Sicilian Scallop Bucatini

Caramelized sea scallops crown glossy lemon-caper bucatini with tender zucchini, juicy summer tomatoes, and crisp chile-flecked breadcrumbs.

  • Total time: 45 min
  • Servings: 2 servings
  • Estimated total cost: $31
  • Calories per serving: 710 cal
  • Stovetop

Ingredients

  • Kroger® Wild Caught Sea Scallops Frozen
    12 oz, thawed if frozen $21.99
  • Private Selection® Italian Bucatini
    6 oz $2.59
  • Zucchini
    12 oz $1.79
  • Fresh Roma Tomato
    8 oz $1.29
  • Organic fresh lemon
    1 medium, for 1 teaspoon zest and 2 tablespoons juice $1.29
  • Shallot
    2 oz $3.99
  • Garlic
    2 cloves $2.49
  • Panko breadcrumbs
    1/4 cup
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley
    2 tablespoons, finely chopped
  • Capers
    1 tablespoon, drained
  • Dry white wine
    1/3 cup
  • Extra-virgin olive oil
    2 tablespoons
  • Unsalted butter
    1 tablespoon
  • Crushed red pepper flakes
    1/8 teaspoon
  • Kosher salt
    3 tablespoons plus 1 1/2 teaspoons
  • Black pepper
    1/2 teaspoon
  • Water
    3 quarts

Instructions

  1. Prepare the seafood and late-summer vegetables:

    • Pat 12 ounces thawed sea scallops very dry, remove any side muscles, and season with 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
    • Cut 12 ounces zucchini into thin half-moons.
    • Core and dice 8 ounces Roma tomato.
    • Finely chop 2 ounces shallot.
    • Mince 2 garlic cloves.

    Keep each prepared ingredient separate.

  2. Heat 1 teaspoon extra-virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs and cook, stirring, for 2 to 3 minutes until golden. Stir in 1 teaspoon lemon zest, 2 tablespoons finely chopped parsley, and 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; transfer the lemon pangrattato to a bowl.

  3. Bring 3 quarts water and 3 tablespoons kosher salt to a boil. Add 6 ounces bucatini and cook until just al dente according to the package timing. Reserve 1 cup pasta water, then drain the bucatini.

  4. While the pasta cooks, heat 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil in the breadcrumb skillet over medium-high heat. Add the prepared zucchini with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; sauté for 4 minutes until browned but still firm. Add the prepared shallot and cook for 2 minutes, then add the prepared garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in the prepared tomato, 1 tablespoon drained capers, and 1/3 cup dry white wine; simmer for 3 minutes to form the vegetable sauce, then reduce the heat to low.

  5. Heat a separate large stainless-steel or nonstick skillet over high heat. Add 2 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, then arrange the prepared scallops in one layer and sear without moving for about 90 seconds. Turn, add 1 tablespoon unsalted butter, and baste for 1 to 2 minutes, pulling the scallops at 125°F. Transfer them to a plate and rest for 2 minutes.

  6. Add the drained bucatini, 1/3 cup reserved pasta water, and 2 tablespoons lemon juice to the vegetable sauce. Toss over medium heat for 1 to 2 minutes until the sauce turns glossy and coats the pasta.

  7. Twirl the zucchini-tomato bucatini into two shallow bowls, arrange the rested scallops on top, and finish with the lemon pangrattato.

Drink pairing: A chilled Etna Bianco or Vermentino complements the sweet scallops, briny capers, lemon, and fresh summer vegetables.