Creamy Vodka Pasta with Seared Scallops

Courtesy of Amanda Stanton

I found this recipe through a social media influencer who had posted a picture of a pasta dish her husband had made her and everyone went nuts asking for the recipe. The following day she posted a story with the ingredients and directions *immediately screen shots*. This is hands down my favorite vodka sauce recipe of all time. I used a whole shallot instead of half, 5 garlic cloves instead of 2, and added sautéed mushrooms to the dish at the very end. I suggest reserving a cup of pasta water in case you need to thin out the sauce. We hadn't made scallops in a while because quite frankly they are a mess to make but the end result is so worth it. The key is to get your cast iron pan piping hot (I suggest using a high heat oil such as avocado oil) and letting them pan sear for just 2 minutes per side to get that beautiful sear, while also not over cooking the scallops. Lastly, I did a mixture of parmesan and pecorino Romano cheese to top the dish as I love the saltiness of pecorino that cuts through the richness of the sauce.

Ingredients:

1 lb sea scallops

2 cups sliced mushrooms

1/2 cup Mutti tomato paste (any brand will work but Mutti is the best!)

1 cup heavy cream

1/2 shallot

2 garlic cloves grated/minced

1/4 cup olive oil

2 tbsp of Vodka

Chili flakes (discretion on how spicy you like your pasta)

Parmesan or Pecorino Romano

Fresh Basil

Directions:

Step 1: Coat pan with olive oil and heat on medium heat. Add shallots and garlic and let it cook for 3-4 minutes. Start cooking your pasta at this time if you haven't already

Step 2: Add tomato paste and cook for 5 minutes until separated in the pan. Add in the vodka and stir until its evaporated (about 2 minutes)

Step 3: Add in the heavy cream and chili flakes and stir

Step 4: In a separate pan, sauté the mushrooms in 1 tbsp of olive oil. Finish with a pinch of salt and put to the side.

Step 4: Once your pasta is al dente, reserve 1 cup of pasta water and toss the pasta in with the sauce and mushrooms. Mix in salt, pepper, fresh basil and as much cheese as your heart desires.