Creamy Mozzarella Scallop Pasta

Check ingredients as you prepare them. These checks stay on this page.

• 8 oz penne pasta (for gluten free version, use gluten free brown rice pasta)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 8 oz penne pasta (for gluten free version, use gluten free brown rice pasta)
• 2 tablespoons + 2 tablespoons olive oil
  Ingredient note

  Source: 2 tablespoons olive oil; Source: 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (, without oil)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 4 oz sun-dried tomatoes (, without oil)
• 4 each garlic cloves (, minced)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 4 garlic cloves (, minced)
• 1 cup half-and-half
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup half-and-half
• 1 cup mozzarella cheese (, shredded do not use fresh Mozzarella, use pre-shredded Mozzarella)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 cup mozzarella cheese (, shredded do not use fresh Mozzarella, use pre-shredded Mozzarella)
• 1 tablespoon dried basil (, if using fresh basil you can add more)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 tablespoon dried basil (, if using fresh basil you can add more)
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (, crushed, add more to taste)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (, crushed, add more to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon paprika
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/8 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/2 cup reserved cooked pasta water (or more)
• 1/4 teaspoon + 1/4 teaspoon salt
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1/4 teaspoon salt; Source: 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1 pound scallops (, medium size, about 12-14 scallops, thawed completely if frozen)
  Ingredient note

  Source: 1 pound scallops (, medium size, about 12-14 scallops, thawed completely if frozen)

1. If using frozen scallops, make sure the scallops are thawed completely.
2. Blot each scallop with paper towels to remove extra water. Set them aside on a plate while you prepare the pasta and the sauce. You will cook scallops last to make sure they are not over-cooked.
3. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Reserve some cooked pasta water. Drain the pasta.
4. Note: if using sun-dried tomatoes in oil (in a jar), make sure to drain sun-dried tomatoes from oil, before using them.
5. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil (you can use the reserved olive oil from the sun-dried tomatoes jar, or use regular olive oil) in a large skillet on medium-high heat. Add sun-dried tomatoes (drained from oil and sliced into smaller chunks, if needed) and minced garlic, and saute on medium heat, stirring, for 2 minutes until the garlic is fragrant. The skillet should be hot.
6. Add half and half to the hot skillet with sun-dried tomatoes and bring to boil. Add shredded cheese to the skillet, and stir in while boiling. Immediately reduce to simmer and cook, constantly stirring, until all the cheese melts and the creamy sauce forms. If the sauce is too thick, add a small amount of half and half or reserved cooked pasta water. Add basil, crushed red pepper flakes, paprika. Stir.
7. Add 1/4 teaspoon of salt gradually, stirring on low heat and tasting (you might need slightly less than 1/4 teaspoon).
8. Add cooked pasta to the sauce, and reheat gently on medium heat. Taste, and add more salt, if needed. Add a small amount of half and half or reserved cooked pasta water, if the sauce is too thick. Let everything simmer on low heat for a couple of minutes for flavors to combine.
9. Season with salt by sprinkling each scallop with a dash of salt.
10. Use a large, non-stick skillet (I used stainless steel skillet which works well for me as non-stick). Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in this non-stick skillet on high heat until hot but not smoking. Oil should not be smoking, just rolling easily around the skillet.
11. Add scallops without overcrowding the pan. Sear on one side for about 3-4 minutes until the bottom is nice golden color. Don't move the scallops around the pan in the beginning.
12. Turn the scallops to the other side and cook for 2 more minutes. Remove from heat and transfer the scallops to the plate immediately. Don't let the scallops sit in the hot skillet, off heat, because they will start to steam, lose their crust and harden up.
13. Add cooked scallops to the pasta and the cream sauce and reheat gently. Serve.
14. Note: Make sure to salt the dish just enough to bring out of the flavors of basil and sun-dried tomatoes.