Simple Weeknight Meal: Dijon Scallops with Mushrooms and Onion Spaghetti

February 26, 2019 · Leah Ashley 33 Comments

Quick and simple meals are the way to go during a busy week. These Dijon Scallops with Mushroom and Onion Spaghetti is a quick, simple, and delicious dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes and limited dishes to be washed!

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_{(Original post date Feb 26, 20119 / Links and post updated Nov. 21, 2020)}

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There is nothing more satisfying than a full-on surf and turf dinner! But who has time to whip that up during a week?

That is why I love to just play on the words surf and turf. Instead of steak simply infused pasta with beef flavors. Yes, that sounds fancy and complicated but all you need to do is finish cooking your noodles in the beef base, stock, or broth than to up the flavor add in some smoky bacon, and butter sautéed mushrooms and onions.

Now for the surf part! You can use fish, shrimp, scallops, mussels, clams, or anything that comes from the sea. The best part about any seafood is it cooks up quickly and is nutritious making it perfect for busy weeknights.

How to Make Dijon Scallops with Mushrooms and Onion Spaghetti

First, start by getting my water to boil for the pasta. The pasta should be undercooked and so you can finish it in the sauce. Then reserve 1 ½ cups of the pasta water to finish cooking the pasta with the beef base for later.
While I wait for the water to boil, fry up the chopped bacon.
Once the bacon is done start chopping and sautéing the mushrooms, garlic, and onions in some butter and olive oil with a pinch of salt in the same pan deep pan I fried up the bacon. You will know when they are done when onions are almost translucent and the mushrooms are half their size.
Around this time the water is typically boiling add in your pasta and cook it for 1/2 the recommended time (you will finish cooking it in the sauce)

When it comes to cooking Scallops it is important that your pan is HOT. They cook fast and in order to get a good sear mark and not overcooking them (rubbery texture) a hot pan is the trick!

Also while you are waiting on your onions and mushrooms to cook season your scallops. Whisk together Dijon mustard, pepper, salt, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. Dip or brush each side of the scallops in the dijon mixture.
Remove the mushrooms, garlic, and onions from the skillet. Then take your scallops and brown both sides in the same skillet with a little olive oil. This should only take 1 ½ minute per side. Make sure you do not overcook them, or they will be rubbery.
Remove the dijon scallops. Pasta should be partially cooked and strained by this point. Place pasta, pasta water, beef base, and bacon, the sautéed mushrooms, garlic, and onions in the same skillet you have been cooking in. Cook pasta until all the “beef base sauce” is absorbed into the pasta.

To serve place pasta on the plate. Lay scallops on top. Then for a little extra pizzazz and freshness chop up some fresh parsley and green onion and sprinkle on the top and enjoy.

Next time you want to serve up a fancy surf and turf without the hassle whip up this Dijon Scallops with Mushroom and Onion Spaghetti weeknight dinner that will wow in under 30 minutes.

FAQ and Tips

Can this dish be made ahead and frozen?

Because this dish is a seafood dish it is not recommended to make ahead, reheating it the pasta will be overcooked and the scallops will be rubbery.

Can I prep everything in advance and cut my cooking time to under 30 minutes?

You can prep the veggies in advance and this will free up some time but the dish itself take 20 minutes to make depending on your brand of pasta.

Can I use something other than scallops?

Scallops can be a bit pricy shrimp is a great alterative to use in this pasta dish.

More Simple Seafood Recipes

Recipe for Dijon Scallops with Mushrooms and Onion Spaghetti

Dijon Scallops with Mushrooms and Onion Spaghetti

Prep Time: 10

Cook Time: 15

Total Time: 25

Servings:

Calories: 320kcal

These Dijon Scallops with Mushroom and Onion Spaghetti is a quick simple dish you can whip up in under 30 minutes and limited dishes to be washed!

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Ingredients

8 oz spaghetti noodles
12 scallops
1 small red onion chopped
4 oz mushrooms sliced
6 strips thick sliced apple wood smoked bacon cut in chunks
½ tbsp beef base like better than bouillon
1 ½ cups pasta water reserved after you cook the pasta
½ tbsp olive oil
½ tbsp unsalted butter
salt

Seasoning for scallops

½ tbsp Dijon mustard
¼ tsp fresh cracked pepper
1 tsp salt
½ tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp olive oil

Garnish

fresh parsley finely chopped
green onions chopped
shredded Parmesan cheese

Instructions

Cook pasta just 1 minute shy of what is recommended on the package. Reserve 1 1/2 cup pasta water when pasta is done.
Fry bacon in a deep large skillet over medium-low heat. Takes about 5 minutes stirring occasionally. Once bacon is crispy remove it from the pan and set aside for later. Drain off any excess bacon fat leaving only a small amount of bacon fat in the pan.
Add butter and olive to the bacon fat and saute the mushrooms, garlic, and onions until mushrooms are half their original size and onions are slightly translucent. Takes about 3-5 minutes. Remove mushrooms, garlic, and onions from the pan and set aside for later.
Whisk together Dijon mustard, pepper, salt, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Dip each side of scallop in the dijon mixture. Then place in the skillet you have been using. You can use another tbsp of olive oil if you are afraid they will stick. Cook over medium-high heat 1 1/2 minutes per side. Remove scallops and set aside until pasta is done.
Place bacon, mushrooms, garlic, onions, pasta, beef base, and reserved pasta water into the deep skillet toss everything to combine. Cover and allow the pasta to absorb the liquid for 2-3 minutes.
Once the liquid is completely absorbed remove pasta from heat. Serve with scallops on top, garnish with fresh finely chopped parsley, green onions, and parmesan cheese and enjoy!

Notes

Nutrition

Calories: 320kcal

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