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BBQ Shrimp And Scallops with Pasta

BBQ Shrimp and Scallops with Pasta is a delicious and flavourful dish that combines the smoky taste of barbecue with the sweetness of seafood. Here's a simple recipe to make it at home:
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

Seafood:

  • 12 large shrimp peeled and deveined, tails on or off
  • 12 sea scallops muscle removed

Pasta:

  • 8 oz 225g pasta (linguine, fettuccine, or spaghetti)

BBQ Sauce:

  • 1/2 cup BBQ sauce store-bought or homemade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp chili powder optional, for heat
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar for sweetness
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce for umami
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for brightness

Vegetables:

  • 1 red bell pepper sliced
  • 1 small red onion sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved

Garnish:

  • Fresh parsley or cilantro chopped
  • Lemon wedges
  • Grated Parmesan cheese optional

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the BBQ Sauce: In a small bowl, mix the BBQ sauce, olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, chili powder, honey, soy sauce, and lemon juice. Set aside.
  • Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving 1/2 cup of pasta water.
  • Cook the Seafood: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add 1 tbsp olive oil. Pat the shrimp and scallops dry with paper towels and season lightly with salt and pepper. Sear the scallops for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside. In the same pan, cook the shrimp for 2-3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Remove and set aside.
  • Cook the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the red bell pepper, red onion, and cherry tomatoes for 4-5 minutes until softened.
  • Combine Everything: Add the cooked pasta to the skillet with the vegetables. Pour in the BBQ sauce and toss to coat. If the sauce is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it. Gently fold in the cooked shrimp and scallops, heating everything through for 1-2 minutes.
  • Serve: Divide the pasta and seafood among plates. Garnish with fresh parsley or cilantro, a squeeze of lemon juice, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.
    Serve with lemon wedges on the side.
    For a smoky flavour, grill the shrimp and scallops instead of pan-searing.
    Use your favourite BBQ sauce or make a homemade version for a personalized touch.
    Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Notes

This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion. You can customize the BBQ sauce to your liking or add vegetables like bell peppers or cherry tomatoes for extra flavour and texture. Enjoy your BBQ Shrimp and Scallops with Pasta!