Basil Scallop Linguine With Artichokes Recipes

BASIL PAN-SEARED SCALLOPS OVER PASTA

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of water to a boil. Cook pasta in boiling water for 8 to 10 minutes, or until al dente. Drain, rinse, and transfer to a large serving bowl.
• Meanwhile, place scallops in a large bowl. In a small bowl, mix together 1/4 cup olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon garlic, 1/2 teaspoon salt, and the black pepper. Pour mixture over scallops. Arrange scallops in a single layer in a large baking dish or plate. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon dried basil over scallops so that only one side is sparsely coated with basil.
• Heat a large skillet over medium-high, and melt one tablespoon of butter in the pan. Place 12 scallops basil-side down, and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes until dark golden brown. Turn scallops, and cook the other side. Cook the remaining 12 scallops the same way.
• In a small saucepan, melt remaining butter with 1/2 cup olive oil, 1 tablespoon basil, 1/2 teaspoon garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
• Toss pasta with butter and olive oil mixture. Divide pasta onto plates, and top with scallops.

BASIL-SCALLOP LINGUINE WITH ARTICHOKES

Steps:

• Start boiling a large pot of boiling water for pasta.
• In a medium saucepan over medium heat, heat olive oil (1-2 minutes). Add garlic and shallots and cook, stirring constantly with a wooden spoon, until they are tender but not browned, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
• Add basil, parsley, salt and red pepper flakes, black pepper, tomatoes (with juice), wine, and tomato paste to saucepan. Return to heat and bring to a boil, stirring to brreak up large pieces of tomatoes.
• Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 20 minutes. (The sauce may be made a day ahead and refrigerated, the flavors will continue to meld together and make you look like a gourmet cook. Just reheat when ready to serve.).
• Cook linguine with 2 teaspoons of salt and vegetable oil in a large pot of boiling water, according to package directions (for medium linguine, usually 9-10 minutes after water returns to full boil).
• While pasta cooks, place scallops in a colander and rinse in cold water. Drain thoroughly and cut each in half crosswise.
• Add scallops and artichokes to sauce and cook 5 minutes or until scallops are tender and artichokes are hot. Set aside until serving.
• Place pine nuts in a small skillet over moderately high heat and toast in the pan -- DO NOT ADD OIL. Set aside until serving.
• Drain pasta and place on a large serving platter or plates. (I recommend using individual pasta bowls, it will feel more "Italian.").
• Spoon scallop-artichoke-tomato mixture on top of pasta and toss gently (although I generally never toss, I prefer a prretty presentation and I like to keep the tastes of sauce and pasta distinct).
• Sprinkle with pine nuts and more parsley. Serve immediately.
• To look like a gourmet, serve with a very light Italian white wine, like Gavi or Pino Grigio.