Seafood Scampi for Two: A Perfect Valentine’s Day Dish!

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, I always try to make something special, and what better way to treat my husband than with a dish that features all of his favorite seafood shrimp, scallops, and king crab.

This Seafood Scampi is not only delicious but also loaded with flavor, and it’s perfect for a cozy, romantic meal at home. As I gathered the ingredients, I may have gone a bit overboard, but it’s all in good fun.

I bought enough for future meals too, planning on using the leftovers later. For this dish, you’ll need a bit of seafood love: large bags of scallops, shrimp, and king crab legs. Don’t worry, you don’t need to buy as much as I did.

You can easily pick up these ingredients from your local grocery store’s seafood counter in whatever quantities you prefer. Whether you’re feeding two or more, this meal will satisfy without being overwhelming.

To make this meal even more delightful, I paired it with Cheesy Garlic Bread, crisp, cheesy, and the perfect accompaniment to soak up all that delicious garlic butter sauce.

On the side, I also made a Cabbage Cucumber Salad, which adds a refreshing crunch and a lovely contrast to the rich, savory seafood. These two additions make the meal even more vibrant and well-rounded, bringing freshness and comfort to your plate.

What’s So Special About This Dish?

• Perfect for Special Occasions: This seafood scampi is the ultimate Valentine’s Day dinner, or any romantic evening, made even better with your favorite seafood.
• Fresh Seafood, Flavorful Results: I used fresh scallops, shrimp, and crab, and the combination gives such a deliciously rich taste you won’t find in store-bought mixes.
• Versatile & Customizable: You can adjust the seafood mix to your liking. Add more of your favorite shellfish or even skip a variety for a more budget-friendly version.
• Quick and Easy: Despite all the seafood, the prep and cooking time is short. You can have this elegant meal ready in under 30 minutes!
• Garlic Butter Perfection: The garlic butter sauce pulls everything together, and with the added bonus of garlic bread, you’re in for a flavorful feast!

This seafood scampi recipe was pure restaurant-quality at home! The garlic butter sauce was rich and full of flavor, and the shrimp and scallops were perfectly tender. I served it over linguine with a squeeze of lemon—absolutely divine. So easy, yet so fancy!

— Vanessa Clarke, Maine

Seafood Scampi Recipe for Two

A luxurious yet easy-to-make seafood scampi with shrimp, scallops, and crab served over angel hair pasta. It’s a delicious and romantic meal with garlic butter sauce that ties it all together.

Equipment:

Skillet or frying pan

Paring knife (for deveining shrimp)

Small frying pan (for garlic butter)

Baking sheet (for garlic bread)

Pot (for boiling pasta)

Spatula

Ingredients:

• 2 scallops
• 4 colossal shrimp
• 1 king crab leg
• Angel hair pasta
• 2 tablespoons butter (for seafood)
• 1 teaspoon garlic (for garlic butter)
• Loaf of Italian bread, sliced
• Parmesan, mozzarella, or your favorite cheese (for topping)

Instructions:

Step 1: Melt the Butter: In a skillet, melt 2 tablespoons of butter over medium heat.

Step 2: Prep the Shrimp: While the butter melts, peel the shells off your shrimp, and devein them using a small paring knife.

Step 3: Cook Garlic Butter for Bread: Add 1 teaspoon of garlic to the melted butter and let it simmer. Watch carefully to avoid burning the garlic.

Step 4: Prepare the Seafood: For the scallops, no prep is needed just remove them from the package. For the crab, crack the shell and pull out the meat.

Step 5: Cook the Scallops: In a separate pan, add 3 tablespoons of butter and 2 teaspoons of garlic. Start by cooking the scallops until they begin to brown slightly (about 3-4 minutes per side).

Step 6: Add Shrimp & Crab: Once the scallops are almost done, add the shrimp to the pan, cooking until they’re golden. Then add the crab, cooking only for a minute to warm it up.

Step 7: Prepare the Garlic Bread: Slice the bread, coat with the garlic butter mixture, and place it under the broiler for 2-3 minutes until golden.

Step 8: Assemble the Dish: Drain and plate your angel hair pasta, then place the seafood on top. Pour the garlic butter mixture over it and sprinkle with your choice of cheese.

Creative Variations For Seafood Scampi!

• Different Seafood Mix: Instead of shrimp, scallops, and crab, try using other seafood like lobster tails, clams, or mussels. You can mix and match based on your preference or what’s available at the seafood counter.
• Add a Creamy Twist: For a richer, creamier version, add a splash of heavy cream or half-and-half to the garlic butter sauce. Stir it in just before adding the seafood for a silky smooth texture.
• Vegetable Boost: Incorporate some veggies into the dish by adding spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, or roasted bell peppers to the pan. These add color, flavor, and nutrition, making the dish even more well-rounded.
• Spicy Kick: If you enjoy a little heat, add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper to the garlic butter sauce. This brings a spicy twist that complements the seafood beautifully.
• Zesty Lemon: For a citrusy punch, squeeze some fresh lemon juice over the seafood scampi just before serving. You can also add lemon zest to the garlic butter sauce for an extra burst of freshness.
• Gluten-Free Option: Replace the angel hair pasta with gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version of this dish. There are plenty of gluten-free pasta varieties that will hold up well with the seafood and butter sauce.
• Herb Infusion: Add a handful of fresh herbs like basil, parsley, or thyme to the garlic butter sauce. This will elevate the flavor and add freshness to the dish.
• Lighter Version: If you’re looking for a lighter dish, skip the garlic bread and use zucchini noodles (zoodles) or spaghetti squash as a base instead of regular pasta for a low-carb option.