Scallops Marinara Recipe Easy and Delicious Dinner Idea

Scallops marinara is a classic Italian-inspired dish that perfectly marries the delicate sweetness of fresh scallops with the rich, tangy flavors of a homemade marinara sauce. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or simply treat yourself to a restaurant-quality seafood meal at home, this recipe is your go-to.

The key lies in cooking the scallops just right — tender and slightly caramelized on the outside — then simmering them gently in a robust tomato sauce infused with garlic, herbs, and a hint of heat. It’s a dish that’s as elegant as it is approachable, offering a burst of Mediterranean flavors with every bite.

This scallops marinara recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, and it pairs beautifully with pasta, crusty bread, or a crisp green salad. Dive into this delightful culinary experience and discover how easy it is to create a sophisticated seafood dish that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This recipe balances simplicity and flavor, making it accessible for cooks of all skill levels. The fresh scallops provide a tender, juicy centerpiece, while the marinara sauce adds a vibrant depth of flavor.

It’s naturally gluten-free and can be adapted to suit various dietary preferences.

Plus, it cooks quickly — you can have a complete, elegant seafood dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy evenings when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen.

And if you enjoy Mediterranean or Italian flavors, this scallops marinara will become a staple in your recipe collection. It’s a wonderful way to showcase fresh seafood with a familiar, comforting sauce.

Ingredients

• 1 lb fresh sea scallops (patted dry)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, can substitute with seafood stock)
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried basil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• Cooked pasta or crusty bread, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or sauté pan
• Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
• Small bowl for seasoning scallops
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Colander or strainer (if serving with pasta)

Instructions

1. Prepare the scallops: Rinse the scallops under cold water and pat them completely dry using paper towels. Removing excess moisture is key to achieving a nice sear.
2. Season the scallops: Lightly season the scallops with salt and pepper on both sides. Set aside.
3. Heat olive oil: Place your skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil. Let it warm until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Sear the scallops: Carefully place the scallops in the hot pan, making sure they’re not touching. Cook undisturbed for about 2 minutes until a golden crust forms, then flip and cook the other side for another 1-2 minutes. Remove scallops from the pan and set aside.
5. Sauté garlic: In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add the minced garlic. Stir frequently and cook for about 30 seconds or until fragrant — be careful not to burn it.
6. Add wine and deglaze: Pour in the white wine (or seafood stock) and use your spoon to scrape any browned bits off the bottom of the pan. Let this simmer for 2-3 minutes to reduce slightly.
7. Add crushed tomatoes and seasonings: Stir in the crushed tomatoes, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, dried basil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let the sauce simmer gently for 8-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens slightly.
8. Return scallops to sauce: Carefully place the seared scallops back into the pan with the marinara sauce. Spoon some sauce over the scallops and simmer for another 2-3 minutes to allow flavors to meld and scallops to finish cooking.
9. Finish with fresh herbs and lemon: Remove from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice to brighten the flavors.
10. Serve immediately: Plate the scallops with marinara sauce alongside your choice of cooked pasta or crusty bread. Garnish with extra parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

For the best scallops, always choose dry-packed rather than wet-packed, as the latter can have added preservatives and excess water.

To add depth, try adding a splash of balsamic vinegar or a pinch of smoked paprika to the sauce. For a creamier twist, stir in a tablespoon of heavy cream or coconut cream just before serving.

If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the red pepper flakes or add a finely chopped fresh chili. Alternatively, for a milder version, omit the red pepper entirely.

Looking to incorporate more veggies? Add sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms to the sauce for extra flavor and texture.

For a gluten-free meal, serve over zucchini noodles or gluten-free pasta instead of traditional wheat pasta.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Suggestions

This scallops marinara pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a classic Italian experience, serve it over al dente spaghetti or linguine tossed lightly with olive oil and garlic.

Alternatively, crusty garlic bread or toasted baguette slices are perfect for soaking up the luscious sauce. For a lighter option, consider serving alongside a fresh green salad with a lemon vinaigrette.

To complement the flavors, a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is an excellent beverage choice.

For more delicious meal ideas that pair well with this dish, check out our Baby Spinach Salad Recipe Vegan: Fresh & Easy Ideas or try the Afghan Vegetarian Pulao Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide for a flavorful side dish.

Conclusion

Scallops marinara is an elegant, flavorful dish that brings the taste of the coast right to your kitchen. With its combination of tender scallops and vibrant tomato sauce, it’s a recipe that’s both impressive and surprisingly easy to prepare.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or a cozy night in, this dish is sure to delight your taste buds and satisfy your seafood cravings.

By following these straightforward steps, you’ll achieve perfectly cooked scallops nestled in a rich, aromatic marinara sauce that highlights the best qualities of each ingredient. Don’t hesitate to experiment with the tips and variations to make this recipe your own.

Happy cooking!

For more tasty and easy recipes, you might enjoy exploring our Vegan Potato Corn Chowder Recipe for Cozy Comfort Food or browse through our collection of 400 Calorie Vegetarian Dinner Recipe Ideas for Healthy Meals to keep your menu exciting and delicious.

{“@context”: “https://schema.org/”, “@type”: “Recipe”, “name”: “Scallops Marinara Recipe”, “image”: [], “author”: {“@type”: “Organization”, “name”: “GluttonLv”}, “description”: “A delicious seafood dish featuring tender scallops simmered in a rich marinara sauce. Perfect for a quick and elegant dinner.”, “prepTime”: “PT10M”, “cookTime”: “PT15M”, “totalTime”: “PT25M”, “recipeYield”: “4 servings”, “recipeIngredient”: [“1 lb sea scallops, cleaned”, “2 tbsp olive oil”, “3 cloves garlic, minced”, “1/2 tsp red pepper flakes”, “1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes”, “1/4 cup dry white wine”, “1 tsp dried oregano”, “1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped”, “Salt and pepper to taste”, “1 tbsp butter”, “Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)”], “recipeInstructions”: [{“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add garlic and red pepper flakes; saut\u00e9 until fragrant.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add scallops and sear until golden, about 2 minutes per side.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Remove scallops and set aside.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Add crushed tomatoes and oregano; simmer for 8 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Return scallops to the skillet and cook in sauce for 2-3 minutes.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Stir in butter and fresh basil; season with salt and pepper.”}, {“@type”: “HowToStep”, “text”: “Garnish with parsley and serve hot.”}], “nutrition”: {“calories”: “280 kcal”, “proteinContent”: “28 g”, “fatContent”: “12 g”, “carbohydrateContent”: “10 g”}}