This sweet corn scallop pasta combines golden-seared scallops with sweet, juicy corn in a creamy sauce for a restaurant-quality experience at home. It's a quick and easy dish perfect for any night of the week.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and reserve 1/2 cup of pasta water.
Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season scallops lightly with salt and pepper, then sear them for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove from skillet and set aside.
Reduce the heat to medium. Melt the butter in the same skillet, then add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the corn and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender. Stir in the red pepper flakes, if using.
Pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer. Let it thicken slightly for about 2 minutes, then stir in the Parmesan cheese.
Add the cooked pasta to the skillet, tossing to coat in the sauce. If needed, use reserved pasta water to loosen the sauce to your desired consistency.
Return the seared scallops to the skillet, allowing them to warm through for 1-2 minutes. Garnish with parsley and serve immediately.