I made these easy creamy garlic sauce scallops for a date night at home when I wanted something that felt elegant but didn’t take hours to make and I was nervous about overcooking the scallops but once I got them sizzling in the pan and the garlic butter started to bubble I knew it was going to be a win and when I added the cream and saw that silky sauce come together I couldn’t wait to plate it up

Now it’s one of my favorite special occasion recipes because it’s quick impressive and surprisingly simple and every time I serve it with a glass of white wine and some crusty bread I feel like I’ve brought the restaurant right into my own kitchen

Ingredients

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

Sea scallops – The star of the dish tender sweet and quick to cook
Heavy cream – Creates a rich velvety sauce that ties everything together
Garlic – Infuses the sauce with bold savory flavor
Butter – Helps sear the scallops and build the sauce base
Olive oil – Prevents burning and adds richness during searing
Parmesan cheese – Adds nutty salty depth to the creamy sauce
Lemon juice – Brightens and balances the richness of the cream
Fresh parsley – A sprinkle of color and freshness to finish
Salt and pepper – For seasoning the scallops and sauce to taste

Tools You’ll Need

Large skillet – For getting that perfect golden sear on the scallops
Tongs – To flip the scallops without breaking them
Garlic press or knife – To mince the garlic finely for a bold flavor
Measuring spoons – To get the balance just right in the sauce
Spoon or whisk – For stirring and emulsifying the creamy garlic sauce
Plate with paper towel – To briefly rest the scallops after searing

Instructions

Step 1

I start by patting the scallops dry with a paper towel and seasoning them lightly with salt and pepper which helps them sear better

Step 2

I heat a mix of olive oil and butter in a skillet over medium-high heat then I add the scallops in batches and sear them for 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and caramelized then I transfer them to a plate

Step 3

In the same skillet I add a bit more butter if needed and sauté the minced garlic just for 30 seconds until fragrant

Step 4

Next I pour in the heavy cream and bring it to a gentle simmer stirring in the Parmesan cheese until melted and smooth

Step 5

I add a splash of lemon juice to brighten the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed

Step 6

I return the scallops to the skillet and spoon the sauce over them letting them warm through for another minute or two

Step 7

To finish I sprinkle fresh chopped parsley on top and serve them hot with crusty bread or pasta

Tips

Drying the scallops well before cooking is key to getting that golden crust

I use freshly grated Parmesan for the best melt and flavor

Don’t overcook the scallops they only need a few minutes per side

A squeeze of extra lemon at the end adds a nice final touch of brightness

Ways to Serve

I love serving these over linguine or fettuccine to soak up all the creamy garlic sauce

Crusty bread or garlic toast is perfect for dipping

For a lighter meal I serve them with steamed asparagus or sautéed spinach on the side

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen scallops for creamy garlic sauce scallops?

Yes just make sure they’re completely thawed and patted dry before cooking

What cream should I use for easy creamy garlic sauce scallops?

Heavy cream works best for a thick rich sauce that doesn’t curdle

Can I make creamy garlic sauce scallops ahead of time?

Scallops are best served fresh but you can prep the sauce ahead and reheat gently before adding the scallops

See You in the Kitchen

I hope you try these easy creamy garlic sauce scallops! They’re quick luxurious and perfect for a dinner that feels like a treat without the hassle. Let me know how they turn out and what you serve them with

Happy Cooking!