garlic knots.
🍝 Pasta or Zoodles: Serve over fettuccine, linguine, or zucchini noodles to make it a hearty main course.
🥗 Simple Green Salad: A crisp arugula or mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing contrast.
🍚 Rice or Cauliflower Rice: Great for sopping up the sauce while keeping it gluten-free or low-carb.
🥦 Roasted Veggies: Think roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts to add texture and nutrients.
🍷 Wine Pairing: A glass of chilled Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio pairs wonderfully with the buttery, garlicky flavors.
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📌 Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Can I use frozen scallops?
Yes, absolutely! Just be sure to fully thaw and pat them very dry before cooking to ensure a nice sear and prevent excess moisture in the pan.
❓ What’s the best skillet for searing scallops?
A cast iron or heavy stainless steel skillet works best. It holds heat well and gives you that beautiful golden crust.
❓ Can I make this dairy-free?
You can try using coconut cream and a dairy-free butter alternative, but the flavor will be slightly different. Nutritional yeast can be subbed for Parmesan in a pinch.
❓ Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just double-check your broth, cream, and Parmesan to make sure there are no hidden gluten ingredients.
❓ What if I don’t have sun-dried tomatoes?
You can use cherry tomatoes or roasted red peppers for a similar sweet-tangy depth. The sauce will still be delicious!
❓ How do I know when scallops are cooked?
Scallops should be opaque and firm to the touch. They cook quickly—about 2–3 minutes per side. Don’t overcook or they’ll turn rubbery.
❓ Can I reheat leftovers?
You can, but scallops are best served fresh. If you do reheat, use gentle heat on the stove and avoid the microwave to preserve texture.
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