I remember the first time I made creamy garlic sauce scallops it was during a spontaneous dinner for two on a quiet Friday evening and I was craving something indulgent yet easy and so I reached for a bag of frozen scallops and some pantry staples and crossed my fingers. From the moment the garlic hit the butter and started sizzling I knew it was going to be something special and the dish turned out so buttery and luscious that I ended up recreating it the very next week.

Now whenever I want to impress without overthinking I come back to this creamy garlic sauce scallops recipe because it’s elegant and rich yet only takes a few minutes and a single skillet to pull off and it never fails to bring that wow factor whether I’m serving it on a cozy night in or as part of a holiday spread.

Ingredients

Here’s what I use for this recipe. You can always make substitutions if you prefer!

Scallops – The star of the show bringing tender texture and a subtle sweetness
Garlic – Provides that deep savory base for the sauce
Heavy cream – Adds velvety richness and creaminess to the sauce
Butter – Helps sear the scallops to golden perfection and enrich the flavor
Olive oil – Prevents the butter from burning while adding a touch of earthiness
Lemon juice – Cuts through the richness with a splash of brightness
Parmesan cheese – Helps thicken the sauce and gives it a salty nutty depth
Fresh parsley – Brings a fresh herbal note to finish
Salt and pepper – Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors

Tools You’ll Need

Skillet – For searing the scallops and simmering the sauce
Tongs – To flip the scallops gently without tearing them
Garlic press or knife – To mince the garlic finely for maximum flavor
Citrus juicer – Makes squeezing fresh lemon juice quick and easy
Measuring spoons – To portion out the cream and cheese accurately
Wooden spoon – For stirring the sauce gently and evenly

Instructions

Step 1:

I start by patting the scallops dry with paper towels because moisture prevents a good sear and then I season them with salt and pepper.

Step 2:

Next I heat butter and olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and once the butter is melted and sizzling I gently add the scallops in a single layer making sure not to overcrowd the pan.

Step 3:

I let the scallops sear undisturbed for about 2 minutes per side until they develop a golden crust then I remove them from the pan and set them aside on a plate.

Step 4:

In the same skillet I add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds just until fragrant and then I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a simmer.

Step 5:

Once the cream is bubbling I stir in the Parmesan cheese and lemon juice and let it cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

Step 6:

I return the scallops to the skillet letting them warm through in the sauce for another minute and then I sprinkle fresh parsley over the top before serving.

Tips

If you want a lighter version I sometimes swap out half of the heavy cream for milk or even a splash of white wine. I also like to serve this with crusty bread to soak up the sauce or toss the whole thing with pasta when I want a heartier meal. Just be sure not to overcook the scallops – they only need a minute or two on each side!

Ways to Serve

Over linguine or angel hair pasta

With steamed vegetables and rice

Tucked into a toasted roll for a fancy seafood sandwich

On top of creamy mashed potatoes

As an appetizer with toothpicks at a holiday party

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know when creamy garlic sauce scallops are cooked perfectly?

Scallops are done when they’re opaque and slightly firm to the touch which usually takes about 2 minutes per side depending on size.

Can I use frozen scallops for creamy garlic sauce scallops?

Yes just make sure they’re fully thawed and patted dry before cooking to avoid excess moisture in the pan.

What type of cream is best for creamy garlic sauce scallops?

I recommend using heavy cream because it gives the sauce that rich silky texture and holds up well when simmered.

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you give this creamy garlic sauce scallops recipe a try! It’s one of my go-to dishes when I want something quick yet elegant and I’d love to hear how yours turns out. Feel free to leave a comment below or share your results with me! And if you enjoyed this recipe don’t forget to save it for your next dinner party or cozy night in.

Happy Cooking!