Zesty Diver Scallop And Shrimp Puttanesca With Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected delights when diver scallops dance with zesty puttanesca sauce.

Seafood enthusiasts recognize this combination as pure magic on a plate.

Mediterranean flavors weave through delicate marine proteins and golden butternut squash noodles.

Warm aromas promise an elegant yet approachable dining experience.

Subtle heat from capers and olives complements sweet oceanic treasures.

Nutritious and vibrant, this dish delivers restaurant-quality excitement right in your kitchen.

Prepare to savor every complex, balanced bite that celebrates seasonal ingredients with confident simplicity.

Tips to Perfect Shrimp and Scallop Puttanesca

• Sear scallops on high heat for a golden-brown crust, ensuring they're not overcooked to maintain their delicate texture. Choose fresh, dry-packed scallops for the best flavor and caramelization. Swap butternut squash noodles with zucchini noodles for a lower-carb alternative if desired. Toast red pepper flakes briefly in the oil before adding other ingredients to enhance their smoky, spicy notes. Pat seafood completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect crispy exterior and prevent steaming instead of browning.

Variations to Refresh Shrimp and Scallop Dish

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace butternut squash noodles with zucchini spirals, using cauliflower as a low-carb alternative. Maintain the seafood and sauce components for a protein-rich, low-carbohydrate meal.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Swap seafood with firm tofu or plant-based protein cubes. Use roasted eggplant chunks instead of scallops, keeping the robust puttanesca sauce flavor intact.
• Gluten-Free Option: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Verify anchovy and capers are from gluten-free sources. Use alternative vegetable noodles like spaghetti squash or kelp noodles for texture.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Remix: Add extra virgin olive oil, fresh basil leaves, and a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.

Pairing Ideas to Match Shrimp and Scallop Puttanesca

• Pair with crisp, mineral-driven white wines like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that complement the briny capers and olives.
• Serve with a crusty, rustic sourdough bread to soak up the rich tomato sauce and add a delightful crunch to the tender seafood.
• Select a chilled, light beer like a wheat ale or pilsner to cool down the red pepper flakes and refresh the palate between bites.
• Add a simple side salad with arugula, lemon vinaigrette, and shaved parmesan to cut through the dish's richness and provide a fresh, zesty element.

Storage Instructions for Shrimp and Scallop Dish

• Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Freezing: Transfer to freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze seafood and sauce separately for maximum quality. Consume within 1 month.
• Reheating Stovetop: Gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Heat until thoroughly warm.
• Microwave Method: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check temperature before serving to ensure seafood is heated through.

FAQs

• What are diver scallops?

Diver scallops are hand-harvested by divers underwater, ensuring minimal environmental impact and maintaining the highest quality seafood by carefully selecting individual scallops.

• Can I substitute butternut squash noodles with another vegetable?

Zucchini noodles or spaghetti squash work great as alternatives, providing similar texture and low-carb options for this dish.

• Why use anchovies in the sauce?

Anchovies add a rich, umami depth to the sauce, creating a complex flavor profile without tasting overtly fishy when dissolved and blended with other ingredients.

Shrimp and Scallop Puttanesca with Butternut Noodles

• Craft a Gourmet Seafood Experience: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality dish with succulent diver scallops and tender shrimp nestled in a rich, tangy puttanesca sauce.
• Boost Nutritional Value: Replace traditional pasta with spiralized butternut squash noodles, creating a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative that adds vibrant color and natural sweetness to the plate.
• Impress with Minimal Effort: Achieve sophisticated flavors using simple ingredients and straightforward cooking techniques that make this recipe accessible for home cooks of all skill levels.
• Customize Your Culinary Creation: Easily adapt the dish by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or substituting proteins to suit personal preferences and dietary needs.

Ingredients to Cook Shrimp and Scallop Puttanesca

• Diver Scallops: Premium large sea scallops that provide a delicate and sweet flavor to the dish.
• Shrimp: Fresh seafood that adds protein and a tender texture to the puttanesca.

• Garlic: Aromatic base that provides depth and pungent flavor to the sauce.
• Diced Tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes that create the rich and tangy sauce foundation.
• Anchovies: Savory fish filets that add umami and complex saltiness to the sauce.
• Capers: Briny little buds that contribute a sharp and tangy taste to the sauce.
• Olives: Salty and rich ingredient that enhances the Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Spicy element that adds a subtle heat to the sauce.

• Butternut Squash Noodles: Spiralized vegetable that serves as a low-carb pasta alternative.
• Parsley: Fresh herb that provides a bright and clean finishing garnish.
• Salt and Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the overall flavor.
• Olive Oil: Cooking fat that helps sauté ingredients and create a smooth sauce texture.

How to Make Shrimp and Scallop Puttanesca

Step 1: Craft The Saucy Base

Begin by warming oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in minced garlic and anchovy filets, stirring until the anchovies completely melt into the oil, releasing their rich, savory essence.

Step 2: Build Complex Sauce Layers

• Capers
• Olives
• Red pepper flakes

Reduce heat to medium-low, season with salt and pepper.

Allow the sauce to develop deep flavors for approximately 10 minutes. Midway through simmering, fold in spiralized butternut squash noodles.

Step 3: Perfect Seafood Cooking

Heat remaining oil in a heavy skillet over high heat. Toss shrimp into the blazing pan, cooking until they transform into a beautiful pink color, which takes roughly 3 minutes.

Transfer shrimp directly into the tomato sauce to finish cooking. Return skillet to heat and sear scallops for about 1½ minutes per side, creating a golden exterior.

Step 4: Final Flourish And Serve

Sprinkle chopped parsley into the sauce, stirring to distribute. Once butternut squash noodles reach al dente consistency, plate the puttanesca in individual bowls.

Crown each serving with seared diver scallops. Serve immediately while piping hot.

Diver Scallop And Shrimp Puttanesca With Butternut Squash Noodles Recipe

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4.7 from 13 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory diver scallop and shrimp puttanesca with butternut squash noodles delights seafood enthusiasts with Mediterranean flair. Zesty tomato sauce, tender seafood, and spiralized squash strands create a nutritious, flavor-packed meal you’ll crave repeatedly.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1/2 lb diver scallops
• 1/2 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 1 butternut squash, peeled and spiralized
• 2 (15 oz/425 g) cans diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 4 to 5 anchovy fillets
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives, chopped
• 2 tablespoons capers
• 1/4 cup flat leaf parsley, chopped
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (more to taste)
• salt and pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Infuse a large skillet with oil over medium-high heat, introducing minced garlic and anchovy filets. Sauté until anchovies completely dissolve and release their savory essence.
2. Incorporate diced tomatoes into the skillet, allowing them to simmer gently. Introduce capers, olives, and red pepper flakes, reducing heat to medium-low. Season with salt and pepper, letting the sauce develop depth for approximately 10 minutes.
3. Midway through sauce simmering, integrate spiralized butternut squash noodles, ensuring they cook to a tender consistency.
4. Meanwhile, prepare a heavy-bottomed skillet with remaining oil over high heat. Swiftly cook shrimp until they transform to a vibrant pink, roughly 3 minutes. Transfer shrimp directly into the tomato sauce to complete cooking.
5. Return the skillet to high heat and sear scallops for about 1½ minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior while maintaining a delicate interior.
6. Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley into the sauce, stirring to distribute aromatic herbs evenly.
7. Once butternut squash noodles reach al dente texture, plate the puttanesca in individual serving bowls. Crown each portion with beautifully seared diver scallops and serve immediately while piping hot.

Notes

• Opt for fresh, high-quality scallops and shrimp to ensure the best flavor and texture in the dish.
• Toast whole capers and olives briefly before adding to the sauce to enhance their robust, briny characteristics.
• Avoid overcooking seafood by watching for color changes and removing from heat when just turning opaque to prevent rubbery texture.
• Use spiralized butternut squash noodles as a low-carb, nutrient-dense alternative to traditional pasta, providing a sweet and hearty base for the puttanesca sauce.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 215 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 650 mg
• Fat: 10 g
• Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8.5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 16 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg