1. Prepare the Scallops

Before cooking the scallops, it’s important to properly prepare them. Begin by patting the scallops dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. This step is crucial because moisture on the scallops will prevent them from searing properly and creating that beautiful caramelized crust.

Next, remove the side muscle from each scallop, which is a small, tough piece of tissue located on the side of the scallop. Most scallops sold at the store have already had this removed, but it’s worth checking to ensure it’s gone.

Once the scallops are dry and clean, season them generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Set them aside while you prepare the sauce.

2. Make the Tuscan Butter Sauce

In a large skillet, heat 3 tablespoons of unsalted butter over medium heat. Once the butter has melted, add the minced garlic and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as it can turn bitter if overcooked.

Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their flavor into the butter. The sun-dried tomatoes add a tangy, umami-rich flavor to the sauce that pairs perfectly with the delicate scallops.

Next, add the chopped spinach to the skillet and sauté until it wilts down, about 2-3 minutes. The spinach adds both color and a fresh, earthy note to the sauce.

After the spinach has wilted, pour in the heavy cream and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer and let it cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the cream to thicken slightly. Add the grated Parmesan cheese, stirring until it melts into the sauce and the sauce becomes creamy and smooth.

Season the sauce with salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of heat, you can add red pepper flakes, which will provide a subtle spicy kick that balances the richness of the butter sauce.

Once the sauce is ready, remove it from the heat and set it aside while you sear the scallops.

3. Sear the Scallops

In a separate large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter over medium-high heat. Allow the pan to get very hot before adding the scallops, which ensures a nice sear and golden crust on the scallops.

Once the pan is hot, add the seasoned scallops in a single layer. Be sure not to overcrowd the pan, as this will lower the temperature and prevent the scallops from searing properly. If necessary, cook the scallops in batches.

Sear the scallops for about 2-3 minutes on the first side without moving them. This allows them to develop a golden, caramelized crust. Flip the scallops over and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes on the other side until they are opaque and cooked through but still tender and moist inside. The exact cooking time may vary depending on the size of your scallops, but they should be cooked just until they are no longer translucent in the center.

Once the scallops are seared, remove them from the skillet and set them aside on a plate while you finish assembling the dish.

4. Combine the Scallops and Sauce

Now that both the scallops and the sauce are ready, it’s time to combine them. Return the skillet with the Tuscan butter sauce to medium heat and gently add the seared scallops back into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the scallops to coat them.

Let the scallops simmer in the sauce for 1-2 minutes, allowing them to soak in the creamy, flavorful sauce. Be careful not to overcook the scallops at this stage, as they are already perfectly cooked from the searing process. The goal is simply to warm the scallops through and let them absorb some of the sauce’s rich flavors.

5. Serve and Garnish

Transfer the Tuscan Butter Scallops to serving plates and spoon any remaining sauce from the skillet over the top. Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. For extra richness, you can also sprinkle additional grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the scallops.

Serve the Tuscan Butter Scallops immediately with your choice of side dishes. They pair wonderfully with pasta, mashed potatoes, rice, or a simple salad. The creamy butter sauce is perfect for drizzling over any side dish, making this a versatile and indulgent meal.