Lemon Ricotta Pasta With Peas Seared Scallops Recipes

Steps:

• Cook the pasta per package directions until al dente. While pasta is cooking, rinse scallops and pat dry. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over high heat in a skillet until foamy. Sprinkle scallops with a little salt and pepper; place in skillet in single layer. Cook, turning once, until brown on outside and just opaque in center, about 2 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside. Drain pasta and return to the pot over low heat. Stir in lemon zest, juice, remaining 3 tbsp olive oil, peas, and thyme. Toss to coat, then season with salt and lots of pepper. Add the ricotta and mix gently until pasta is coated evenly. To serve, divide the pasta between four plates, topping each with three scallops and a sprig of fresh thyme.

Steps:

• Bring a large pot of well-salted water (2 heaping tablespoons kosher salt to about 7 quarts water) to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1 1/2 cups pasta cooking water, then drain pasta.
• Wipe out the pot and heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium. Add the shallots and cook until they begin to soften, 2 to 3 minutes. Add the tomatoes and cook, stirring occasionally, until they start to burst, 5 to 7 minutes. Add about 1/3 cup reserved pasta water, and press the tomatoes gently with the back of a spatula or wooden spoon to get them nice and jammy. Stir in the garlic and red-pepper flakes, if using, and cook, allowing the sauce to simmer, 1 to 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper; set aside.
• Season the scallops well on both sides with salt and pepper. In a 12-inch skillet, heat the remaining 2 tablespoons olive oil over high. When the oil shimmers, add the scallops, working in batches to avoid crowding the pan, and cook until golden brown and crisp, flipping once, 1 to 2 minutes per side.
• Add the pasta, 1 1/2 cups herbs and 1/4 cup reserved pasta water to the pot with the tomatoes and toss to coat, adding additional pasta water if needed. Divide the pasta among shallow bowls and top with scallops. Garnish with additional herbs and a drizzle of olive oil, if desired.