Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish

Name: Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz spaghetti; 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined; 1 lb scallops; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup dry white wine; 1 cup heavy cream; 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped; Salt and pepper to taste; Olive oil for cooking

Highlighted under: Global Flavor Recipes

I love preparing this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish for special occasions. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures that never fails to impress. The combination of succulent shrimp, tender scallops, and perfectly cooked pasta creates an irresistible meal that evokes romance. I feel like I’m dining at a cozy seaside restaurant every time I make it, and the fragrance fills the kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. If you're looking to make a memorable dinner, this recipe will surely impress your loved ones!

Created by

Anna

Last updated on 2026-01-13T14:33:32.354Z

When I first attempted this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish, I wanted to capture the essence of a seaside dinner. I experimented with fresh seafood and a light, flavorful sauce. The result was a combination that perfectly complemented each ingredient. I was amazed at how well the pasta absorbed the garlic and white wine, enhancing the dish dramatically.

One detail I discovered while making this dish is to finish the pasta in the sauce for a couple of minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a memorable and delicious meal. Trust me, it’s a game changer!

        Why You Will Love This Recipe
        Aromatic garlic and fresh herbs elevate the dish
Seafood cooked to perfection adds a luxurious touch
Perfect for a date night or special celebrations

      

Understanding the Key Ingredients

Each ingredient in this Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish serves a unique purpose. The shrimp and scallops are the stars, providing a delightful texture and flavor that pairs seamlessly with the creamy sauce. For best results, choose shrimp that are firm and succulent, while fresh scallops will melt in your mouth when cooked properly. I recommend a size 16/20 shrimp for optimal bite-sized pieces that cook evenly. If you're in a pinch, frozen seafood can work well, just ensure to thaw and drain excess moisture before cooking.

The white wine is not just for flavor; it acts as a deglazing agent, lifting up the fond from the skillet that adds depth to the sauce. A dry variety, such as Sauvignon Blanc, complements the sweetness of the seafood and balances the richness of the cream. Always avoid using cooking wine, as it contains added salts and preservatives that can overwhelm your dish. Taste your sauce before serving — the key is to achieve that perfect harmonious balance.

Perfecting Your Technique

When sautéing the garlic, keep a close eye on it to avoid burning, which can introduce a bitter taste. It should be just fragrant and barely golden; cooking over medium heat should take about a minute. If you find your garlic is browning too quickly, reduce the heat slightly. This will ensure a luxurious, inviting aroma without the unpleasant bitterness.

As you add the pasta to the seafood sauce, make sure to reserve some pasta water. This starchy liquid can help thicken your sauce and ensure that it clings beautifully to the spaghetti. If your sauce seems too thick, adding a couple of tablespoons of reserved water can create a silky texture that enhances the whole dish.

Serving and Storing Suggestions

For an impressive presentation, serve the pasta in shallow bowls garnished with additional chopped parsley for a fresh touch. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan cheese or a few chili flakes can provide an extra layer of flavor that elevates the dish further. Pairing with a crisp salad and a glass of the same white wine used in the cooking can turn this meal into an unforgettable experience.

If you have leftovers, they can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. However, seafood-based dishes can lose their freshness quickly, so try to enjoy it as soon as possible. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat with a splash of cream or reserved pasta water to restore its creaminess without overcooking the seafood.

Ingredients

Ingredients for Romantic Seafood Pasta Dish

8 oz spaghetti
1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 lb scallops
3 cloves garlic, minced
1/2 cup dry white wine
1 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Olive oil for cooking

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the spaghetti according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Seafood

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant. Add the shrimp and scallops, cooking until they turn opaque, about 3-4 minutes.

Add Wine and Cream

Pour in the white wine and let it simmer for 2-3 minutes. Then, stir in the heavy cream and season with salt and pepper. Allow it to cook on low for another 5 minutes until slightly thickened.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked spaghetti with the seafood sauce, mixing well to coat the pasta. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.

Pro Tips

For an extra touch, add a squeeze of lemon juice before serving to brighten the flavors.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you or your loved ones are allergic to shellfish, you can still enjoy a rich seafood flavor by substituting shrimp and scallops with firm white fish such as cod or tilapia. Simply cut the fish into bite-sized pieces and add to the skillet after the garlic, cooking for 4-5 minutes until opaque. Adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish pieces.

For a vegetarian version, replace the seafood with a mix of seasonal vegetables, such as asparagus, bell peppers, and zucchini. Sauté these veggies until tender-crisp for about 3-5 minutes before adding the wine and cream. The textures will differ, but it will still be a delectable dish.

Make-Ahead Tips

This recipe can be partially prepared ahead of time. Cook the pasta and store it in the fridge for up to a day. When ready to serve, reheat the pasta in boiling water for a minute or two before mixing it with the seafood sauce. This saves time on busy evenings without sacrificing quality.

You can also pre-cook the seafood and sauce up to two hours in advance. Just keep them covered and at room temperature. When ready to serve, gently reheat the mixture in a skillet until warmed through, then add the pasta. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully without losing the freshness of the seafood.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen seafood for this recipe?

Yes, frozen seafood can be used, but be sure to thaw and drain it well before cooking.

→ What's a good substitute for heavy cream?

You can use half-and-half or a dairy-free alternative if preferred.

→ How can I make this dish spicier?

Add red pepper flakes while sautéing the garlic to give it a spicy kick.

→ Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

While it's best served fresh, you can prep the ingredients ahead and assemble them right before serving.