There’s something undeniably luxurious about a perfectly cooked shrimp and scallop pasta. Imagine tender, seared scallops glistening with golden crusts, plump shrimp nestled into al dente noodles, all bathed in a silky sauce that clings just right—this dish is comfort food meets fine dining. And the best part? You don’t need to be Gordon Ramsay to make it.

I remember the first time I made shrimp and scallop pasta at home. I was nervous—would the seafood be rubbery? Would the flavors compete instead of complement each other? Spoiler alert: It turned out better than the restaurant version (and half the price). Since then, this has become my go-to dinner party showstopper.

If you're looking for a quick, elegant meal that impresses without hours in the kitchen, this recipe is your new best friend. Plus, if you love seafood, you might also enjoy my Lemon Butter Garlic Shrimp Linguine —it's a zesty cousin to today’s star dish!

Let’s dive into the secrets that’ll help you nail restaurant-quality flavor every time.

What Is Shrimp and Scallop Pasta?

So… what even is shrimp and scallop pasta? Sounds fancy, right? Like the kind of dish they'd name after a French chef who only wears berets and speaks in metaphors.

But really, it’s just two of the ocean’s finest friends—shrimp and scallops—getting cozy with some pasta in a rich, buttery sauce or a light lemon-garlic glaze. Depending on where you are in the world, this dish might be called frutti di mare , seafood medley pasta , or simply “the reason I licked my plate.”

Ever heard the saying, “The way to someone’s heart is through their stomach”? Well, serve them a bowl of this and watch their eyes roll back in pure joy.

Ready to learn how to make magic happen in your own kitchen? Let’s get cooking!

Why You’ll Love This Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

This isn’t just another seafood pasta—it’s the seafood pasta. Picture this: succulent shrimp, sweet scallops, and perfectly cooked pasta, all tossed in a velvety sauce that coats every bite like a warm hug. The texture contrast between the crispy scallops and the soft, slurpable noodles is everything your taste buds didn’t know they needed.

And here’s the kicker—you can make this gourmet-worthy dish in under 30 minutes using ingredients you can easily find at your local grocery store. No fancy pantry items, no complicated steps. Just real food, done right.

What sets it apart from other seafood pastas is the balance of flavors—bright citrus notes, savory garlic, a touch of heat, and the richness of butter or cream (depending on your style). If you’ve ever paid $25+ for this at a restaurant, imagine how good it feels making it yourself for less than $10.

For those who prefer a lighter twist, check out my One-Pan Lemon Garlic Shrimp and Spinach Pasta —it’s equally satisfying but with fewer calories.

Now, let’s uncover the five secrets that will take your shrimp and scallop pasta from good to chef’s kiss amazing.

How to Make Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

Quick Overview

This shrimp and scallop pasta comes together faster than you can say “cacio e pepe.” It’s an easy, one-pan wonder that delivers big flavor without any fuss. Whether you’re feeding the family or hosting a dinner date, this dish checks all the boxes: creamy or light, indulgent or healthy, fast and flavorful.

Total Time: 25–30 minutes
Skill Level: Beginner-friendly
Special Tools: Large skillet or pan, tongs, pasta pot

Now let’s gather our ingredients and get cooking.

Key Ingredients for Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

Here’s what you’ll need to make this dreamy dish:

• 8 oz linguine or spaghetti (or any pasta you like!)
• 12 oz raw shrimp , peeled and deveined
• 12 oz sea scallops , patted dry
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 4 garlic cloves , minced
• ½ cup heavy cream (optional, for richness)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• Juice of 1 lemon
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• Salt and black pepper , to taste
• Fresh parsley , chopped (for garnish)

Pro Tip: Use fresh herbs and high-quality seafood for the best results. Frozen works in a pinch, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Let’s walk through how to make this incredible shrimp and scallop pasta. Follow along carefully and you’ll feel like a pro in no time.

Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Step 2: Prep the Seafood
Pat both shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Sear the Scallops
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add the scallops in a single layer. Don’t overcrowd the pan—work in batches if needed. Cook for 2–3 minutes per side until golden brown and caramelized. Remove and set aside.

Step 4: Cook the Shrimp
Using the same skillet, add another teaspoon of oil. Add shrimp and sauté for 1–2 minutes per side until pink and slightly curled. Remove and set aside.

Step 5: Build the Sauce
Lower the heat to medium. Add remaining oil and butter. Once melted, stir in garlic and red pepper flakes. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Add heavy cream (if using), Parmesan, lemon juice, and a few grinds of black pepper. Stir until smooth and slightly thickened—about 2–3 minutes.

Step 6: Combine Everything
Toss the cooked pasta into the skillet. Stir well to coat evenly with the sauce. Return the scallops and shrimp to the pan. Gently toss again to heat everything through.

Step 7: Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon if desired. Serve immediately and savor every bite.

What to Serve With Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

This dish is rich and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides elevates the experience from great to unforgettable.

Here are three perfect pairings:

1. Garlic Bread – Crusty, buttery garlic bread is a must-have for soaking up every last drop of sauce.
2. Arugula Salad with Lemon Vinaigrette – Bright, peppery greens cut through the richness and add a refreshing contrast.
3. Lemon or orange juice complements the seafood beautifully. Cheers!

Bonus idea: For a heartier meal, try adding roasted asparagus or grilled cherry tomatoes on the side.

Top Tips for Perfecting Your Shrimp and Scallop Pasta

Want to make sure your dish hits all the right notes? Here are five insider tips from the pros:

1. Don’t Overcook the Seafood
   Both shrimp and scallops cook quickly—overcooking leads to rubbery bites. Remove them from the pan once they turn opaque and firm.
2. Use High Heat for Scallops
   To get that gorgeous sear, preheat your pan until it’s smoking before adding scallops. A cast iron skillet works wonders.
3. Dry Seafood = Better Sear
   Moisture is the enemy of a good sear. Always pat scallops and shrimp dry before cooking.
4. Deglaze the Pan for Extra Flavor
   After searing, deglaze the pan with a splash of lemon juice or broth to lift up all those tasty brown bits.
5. Make It Ahead (Sort Of)
   While seafood is best served fresh, you can prep your sauce and chop veggies ahead of time to streamline the process.

Substitution Ideas:

• Use coconut milk instead of cream for a dairy-free version.
• Swap Parmesan for nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
• Try gluten-free pasta for a celiac-friendly alternative.

Storing and Reheating Tips

While shrimp and scallop pasta is best enjoyed fresh, leftovers can still be delicious if stored and reheated properly.

Storage:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days .
• Freeze for up to 2 months , though the texture may change slightly.

Reheating:

• Microwave : Reheat in short bursts (30 seconds at a time) with a splash of water or cream to keep it moist.
• Stovetop : Toss in a pan with a bit of butter or broth and gently warm over low heat.
• Oven : Cover with foil and reheat at 300°F (150°C) for 10–15 minutes.

Pro Tip: If the sauce tightens up after refrigeration, stir in a splash of pasta water or cream to loosen it before serving.

Final Thoughts: Seafood Magic in Minutes

Shrimp and scallop pasta is more than just a weeknight dinner—it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and the beauty of cooking with fresh ingredients. Whether you're treating yourself, impressing a date, or feeding the family, this dish never fails to deliver.

With these five secrets—perfect sears, balanced seasoning, smart substitutions, and proper timing—you’re now fully equipped to bring restaurant-quality flair into your home kitchen.

So go ahead, tie on your apron, pour yourself a glass of Cola , and treat yourself to something truly special