Pan-Seared Scallops with Lemon-Garlic Pasta

Ingredients

• 16 to 24 large Vital Choice Alaskan or Atlantic sea scallops (1 to 1.5 pounds)
• 1 large lemon, grated for zest and freshly squeezed for 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon garlic, minced or pressed (about 2 to 3 cloves)
• 2 tablespoons Vital Choice organic extra virgin olive oil, divided
• ¼ tsp salt
• ⅛ tsp ground black pepper
• 8 oz vermicelli or angel hair pasta (You may want to use whole-grain wheat pasta or pasta made with gluten-free ingredients)
• 2 tablespoons shredded parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. In a 4-quart saucepan, bring 3 quarts of water to a boil over high heat. When the water boils, reduce heat to simmer until you’re ready to cook the pasta (step 5).
2. While the water is heating up, use a grater to take off small peels of the skin of one lemon into a small saucepan. Cut the lemon in half and squeeze the juice into the pan and remove pits. Use the back of a large spoon to press the inside of the lemon to extract more juice. Add the garlic and 1 tablespoon olive oil to the saucepan. Stir to blend well. Place on stovetop over low heat.
3. Heat a large nonstick pan or grill pan on high heat until very hot. Sprinkle the scallops with salt, pepper and 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Toss to coat well.
4. Place the scallops in the hot pan. Cook about 4 minutes on each side, or until scallops are well browned, firm and milky white to the center (to a minimum internal temperature of 145 °F).
5. After turning the scallops to the second side, drop the pasta into the boiling water. Set temperature to medium and cook for 2 minutes or the shortest recommended time according to package directions.
6. When the pasta is done, set aside ½ cup of the cooking water. Drain the pasta. Return drained pasta to the pot; toss with the warm olive oil mixture and the ½ cup reserved pasta water.
7. Divide the pasta equally among four plates (about 1 cup per plate). Top each with four scallops.
8. Garnish each dish with ½ tablespoon of shredded parmesan cheese. Serve immediately.